The United Arab Emirates is known for its pro-business ecosystem, investor-friendly policies, and tax advantages. But when it comes to setting up a business, not all emirates operate the same way. Factors like licensing procedures, costs, location advantages, and business activity restrictions vary from one emirate to another.
At QuickPlus Business Consultants, we help entrepreneurs and corporations navigate these distinctions to set up their companies in the most strategic and cost-effective way possible. Today, we’re breaking down the business setup landscape across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman—three distinct emirates, each with unique advantages.
Abu Dhabi: The Capital of Opportunity
Why Choose Abu Dhabi?
As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi offers more than political significance. It’s a powerhouse for energy, finance, media, and industrial ventures. With strong government backing and a push toward economic diversification (via Abu Dhabi Vision 2030), the emirate is especially attractive for large-scale and long-term investments.
Key Advantages:
- Access to government contracts and public sector collaborations
- Robust infrastructure and logistics network
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) for financial and tech startups
- Better access to high-net-worth clientele and B2B partnerships
Considerations:
- Higher business setup and operational costs
- Stricter compliance and documentation requirements
- Not ideal for low-cost startups or small-scale trading firms
Best suited for: Corporations, industrial businesses, fintech startups, consultancy firms targeting government and enterprise clients.
Sharjah: The Cultural and Commercial Bridge
Why Choose Sharjah?
Known for its deep-rooted culture and affordable setup options, Sharjah offers the perfect balance between cost-efficiency and business growth. It’s also strategically located between Dubai and the Northern Emirates, making it ideal for trade, education, publishing, and light manufacturing.
Key Advantages:
- Lower setup and licensing costs than Abu Dhabi and Dubai
- Sharjah Media City (Shams) and Sharjah Publishing City cater to creatives and content-led businesses
- Access to both free zones and mainland choices
- A strong logistics network connecting UAE’s east and west
Considerations:
- Certain business activities are restricted or require extra approvals
- Fewer luxury and hospitality opportunities prospects compared to Dubai
- Sharjah adheres to stricter cultural norms—important to keep in mind for branding and marketing
Best suited for: SMEs, publishers, educational services, logistics providers, and trading businesses looking for affordability.
Ajman: The Smart Choice for Cost-Conscious Entrepreneurs
Why Choose Ajman?
Ajman is rapidly emerging as a hub for startups, freelancers, and small business owners. What makes it attractive is its simplicity, speed of setup, and lower costs—especially for those testing the waters in the UAE market.
Key Advantages:
- Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) and Ajman Media City offer quick, 100% ownership setups
- One of the most affordable licensing options in the UAE
- Streamlined processes—often with no physical office requirement
- Ideal for businesses that operate remotely or in e-commerce
Considerations:
- Smaller market size and less international reach compared to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah
- Limited sectoral development in comparison with the larger emirates
- Mainland Ajman may have more limited government project access
Best suited for: E-commerce startups, freelancers, consultants, and budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
Free Zone vs Mainland: A Quick Note
All three emirates offer both free zone and mainland options. Free zones provide 100% foreign ownership and simplified processes, but mainland setups allow more flexibility in local trade and government contracts.
At QuickPlus Business Consultants, we help you evaluate both options depending on your goals, budget, and target market.
For a comprehensive comparison, read our blog: Business Setup in UAE Free Zones: Choosing the Perfect Zone for Your Business
