RAKEZ vs Shams: Side-by-Side Comparison
Shams is laser-focused on media, creative, and e-commerce at rock-bottom prices. RAKEZ is broader — it handles everything from industrial manufacturing to consulting, and offers mainland-adjacent packages. Cost-wise they're similar, but the scope is very different.
- Manufacturing
- Industrial
- Trading with warehouse needs
- Freelancers
- E-commerce
- Budget startups
- Very affordable
- Excellent for manufacturing
- Large warehouses available
- Extremely affordable
- Fast setup
- No office needed for some licenses
- Distance from Dubai
- Smaller business ecosystem
- Travel time for meetings
- Sharjah address (not Dubai)
- Banking can be challenging
- Conservative environment
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Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| RAKEZ | Shams | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | ras al-khaimah | sharjah |
| License from | AED 7,500/yr | AED 5,750/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 7,500 | AED 5,750 |
| Setup time | 2-3 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Min share capital | None | None |
| Established | 2017 | 2017 |
| License types | trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer | trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer |
| Office options | flexi desk, virtual office, shared office, private office, warehouse, industrial unit, land lease | flexi desk, virtual office, shared office |
Cost breakdown
RAKEZ
- License (starting from)
- AED 7,500/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 7,500
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,000
- 3 visas
- ~AED 8,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 14,000
Shams
- License (starting from)
- AED 5,750/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 5,750
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,200
- 3 visas
- ~AED 8,500
Which one should you pick?
Pick RAKEZ if
You need industrial space, warehousing, or a multi-activity license beyond media.
See full RAKEZ profilePick Shams if
You're a media, creative, or e-commerce freelancer looking for the cheapest creative license.
See full Shams profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, RAKEZ or Shams?
Shams is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 5,750/year vs AED 7,500/year for RAKEZ — a difference of AED 1,750 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at RAKEZ vs Shams?
RAKEZ advertises 2-3 business days and Shams advertises 1-2 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
Where are RAKEZ and Shams located?
RAKEZ is in Ras Al Khaimah (Ras Al Khaimah (1 hour from Dubai)). Shams is in Sharjah (Sharjah (close to Dubai border)).
What license types does each offer?
RAKEZ issues trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. Shams issues trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.