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SHAMS Business Activities: Complete Guide

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SHAMS Business Activities: Complete Guide
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The SHAMS business activities are the first steps when setting up a business in the Sharjah Media City free zone, known as SHAMS. With the simple business setup process it offers, Shams Free Zone offers various business activities that make it popular among businesses, freelancers, and startups.

Whether you want to run a media company, consultancy, trading business, or online service, the SHAMS free zone activity list helps you select the right business with a license.

What Are SHAMS Business Activities?

SHAMS business activities refer to the approved commercial, service, and media-related operations that companies can legally perform after getting a SHAMS license. When applying to a company, you must choose your activity from the official SHAMS free zone activities list.

Your selected activity determines:

Choosing the right activity is important for a smooth freezone business setup.

SHAMS Free Zone Activities List

SHAMS allows businesses across multiple sectors. Some of the most common categories include:

1. Media & Creative Activities

Activity AreaExamples
Media Production Film & video production, photography, videography
Creative Design Animation, graphic design
Marketing & Publishing Advertising agencies, content creation, publishing, social media management
Events & Media Services Event management, media production services

SHAMS focuses strongly on creative industries and digital content businesses.

2. Consultancy & Professional Service Activities

Suitable for freelancers.

Service TypeExamples
Business Consulting Business consultancy, management consulting
Marketing Consulting Marketing strategy, branding consultancy, PR consultancy
Technology Consulting IT consultancy, software consultancy
HR Services HR advisory, recruitment services

These activities are best for those who want a flexible freezone business setup with minimal infrastructure.

3. IT, Digital & Technology Activities

Perfect for online businesses and tech startups.

Activity TypeExamples
Software & Development Software development
Digital Services Digital marketing services, e-commerce platform services
IT Support IT support and technical services

Digital businesses are widely accepted because SHAMS aims to support innovation.

4. Trading Activities

Trading businesses can also register in SHAMS.

Trading TypeExamples
Import / Export International import and export of goods
General Trading Selected product categories allowed
Wholesale Wholesale distribution businesses
E-commerce Sales Online retail and, product sales

The  activities are often combined with e-commerce business licenses for online sellers and Amazon or Shopify businesses.

5. Industrial & Production Activities

SHAMS allows limited small-scale production.

Activity TypeExamples
Printing & Packaging Printing services, packaging production
Media Production Audio/video media production
Creative Manufacturing Creative product manufacturing, promotional material production

Typically light industrial activities, not heavy manufacturing.

6. Holding & Investment Activities

For companies managing assets or subsidiaries.

Activity TypeExamples
Investment Holding Investment Holding Company Structures
IP Holding Intellectual Property Holding Entities
Asset Management Structures for managing assets or subsidiaries

This option is best suited for entrepreneurs with multiple brands or international investments.

Why Choosing the Right SHAMS Activity Matters

Selecting the right activity is more important because it affects your business activity:

  • Your license approval process
  • Bank account opening
  • Visa eligibility
  • Future business expansion
  • Compliance with UAE regulations

If your chosen activity doesn’t match what your company actually does, you may face delays or penalties later. That’s why experts often recommend reviewing all SHAMS free zone activities carefully before applying.

Who Should Consider SHAMS for Business Setup?

SHAMS is a good choice for:

  • Freelancers and solo entrepreneurs
  • Media and creative professionals
  • Online service providers
  • Consultants and trainers
  • Startups entering the UAE market

Final Thoughts

SHAMS business activities are essential before starting a company in Sharjah Media City. From media production and consultancy to e-commerce and digital services, the SHAMS free zone activities list offers a wide range of options for different industries.

Selecting the right activity ensures your license is approved smoothly and your company can run without restrictions. If you’re planning a freezone business setup, reviewing the activity list carefully is one of the smartest first steps.

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Joel Dsouza

About the Author

Joel Dsouza

Joel Dsouza is a Chartered Accountant and compliance specialist with extensive experience advising over 1,000 startups and SMEs on company registration, tax structuring, and regulatory compliance. As a member of ICAI and Co-Founder of Safe Ledger, Joel combines his deep financial expertise with a global perspective to help entrepreneurs navigate complex business environments. Focused on the UAE market, he is dedicated to empowering international and local business owners with clear, practical guidance on company setup, tax optimization, and ongoing compliance making him a trusted advisor for businesses aiming to succeed in the dynamic UAE economy.

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