Free Zone head-to-head
Meydan vs SHAMS, prestige or lowest cost?
Both give you 100% ownership and a fast, remote setup. Meydan leans a prestige Dubai address; SHAMS leans the lowest-cost media and freelance permit in Sharjah. See how they compare on what matters, then let an advisor Choose thebest fit for your activity and budget.
- Cost & address compared
- Media & freelance fit weighed
- Both 100% ownership
- A shortlist matched to your requirements
- Cost
- Value
- Prestige
- Premium
- Remote
- Yes
- Cost
- Budget
- Prestige
- Solid
- Remote
- Yes
Summary
Executive summary.
There is no single optimal jurisdiction. The appropriate choice depends on your specific requirements and objectives. The overview below outlines the principal considerations before the detailed comparison.
Cheapest permit
SHAMS
One of the most affordable routes to a UAE media or freelance license.
Prestige address
Meydan
A recognised Dubai location that reads premium to clients and partners.
Creators on a budget
SHAMS
Affordable media permits make SHAMS a favourite for freelancers and creatives.
Side by side
Meydan vs SHAMS, line by line.
Each row sets out the zone better suited to the relevant criterion. Cost is expressed as a tier rather than a fixed figure, as your activity and visa requirements determine the final price.
| Criterion | Meydan | SHAMS | Leans to |
|---|---|---|---|
| License & setup cost | Value Dubai packages | Budget, among the lowest | SHAMS |
| Address prestige | Premium, Downtown-adjacent | Solid Sharjah standing | Meydan |
| Media, creative & freelance | Supported, premium | Specialist, very affordable | SHAMS |
| E-commerce & trading | Popular Dubai base | Capable, lower cost | Meydan |
| Banking perception | Dubai address edge | Works, may need support | Meydan |
| Speed & remote setup | Fast, fully remote | Fast, mostly remote | Even |
| Budget freelancers | Higher entry cost | Built for tight budgets | SHAMS |
| Ownership | 100%, no local partner | 100%, no local partner | Even |
| Location | Central Dubai | Sharjah, near Dubai | Meydan |
“Leans to” is directional guidance rather than a score. Please provide your activity and visa requirements for a precise written quotation.
Make the call
Which one is right for you?
Determine which of the following best reflects your circumstances. Most clients satisfy three or more criteria on one side, which clarifies the appropriate choice.
Choose Meydan if
Prestige Dubai address
- A prestige Dubai address matters for your brand or clients.
- You run E-commerce or trading and want a strong Dubai base.
- You want central Dubai and a premium community.
- Banking familiarity and a Dubai postcode are worth the extra cost.
Choose SHAMS if
Cheapest media & freelance permit
- Lowest possible cost is your first priority.
- You are a freelancer, creator or media business.
- You want an affordable permit without paying the Dubai premium.
- You are happy with a strong Sharjah base close to Dubai.
Cost factors
Factors affecting the final cost.
The final cost is determined by several factors. Once these are confirmed, we issue a fixed written quotation with no undisclosed charges.
Number of visas
More visa allocations raise the license and immigration cost in either zone.
Office type
A flexi-desk is cheaper than a dedicated office or warehouse, wherever you set up.
Activity & license
Some regulated activities cost more or need extra approvals on both sides.
Zone & location
Prime addresses price higher than value zones for a similar package.
Share capital
A few zones and activities ask for a minimum paid-up capital.
Add-ons
Attestation, e-channel and bank-account support add to the total either way.
Go deeper
The full zone profiles.
For detailed information on each zone individually, consult the dedicated pages, or compare against every other UAE Free Zone.
Considering other options? Compare all 45+ UAE Free Zones.
How we help
From comparison to company formation.
A single advisor manages the process from the initial comparison through to an active license, providing a clear quotation at each stage.
Share your requirements
Tell us your activity, the number of visas required and your budget.
We shortlist zones
We assess both zones against the criteria that matter to your business.
Side-by-side quote
You receive a clear comparison of cost, visas and inclusions.
We set it up
Once you choose, we handle the license, documentation and bank introduction.
Why FZM Solutions
Independent, impartial advice.
We are not affiliated with any single zone. We recommend the structure best suited to your business and manage the entire process, from license to bank account.
- We cover more than 45 zones across all 7 emirates.
- Cost tiers stated clearly at the outset, with no undisclosed mark-ups.
- One advisor from license to bank account.
Keep exploring
Helpful next steps.
Common questions
Meydan vs SHAMS, answered.
Is SHAMS cheaper than Meydan?
Usually, yes. SHAMS, in Sharjah, is among the most affordable routes to a UAE media or freelance license, while Meydan is a value-priced Dubai zone that sits higher for a prestige address. The exact difference depends on your activity and visas, so we confirm a fixed, written quote for each.
Which is better for freelancers and creatives?
For an affordable media or freelance permit, SHAMS is a popular pick. Meydan supports creative activities too but at a higher, more premium cost. We match the permit to your activity and budget.
Does Meydan's Dubai address really help?
It can. A Dubai address is sometimes seen as more familiar to clients and certain banks. A SHAMS company still opens UAE bank accounts and trades freely; we prepare your file to suit either way.
Do Meydan and SHAMS both give 100% ownership?
Yes. Both are UAE Free Zones, so you own your company 100% with no local partner.
Can I set up in SHAMS or Meydan remotely?
In most cases, yes. Both let you form the company and get your license without flying in, then you complete your visa medical and Emirates ID once you arrive in the UAE.
Can you help me choose between Meydan and SHAMS?
Yes. Tell us your activity, visa needs and budget, and we shortlist the better fit with a written side-by-side quote, then handle the full setup once you choose.
Maha BadrHighly recommended. A professional team, prompt on every detailed query and seamless on every requirement, trade license, corporate tax, bank account, residence ID, medical.
Largo HomeSimply impeccable. They didn't just meet deadlines, they anticipated them, with quick and effective solutions even in complex situations.
Maciej KolodziejczykVery efficient. Company formation, employment contract, residency visa, and all the prerequisites handled. Friendly and professional throughout.
Ready to incorporate
One advisor.From company formation to corporate banking.
A 30-minute consultation is all it takes to receive a tailored proposal, a transparent quotation, and a written roadmap delivered the same day. You will deal directly with an experienced advisor throughout the process.
- Response instantly
- Five languages spoken
- Independent. Not a license reseller.