Best Free Zones for Manufacturing in Sharjah
Sharjah has 7 free zones in our catalogue. These rank highest for manufacturing on our default profile — from AED 6,875 in Year-1 cost. Want it scored against your exact budget, visa count, and workspace? Run the free wizard.
Top Sharjah zones for Manufacturing(5 shown)
What to look for (Manufacturing)
- ✓Industrial plot vs pre-built factory — plots from 5,000 sq m at AED 25–50/sqm/year on long leases; pre-built units from AED 200/sqm/year
- ✓Industrial activity codes — ensure your product category is permitted; some hazardous or food categories require additional MOIAT or municipality approvals
- ✓Port and customs proximity — KIZAD links to Khalifa Port, JAFZA to Jebel Ali; routing decision affects export logistics cost materially
- ✓Environmental and EHS compliance — UAE EHS regulator and emirate-level authorities require permits; energy-intensive industries face additional scrutiny
- ✓Worker accommodation — labour-camp availability inside or near the zone; visa quota of 1 visa per 80–100 sq m is typical for industrial units
Manufacturing in other emirates
Frequently asked questions
Which UAE free zone is best for manufacturing?
KIZAD is the largest and most flexible industrial zone, with sector-specific clusters (food, metals, polymers, automotive) and direct Khalifa Port integration. JAFZA suits export-heavy manufacturing routed through Jebel Ali. RAKEZ industrial zones offer the lowest land costs in the country. Hamriyah and Dubai Industrial City are strong mid-tier options.
What incentives does Make it in the Emirates offer manufacturers?
Make it in the Emirates offers preferential federal procurement, financing through Emirates Development Bank, energy subsidies, and import-duty exemptions on raw materials and capital equipment. Specific incentives are negotiated zone-by-zone and depend on investment size, employment, and Emiratisation commitments.
How much does an industrial plot cost in a UAE free zone?
RAKEZ industrial plots: AED 15–30/sqm/year on 25-year leases. KIZAD: AED 20–50/sqm/year with infrastructure. JAFZA: AED 40–100/sqm/year reflecting port premium. Pre-built factory units: AED 180–400/sqm/year depending on zone and specifications. Initial setup also includes licence (~AED 15k–50k), build-out, and utility connections.
Can a manufacturing free zone company sell into the UAE mainland?
Yes, but goods leaving the free zone for mainland UAE consumption attract 5% customs duty (where applicable) at the point of import. Many manufacturers establish a mainland distributor or branch for direct local market sales. Re-export to GCC and international markets is duty-free from the zone.
What approvals do I need beyond the free zone licence?
MOIAT (Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology) industrial licence is required at federal level. Emirate-level municipality approvals cover environmental, civil defence, and worker accommodation. Sector-specific approvals: ESMA for product conformity, Emirates Authority for Standardization for food/cosmetics, FANR for radiation, Dubai Municipality for food.