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RAKEZ vs SHAMS
The published figures of both, from their own pages, on one screen. Same date, same basis.
| RAKEZChecked 2 Oct 2026 | SHAMSChecked 2 Oct 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Licence only | 6,000 AEDBiz Starter Package · Official | 5,750 AEDMedia package, 0 visas · Official |
| Year 1, Licence + 1 visa | 14,000 AEDSME Business Setup (all-inclusive) · Official | 7,350 AEDMedia package, 1 visa allocation · Official |
| Year 1, Licence + 2 visas | Not published | 8,950 AEDMedia package, 2 visa allocations · Official |
| Each year | 14,000 AED | 5,750 AED |
| Other fees listed | 5 items | 9 items |
| Remote setup | Yes | Yes |
| Setup time | Licence in 24 hours (Biz Starter); instant licence online. | Pre-approval 3-5 working days, licence 1-2 working days (price list). |
| Features | Services, Trading, E-commerce, Media, Industrial | Media |
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Ras Al Khaimah economic zone that offers licences with coworking membership, plus industrial and logistics space.
- Conflict: the SME page (current package page) shows AED 14,000 for licence plus 1 visa. The instant-licence page shows a lower all-inclusive option at AED 12,000 (1 visa, up to 5 activities, up to 5 shareholders) without a clear label. The 14,000 figure is recorded.
- The Biz Starter page says it is for a UAE-based entrepreneur; the instant-licence page says Emirates ID is needed only for residents.
- The 2-visa price is not published as a package. An extra visa on the SME package costs AED 4,000.
Sharjah Media City
Sharjah free zone for media and creative businesses in Al Messaned, established in 2017.
- Prices are from the 2025 price list; no 2026 list was found.
- E-channel conflict: the official list shows AED 2,280. Agency pages show 2,525, 2,735, or about 7,150 including a refundable AED 5,000 deposit. The official 2,280 is recorded; none of the agency figures were confirmed.
- The visa allocation in the package is a quota. The 1-visa and 2-visa prices cover the allocation only; visa, card, e-channel, medical and Emirates ID are extra.
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