Top 20 Profitable Business Activities in SHAMS Free Zone (2025)
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SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is quickly becoming one of the top destinations in the UAE for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and SMEs. Known for its media-centric approach, cost-effective business setup packages, and flexible licensing, SHAMS Free Zone offers over 120+ business activities across multiple sectors.
SHAMS actively encourages the growth of several industries through specialized licenses, a supportive ecosystem, and streamlined procedures.
In this guide, we cover the top 20 profitable business activities in SHAMS Free Zone for 2025, along with benefits, setup insights, and how VA Zone can help you launch your venture successfully.
Why SHAMS Free Zone is Ideal for Business in 2025
Before we explore the top activities, here’s why SHAMS Free Zone stands out:
- 100% foreign ownership
- No corporate or personal income tax
- Affordable business setup packages
- No physical office requirement
- Wide range of accepted business activities
- Ideal for media, tech, freelance, and creative startups
You can learn more about our comprehensive company setup services in the UAE to gain a complete understanding.
Top 20 Most Profitable Business Activities in SHAMS Free Zone (2025)
1. Social Media Influencing & Digital Content Creation
This is one of the fastest-growing areas, especially with the rise of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. SHAMS offers a specific license for digital creators.
✅ Ideal For: Influencers, Vloggers, Podcasters
2. Marketing & PR Consultancy
As demand for branding and digital reach continues to grow, marketing consultancies remain in high demand.
✅ Ideal For: Marketing strategists, media agencies
3. E-commerce Business
You can set up an online store targeting UAE or global customers without warehousing requirements in SHAMS.
✅ Ideal For: Amazon, Noon, Shopify sellers
4. Graphic & Web Design Services
Creative and design-based professions thrive in SHAMS, particularly with the increasing demand for global outsourcing.
✅ Ideal For: Freelancers, design agencies
5. Mobile App Development
Tech startups launching SaaS products or mobile applications benefit from SHAMS’ simplified licensing.
✅ Ideal For: Solo developers, tech startups
6. Photography & Videography
Event coverage, commercial shoots, and production work are booming with the rise of digital branding.
✅ Ideal For: Event photographers, production houses
7. IT & Software Consultancy
As businesses continue to digitize, IT consultants are in high demand for cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and infrastructure services.
✅ Ideal For: Software engineers, tech consultants
8. Animation & Motion Graphics
From explainer videos to gaming and animation, studios benefit from SHAMS’ creative activity licensing.
✅ Ideal For: 2D/3D animators, studios
9. Publishing & Copywriting
Set up a business to offer content marketing, copywriting, book publishing, or blog content creation.
✅ Ideal For: Writers, publishers, content marketers
10. Event Management Services
Dubai and Sharjah are hubs for international events. SHAMS enables you to manage, coordinate, and execute events in a legally compliant manner.
✅ Ideal For: Event planners, corporate event managers
11. HR & Recruitment Consultancy
SHAMS allows recruitment services tailored to the media, tech, or creative industries.
✅ Ideal For: Recruitment agencies, HR consultants
12. Online Education & E-learning Platforms
SHAMS licenses support e-learning businesses, including online academies, coaching platforms, and training services.
✅ Ideal For: Educators, trainers, e-learning startups
13. Translation & Interpretation Services
A vital service in the multilingual UAE, translation businesses are in high demand.
✅ Ideal For: Translators, language experts
14. Digital Marketing Agency
From SEO to paid ads, every business needs online visibility. SHAMS allows you to launch a full-fledged digital marketing agency.
✅ Ideal For: SEO consultants, ad managers
15. Gaming Development & Esports
The UAE’s vision supports this booming tech and innovation industry.
✅ Ideal For: Indie developers, game studios
16. Online Consultancy (Finance, Law, Coaching)
Professionals offering remote consulting in finance, law, or wellness can benefit from SHAMS’ flexible service license.
✅ Ideal For: Remote consultants, niche advisors
17. Interior Design Services
Interior fit-out and space planning are lucrative given the UAE’s real estate boom.
✅ Ideal For: Freelance designers, design studios
18. Blogging & Affiliate Marketing
Content monetization through affiliate links or blog networks is supported under SHAMS’ media activities.
✅ Ideal For: Bloggers, niche content creators
19. Media Production Studio
Producing advertisements, social media content, or documentaries is profitable with minimal infrastructure.
✅ Ideal For: Media companies, freelancers
20. Financial Advisory & Accounting
Many businesses outsource accounting, VAT filing, and financial planning — all services that can be legally offered under a SHAMS license.
✅ Ideal For: Accountants, financial planners
Frequently Asked Questions: Profitable Business Activities in SHAMS Free Zone
Q1: Can foreigners own 100% of a SHAMS Free Zone company?
Yes. Like other UAE free zones, SHAMS allows 100% foreign ownership.
Q2: Do I need a physical office for a SHAMS license?
No. SHAMS offers flexi-desk and shared workspace options.
Q3: Can I open a bank account with a SHAMS license?
Yes. After license issuance, VA Zone assists with opening a bank account in the UAE.
Q4: What is the tax policy for SHAMS companies?
SHAMS offers 0% personal and corporate tax. However, UAE Corporate Tax may be applicable if the revenue exceeds the threshold.
Q5: Can I get a UAE visa with the SHAMS company?
Yes. SHAMS licenses allow for visa quotas, typically ranging from 1 to 6 visas, depending on the package selected.
Ready to Start Your SHAMS Business?
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