If your priority is the lowest possible UAE company setup cost, your shortlist almost certainly includes RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) and SHAMS (Sharjah Media City). Both come in well under AED 6,000 for the basic package.
RAKEZ vs SHAMS at a glance
RAKEZ: AED 5,500, Ras Al Khaimah, up to 6 visas, 2,000+ activities. Best for trading, services, manufacturing.
SHAMS: AED 5,750, Sharjah, up to 6 visas, 300+ media-focused activities. Best for media, content, creative services.
About RAKEZ
RAKEZ is one of UAE’s broadest-scope free zones, serving over 14,500 companies. Encompasses both academic and business zones across Ras Al Khaimah. Despite its location 75-90 minutes north of Dubai, RAKEZ has become a major destination for cost-conscious entrepreneurs: 2,000+ activities, multiple license types, packages from AED 5,500 to enterprise scale.
About SHAMS
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) was established in 2017, specifically targeting media, content creation, and creative services. Positioned as the budget-friendly alternative to Dubai Media City and twofour54. Standard packages from AED 5,750. Serves sole proprietors, agencies, content creators, and small media businesses.
Cost comparison
RAKEZ basic: AED 5,500 for 1 license, no visa included. With 1 visa: AED 12,000-14,000.
SHAMS basic: AED 5,750 for 1 license (media-focused), 1 visa included. 2nd visa: AED 4,000.
Sole entrepreneur with 1 visa: similar total. 2-3 person team: both AED 14,000-18,000 in year 1.
Activity scope
This is where they differ. RAKEZ: 2,000+ activities — consulting, services, trading, e-commerce, education, professional, manufacturing, industrial. SHAMS: ~300 activities, all clustered around media, content production, advertising, marketing, design, photography, video, music, creative services.
Content/media/creative business: SHAMS is the natural fit. Everything else: RAKEZ has activity flexibility.
Location considerations
Both far from Dubai. RAKEZ: 75-90 min by car. SHAMS in Sharjah: 30-45 min depending on traffic. For online or remote-first businesses, location is irrelevant.
Best fit for…
Choose RAKEZ: consultant/services provider/trader, e-commerce seller, small manufacturer, comfortable with far-from-Dubai address, cost-prioritising.
Choose SHAMS: content creator/YouTuber/podcaster, media or PR agency, photographer/videographer/designer, digital marketing or advertising firm, film production or music business.
FAQs
Can I do trading from SHAMS?
Limited. SHAMS focuses on media. For general trading, RAKEZ or another zone is better.
Will banks approve a RAKEZ company in Dubai?
Yes, all major UAE banks open RAKEZ accounts. Application identical regardless of free zone.
Final verdict
Media, content, creative businesses: SHAMS — purpose-built. Everything else at lowest cost: RAKEZ — broader activity scope at very similar pricing.
Browse all UAE free zones or use our cost calculator.