Three of the UAE’s most popular budget-friendly free zones — IFZA, Meydan, and SHAMS — come up again and again for consultants, online businesses, and startups. They look similar on the surface, but the right pick depends on what you value: a Dubai address, the lowest price, or a media-friendly base. Here’s the 2026 head-to-head.
The quick verdict
- IFZA (Dubai): strong all-rounder with a Dubai address and a large activity list.
- Meydan (Dubai): fast setup and a well-known Dubai brand, popular for e-commerce and consulting.
- SHAMS (Sharjah): the budget champion — lowest entry price, great for freelancers and media.
Side-by-side
| IFZA | Meydan | SHAMS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai | Sharjah |
| License from | ~AED 12,900 | ~AED 12,500 | ~AED 5,750 |
| Best for | Consultants, global services | E-commerce, consulting, fast setup | Freelancers, media, online |
| Address prestige | Dubai | Dubai | Sharjah |
| Setup speed | Fast | Very fast | Fast |
*Figures are 2026 starting points and shift with visas, activities and add-ons.*
When to choose IFZA
Choose IFZA if you want a Dubai address, a broad activity list, and a well-supported channel for company setup. It’s a dependable all-rounder for consultants and international service businesses.
When to choose Meydan
Choose Meydan if speed and a recognisable Dubai brand matter, or you run e-commerce or consulting. Its fast (and instant) licensing is a draw for founders who want to be live quickly.
When to choose SHAMS
Choose SHAMS if price is your priority. With licenses from around AED 5,750, it’s one of the cheapest routes to a UAE company — ideal for freelancers, media professionals, and online businesses that don’t need a Dubai address.
So which is “best”?
There’s no universal winner — there’s a winner *for you*:
- Lowest cost? → SHAMS.
- Dubai address on a budget? → IFZA or Meydan.
- Fastest to launch / e-commerce? → Meydan.
Run your shortlist through our how to choose a free zone framework, compare the wider field of cheapest free zones, and total your business setup cost in Dubai before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, IFZA, Meydan, or SHAMS?
SHAMS is the cheapest, with licenses from around AED 5,750. IFZA and Meydan start around AED 12,500–12,900 but offer a Dubai address.
Is IFZA or Meydan better for e-commerce?
Both work well; Meydan is especially popular for e-commerce and fast setup, while IFZA offers a broad activity list and Dubai presence.
Does SHAMS give a Dubai address?
No, SHAMS is in Sharjah. If you specifically need a Dubai address, IFZA or Meydan are the better fit.
Not sure which of the three fits you?
We’ll match IFZA, Meydan, or SHAMS to your activity, budget, and visa needs. Chat with us on WhatsApp for a straight answer.
