With over 1,000 firms, it's boomtime for AI hub Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

More than 1,000 AI-related companies have established operations in the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), as the UAE's artificial intelligence market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 36.3 per cent between 2026 and 2033, reaching approximately Dhs97.45 billion by 2033, according to Grand View Research. 

SPC Free Zone's AI business spans several industry segments. Of the AI-related companies operating from the free zone, 691 specialise in AI research, innovation and consulting, while 125 focus on AI model training. Another 110 companies develop AI-powered solutions, and 26 manage intelligent systems and robotics. Other businesses are involved in advanced AI research and robotics trading, bringing the total to more than 1,000. 

Lower barriers to market entry 

As competition grows across the technology sector, the speed and cost of establishing operations can influence where young companies and international businesses choose to locate. 

Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City

At SPC Free Zone, company formation packages start at Dhs5,750, while business licences can be issued immediately. An AI-powered licensing system allows selected licence applications to be completed within a few minutes. 

Investors can also obtain UAE residency within five working days and receive assistance with opening a corporate bank account within three working days. More than 40 additional business services are available through the free zone. 

Supporting business growth 

Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC, said: “The growth of AI and smart solutions companies at SPC Free Zone reflects the wider shift taking place across the business landscape. Our focus is on providing an environment where these companies can establish efficiently and access the services and flexibility they need as they grow.” 

He added: “As AI adoption accelerates across sectors, companies need faster access to markets and greater flexibility to scale. We continue to develop our services and attract technology and new economy businesses, connecting them with growth opportunities in the UAE and beyond.” 

Flexibility to scale 

Businesses in the SPC Free Zone can choose from more than 2,000 activities, with 100 per cent foreign ownership and no paid-up capital requirement. Up to five business activities can be combined under one licence. 

Investors can obtain UAE residency within five working days and receive assistance with opening a corporate bank account within three working days.

A dual-licensing option also allows companies to operate in both the free zone and the UAE mainland, providing technology businesses with greater flexibility as they develop their operations. 

Location is another feature of SPC Free Zone's offering to technology companies. 

SPC Free Zone is located within reach of Sharjah International Airport and Dubai International Airport, providing air links for companies with regional and international operations. 

The free zone also provides a range of physical operating options, including offices, co-working spaces, warehouses, storage facilities and meeting rooms. 

The AI-related companies operate within a broader community of more than 20,000 companies from 173 countries at SPC Free Zone. 

Those businesses span sectors including e-commerce, general trading, digital marketing and information technology solutions, creating a wider commercial network alongside the AI business base.