Sharjah

The most recognised address for an international business, with the deepest bench of free zones and the busiest banking corridor in the region.

Federal government seat and the region's dominant capital markets and energy centre, with ADGM courts operating on English common law.

Borders both Dubai and the east coast, with lower setup and rental costs and a strong industrial and creative-sector base.

The smallest emirate by area, and often the fastest and least expensive route to a UAE trade licence.

The quietest emirate commercially, which keeps licence and office costs the lowest in the country for the right activity.

Strong for manufacturing and industrial licences, with RAKEZ consistently among the most competitively priced zones in the country.

The only emirate on the Gulf of Oman coast - a genuine alternative shipping route with its own container port and free zone.