If you’re building an industrial or trading operation in the UAE on a moderate budget, two Sharjah free zones deserve serious consideration: SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone) and Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA). Both are significantly cheaper than Dubai equivalents and offer real industrial infrastructure.
SAIF Zone vs Hamriyah at a glance
SAIF Zone: AED 7,000, Sharjah International Airport, plot AED 25-50/sqm. Air cargo, light manufacturing, services.
Hamriyah: AED 8,500, Hamriyah Port (sea), plot AED 20-45/sqm. Sea cargo, heavy industry, oil & gas services.
About SAIF Zone
Positioned at Sharjah International Airport with direct access to air freight. Founded 1995. Serves 9,000+ companies across services, trading, light manufacturing, air cargo handling. Particularly economical entry at AED 7,000 (services license, no office). Scales up to industrial plot leasing.
About Hamriyah Free Zone
Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA) is anchored by Hamriyah Port on the Arabian Gulf, providing sea cargo access. Established 1995. Covers 26+ sqkm of industrial and commercial space. Particularly strong in petrochemicals, oil & gas services, steel, construction materials, large-scale manufacturing.
Cost comparison
SAIF Zone: services license from AED 7,000. Flexi-desk + 2 visas: AED 18,000-22,000. Industrial plot warehousing from AED 50,000/year.
Hamriyah: service license from AED 8,500. Industrial plot leasing more competitive than SAIF for plots over 5,000 sqm.
Logistics infrastructure
SAIF Zone via Sharjah International Airport: specialises in air freight for high-value, time-sensitive cargo. Pharmaceutical and electronics importers benefit. Closer to Dubai (35 min) than Hamriyah.
Hamriyah via Hamriyah Port: sea-cargo focus. Better for bulk industrial imports (steel, chemicals, construction materials). Container, RoRo, and bulk cargo.
Best fit for…
Choose SAIF Zone: air cargo handler/freight forwarder, electronics or pharmaceutical importer, light manufacturer/assembler, services or trading wanting low-cost Sharjah base near Dubai.
Choose Hamriyah: heavy industrial manufacturer, oil & gas services, construction materials/steel trader, petrochemical operator, importer of bulk goods via sea.
FAQs
Can I do retail trading from either?
Both permit trading licenses but neither allows direct UAE mainland retail without a mainland distributor.
Tax benefits same?
Yes — both qualify for 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person regime under UAE Corporate Tax 2026 rules.
Final verdict
Air-cargo focused or light manufacturing closer to Dubai: SAIF Zone. Heavy industry, sea-cargo, oil & gas services: Hamriyah’s plot pricing and port access deliver real economic advantage.
Browse UAE free zone directory or use our setup cost calculator.