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Sharjah offers a unique blend of culture, heritage, and commercial opportunity—making it an ideal choice for UK entrepreneurs and SMEs looking to expand in the Middle East. Among the various UAE business zones, the Sharjah Free Zone stands out for its investor-friendly policies, cost-effective setup, and excellent connectivity. Its strategic location near Dubai and access to seaports and airports make it especially attractive for British businesses aiming to grow across the GCC region.
Sharjah’s free zones are purpose-built economic areas that offer a pro-business environment tailored for trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. Designed with international investors in mind, these zones provide UK businesses with affordable setup options, cutting-edge infrastructure, and sector-specific facilities—making expansion into the UAE both practical and profitable.
Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah : Hamriyah Free Zone in Sharjah stands out as one of the most cost-effective options for UK businesses looking to establish a presence in the UAE. With 100% foreign ownership, a tax-free environment, and no currency restrictions or customs duties, it offers unbeatable value for startups and established companies alike.
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF) : Situated next to Sharjah International Airport, SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone) gives UK entrepreneurs direct access to over 2 billion consumers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
SAIF Zone offers warehouse facilities in sizes comparable to those in Hamriyah Free Zone, featuring modern amenities, IT-ready infrastructure, and flexible layouts. Ideal for UK SMEs and large enterprises, these units support seamless operations across manufacturing, logistics, and trade sectors..
Sharjah Media City: This specialised free zone serves as a hub for printing, paper, distribution, and publishing businesses. With tax-free advantages and full commercial licensing options, it’s an excellent choice for UK entrepreneurs and publishers looking to expand in the UAE. The setup process is straightforward, making it ideal for those in print media, publishing, and distribution who want a cost-effective, strategic base in the Middle East.
The Sharjah Research Technology And Innovation Park Free Zone : The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) brings together academia, government, and industry to foster a collaborative innovation ecosystem. Perfect for UK-based tech companies, research institutions, and startups, the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) brings together academia, government, and industry to foster a collaborative innovation ecosystem. Perfect for UK-based tech companies, research institutions, and startups, SRTIP offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, academic partnerships, and a supportive regulatory framework. This future-focused free zone empowers British businesses to scale cutting-edge solutions across the UAE and the wider Middle East.
Sharjah Free Zones are widely recognised for nurturing innovation across creative industries—not just traditional media. These zones offer British entrepreneurs in media, digital, design, and content creation a vibrant ecosystem backed by advanced infrastructure and supportive policies. With easy access to regional markets and talent, Sharjah is the perfect base for UK creatives looking to grow in the UAE and wider MENA region.
Sharjah Free Zones offer some of the most affordable business setup options in the UAE. Their low-cost entry makes them especially attractive for UK startups and small businesses looking to expand into the Middle East with minimal upfront investment.
UK entrepreneurs can benefit from full ownership of their business in Sharjah Free Zones—no local sponsor required. These zones also allow complete repatriation of capital and profits, making it an ideal choice for British investors seeking control, flexibility, and long-term financial returns in the UAE.
Sharjah Free Zones allow British businesses to scale efficiently by offering up to 20 employee visas under a single trade licence. Ideal for growing UK startups and SMEs planning to expand their team in the UAE without additional licensing costs..
Sharjah Free Zones allow UK entrepreneurs to operate up to five different business activities under a single trade licence. This flexibility supports diverse business models and opens up new opportunities for British startups and SMEs looking to grow and diversify in the UAE.
Sharjah offers UK businesses direct access to major international markets across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. With its modern ports, international airport, and well-connected road networks, Sharjah serves as an ideal logistics and export hub for British companies looking to expand globally from the UAE.
Sharjah Free Zones are tailored to meet the needs of specific industries. For example, Sharjah Publishing City is the world’s first free zone dedicated to publishing. UK entrepreneurs can take advantage of these specialised zones to access industry-specific infrastructure, streamlined services, and valuable networking opportunities—ideal for scaling operations in the UAE and wider MENA region.
Dubai International City offers a wide range of business licences tailored to attract UK entrepreneurs and investors aiming to expand into the UAE. The area is ideal for small businesses and startups due to its affordability and strategic location. Below are the main types of licences available:
This licence is ideal for businesses engaged in manufacturing and industrial operations. To obtain it, you must have a physical office space within Dubai International City. It covers activities such as food production, furniture manufacturing, and packaging solutions—making it a great option for UK-based manufacturers seeking to expand their operations into the UAE market.
The Commercial Licence in Dubai International City enables businesses to engage in buying, selling, and trading goods and services. It covers activities such as import-export operations, retail outlets, logistics, and wholesale trading. This licence presents strong opportunities for UK-based traders and import-export businesses aiming to access global markets through the UAE's strategic trade hub.
The Professional Licence in Dubai International City is designed for businesses offering specialised services. It includes sectors such as management consultancy, legal services, accountancy, education, healthcare, and other professional disciplines. UK professionals aiming to establish their presence in the UAE’s thriving service sector can leverage this licence to access a well-regulated and opportunity-rich business environment.
Begin by evaluating your business model and operational goals. Whether it’s Hamriyah Free Zone, SAIF Zone, SHAMS, or SRTIP, each caters to specific industries—from logistics and manufacturing to media and innovation. UK entrepreneurs should carefully assess which zone aligns best with their sector, scalability plans, and cost expectations for successful expansion into the UAE market.
Draft a detailed business plan that outlines your objectives, market strategy, operational structure, and financial forecasts. This document is essential for securing approvals from the Sharjah Free Zone Authority and acts as a roadmap for your company’s successful launch and growth in the UAE. UK entrepreneurs will also find it helpful when applying for licences, opening bank accounts, and attracting investors.
Select a company name that aligns with your brand identity and clearly reflects your business activity. The name must be unique, not already registered in the UAE, and must comply with local naming guidelines—avoiding restricted or inappropriate terms. For UK business owners expanding into the UAE, a well-chosen name enhances credibility and helps build a strong presence in the market.
Complete the company formation process by having all shareholders sign the necessary documents and submit the required paperwork to the Sharjah Free Zone Authority. For UK entrepreneurs, ensuring all formalities are correctly handled is crucial to meet UAE compliance standards and maintain smooth international operations.
There are so many Dubai free zones, but the following are widely used and very popular free zones.
Flyingcolour® specialises in company formation across the United Arab Emirates, offering expert support for Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore setups in all Emirates. We also assist UK entrepreneurs in opening corporate bank accounts with leading UAE banks. Our experienced team works closely with UAE government authorities and financial institutions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free business setup process tailored for British investors.