DUQE publishes a fixed AED 12,500-23,000 licence ladder; SHAMS advertises the UAE’s cheapest headline licence at AED 5,750. We price both to the same specification – establishment card, visa chain, Year 1 all-in and the Year 2 renewal – and the gap turns out to be roughly half what the shop window implies.
A data-led 2026 comparison of Fujairah Creative City and Shams (Sharjah Media City) for freelancers and small media businesses: licence-only pricing, the full Year 1 cost at one to six residence visas, renewal basis, and the hidden fees neither zone advertises.
UAE Freezone Compare is not only a comparison site. We shortlist suitable UAE free zones and help you request the best available market quote for your activity, visa count and budget. No service charge from us.