Sectors
Advantages
- Established in 1995 — one of the most experienced free zones in the UAE
- Adjacent to Sharjah International Airport with direct airside access
- Licence can be issued in just 1 working day — fastest in UAE
- Competitive pricing with access to warehousing and light industrial units
- Strong logistics and trading ecosystem
Trade-offs
- Sharjah location — less prestigious than Dubai for international clients
- Older infrastructure vs. newer free zones in some facilities
- Banking requires physical UAE bank visits
Setting up
Famously fast — licence in 1 working day. Well-established process with 30 years of experience. Documents can be submitted quickly.
Opening a bank account
Long-established zone; most UAE banks are familiar. Sharjah Islamic Bank and RAKBANK are good options.
Questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in SAIF Zone?
Licence from AED 10,800; trading/services AED 13,500; general trading/e-commerce AED 21,000.
What business sectors are supported by SAIF Zone?
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone supports: Trading, Logistics, Manufacturing, E-commerce, Consulting.
Is it easy to open a bank account with a SAIF Zone licence?
Long-established zone; most UAE banks are familiar. Sharjah Islamic Bank and RAKBANK are good options.
Does SAIF Zone require a physical office?
No, a physical office is not mandatory. Flexi-desk and virtual office options are available. SAIF Desk (flexi) available. Offices, warehouses, and light industrial units for lease.
How many visas can I get through SAIF Zone?
Visa quota: 3 visas for standard desk packages; scales with office/warehouse size.