DIFC vs Shams
Dubai International Financial Centre compared to Sharjah Media City
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | DIFC | Shams |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Dubai International Financial Centre | Sharjah Media City |
| Emirate | Dubai | Sharjah |
| Specialty | Financial services, fintech | Media, creative, e-commerce |
| Cheapest Year 1 | AED 23,000 | AED 5,750 |
| Cheapest Package | DIFC Innovation License | Shams Freelance (0 visa) |
| License Fee (from) | AED 12,000 | AED 5,750 |
| Visa Cost Range | AED 6,000-AED 8,000 | AED 3,800-AED 5,000 |
| Notable | Independent legal system (common law) | Budget-friendly media licenses |
| Website | www.difc.ae | www.shams.ae |
All Packages Compared
DIFC Packages
| Package | Year 1 | Visas |
|---|---|---|
| DIFC Innovation License | AED 23,000 | 1 |
| DIFC Commercial License | AED 77,000 | 3 |
| DIFC Financial License | AED 127,000 | 5 |
Shams Packages
| Package | Year 1 | Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Shams Freelance (0 visa) | AED 5,750 | 0 |
| Shams 1 Visa | AED 9,550 | 1 |
| Shams 2 Visa | AED 15,600 | 2 |
| Shams 3 Visa | AED 27,000 | 3 |
Verdict
DIFC is the more affordable option, starting from AED 23,000 compared to AED 5,750 for Shams. However, Shams may offer advantages in terms of media, creative, e-commerce.