Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) — Complete Guide 2026
SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone) is one of the UAE’s oldest and largest free zones, established in 1995 adjacent to Sharjah International Airport. SAIF Zone hosts 7,000+ companies and is known for competitive pricing and excellent cargo connectivity. This guide covers SAIF Zone for 2026.
SAIF Zone Overview
- Established: 1995
- Location: Sharjah International Airport zone; Al Nakheel area, Sharjah
- Scale: 7,000+ companies; one of UAE’s five largest free zones by company count
- Airport connectivity: direct connection to Sharjah International Airport (SHJ); 3rd largest air cargo hub in Middle East
- Character: strong industrial and trading base; competitive pricing; less glamorous than Dubai FZs but very functional
SAIF Zone Business Licence Types
- Trading licence: import, export, re-export of physical goods; broad activity list
- Service licence: professional services, consulting, IT, media
- Industrial licence: manufacturing; factory units available on-site
- National industrial licence: for companies with UAE national ownership > 51%
SAIF Zone Packages and Costs 2026
- Executive Desk (flexi-desk): from AED 9,000/year; 1-2 visas
- Executive Office (private): from AED 20,000/year
- Warehouse (200 sqm): from AED 40,000/year
- Factory unit: from AED 60,000/year
- Land plot: large plots available for custom development
SAIF Zone Cargo and Air Freight Advantage
- Sharjah Airport air cargo: Sharjah handles more UAE cargo than any airport except Dubai (DXB); hub for Air Arabia Cargo, major freight forwarders
- SAIF Zone cargo area: bonded warehouses directly adjacent to airport cargo area; ideal for air freight-dependent businesses (perishables, electronics, fashion, pharmaceutical)
- Cross-docking: goods arrive by air → stored in SAIF bonded zone → redistributed by truck to GCC; popular for SME importers
SAIF Zone vs JAFZA vs RAKEZ
- SAIF Zone: Sharjah Airport-focused; air cargo strength; competitive industrial pricing; good for air freight-dependent businesses
- JAFZA: Jebel Ali Port-focused; sea freight dominance; better for heavy goods and large volume shipping; more expensive
- RAKEZ: broader activities; pharma cluster; competitive; less air cargo connectivity
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAIF Zone | Warehouse Business Support offer | AED 10,800-18,000 for packages starting with 3+ visa allocation. Important: AED 10,800 starting price includes 3 visa slots, not 1 — single-visa pricing not separately confirmed. Confidence: Indicative public price |
Quote-based renewal - confirm facility, licence and current offer terms Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on facility and renewal terms Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Visa allocation and immigration costs require confirmation | Published warehouse options begin at 125 sqm | Indicative public price | Official SAIF Zone warehouse support offer page | Current package / renewal confirmation required | July 2026 |
| What is included | The official offer page publishes warehouse support amounts for 125, 250, 400 and 600 sqm units and describes manufacturing, trading, assembly and logistics use. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Exact licence scope, visas, immigration, utilities, deposits, insurance, environmental approvals, fit-out and advisory support unless the current quotation includes them. |
| Hidden-cost risk | This is a facility-led offer page, not a general SAIF licence-only price. Confirm current availability, inclusions, payment plan and renewal before committing. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium |
| Best fit | Trading, aviation-linked logistics and Sharjah airport-oriented companies. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed July 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.