Sharjah’s industrial areas (not just the free zones) host hundreds of UAE manufacturing and industrial businesses at significantly lower costs than Dubai. Here is a guide to doing business in Sharjah’s industrial zones.
Sharjah Industrial Areas Overview
Sharjah has multiple industrial zones under Sharjah Department of Town Planning & Survey management: Sharjah Industrial Area 1–18 (main cluster adjacent to Dubai border), Hamriyah Industrial Area (with port access via Hamriyah Free Zone), and Saja’a Industrial Area (south Sharjah, near SAIF Zone). These are not free zones — they are mainland industrial zones where businesses operate under a Sharjah DED (Sedd) licence. Key advantages over Dubai: industrial land and warehouse lease rates 30–50% lower than comparable Dubai locations, proximity to Dubai (UAE’s Sharjah border with Dubai starts at the Sharjah Industrial Area), and well-established supply chains for manufacturing inputs.
Sharjah Industrial Area: Business Types
Common activities: light manufacturing (plastics, packaging, garments, printed materials), food processing and packaging, electronics assembly, furniture manufacturing, chemical blending (in permitted areas), vehicle repair workshops, and warehousing and distribution. Sharjah Mainland Licence (SEDD): required for all activities in the main industrial areas. Cost: AED 3,000–8,000/year for manufacturing licences. Physical premises required (confirmed via lease agreement with the municipality).
Sharjah Industrial Area vs. HFZA
Use Sharjah Industrial Area (mainland) when: your business serves the UAE domestic market (no export restrictions of mainland), you need the most affordable lease rates (mainland vs. free zone), and you do not need free zone tax/customs benefits. Use HFZA (Hamriyah Free Zone) when: you primarily import materials and re-export finished goods, you need port access integrated with your operations, or you want zero-duty import of raw materials.