Sharjah Media City (SHAMS): A Hub for Creativity and Innovation

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is a free zone where creative ideas turn successful as it plays an important role in achieving leadership and inspiring business development from a hub of excellence and driver of innovation.

Vision and Mission:

SHAMS was made to become a world-class hub for media and creativity in the region. The founder aims to make creative entrepreneurship accessible and inspire business growth.

The region fosters a vibrant and connected ecosystem for innovators to live, learn, and co-create.

Community-Centric Approach:

In everything we do at our organization, we never forget our values, which put our community first. Fostering the community and enabling individuals to motivate creativity and innovation is our mission.

Establishment of SHAMS:

In 2015, the idea of establishing a media city in Sharjah was crystallized by studying the feasibility of the project. In the following year, a Murray decree was issued to establish Sharjah Media City, a free zone authority. Accordingly, a 1 million square meters plot was allocated in 2017.

The abbreviated name ‘SHAMS’ was adopted, and a President was appointed by the end of the year. More than 2,500 companies have registered in Sharjah Media City. Due to the quality of the provided services, the number of Shams free zone company setups has increased to more than 4,000.

Fast-Track Licensing Process:

By the end of 2019, thanks to facilitating the process for company formation in the Sharjah free zone, now you can get a SHAMS license within four hours in line with the objectives of the establishment decree.

Initiatives to Foster Creativity and Talent:

To develop and sponsor talents, SHAMS has launched several initiatives, the most important of which is the entertainment experience in UAE. The first of its kind in the region aims at launching the first Marathi film created by the public, i.e., by making use of the rich resources of filmmaking starting from script writing to acting, shooting to music composition, and much more.

SHAMS has also engaged the public through the virtual world with an initiative to develop electronic gaming skills. The SHAMS virtual hall was established, and 34 competitions were organized to attract a large number of participants from all over the Arab world.

Training and Education Programs:

SHAMS aspires to be a leader in the field of media and creative education and training while offering a range of training programs and workshops to add greater value to the customer's experience, improve their business, and increase their chances of success.

Support for Entrepreneurship:

At SHAMS, we enhance entrepreneurship in business development. We have sponsored various events related to entrepreneurship as well as events that showcase our encouragement of talent by providing workshops to refine the skills of participants.

Local and International Presence:

SHAMS has a local presence as it has participated in several events and festivals in the emirate of Sharjah and the entire UAE. The agenda of SHAMS includes external participation to introduce the city to others, present opportunities, be aware of the experiences of others, and open doors to cooperation with various international bodies.

I am working with startups, SMEs, and professional intermediaries to set up their businesses and branch offices in offshore destinations.