Sharjah, August 21 (WAM) - More than 1,000 companies are engaged in activities related to artificial intelligence and smart solutions at the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone. Their work ranges from research and innovation to consulting, model training, solution development, and management of intelligent systems and robots.

The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone hosts over 20,000 companies from 173 countries, providing a business platform that goes beyond issuing licenses. It also facilitates growth paths and market access. Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, said that the growth of AI and smart solutions companies in the zone reflects the broader transformation in the business landscape. Our focus is on creating an environment that enables these companies to establish their businesses efficiently, providing them with the flexibility and services they need to support their growth and expansion. As artificial intelligence technologies accelerate across various sectors, companies increasingly require quick market access and opportunities for growth. Therefore, we continue to develop our services and attract technology and new economy companies, enhancing the diversity of the business community in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone and connecting businesses with growth opportunities within the UAE and beyond.

The presence of artificial intelligence companies in the city is not limited to one technical activity, but extends across different stages of solution development and operation; 691 companies work in research and innovation and consulting, 125 train models, 110 develop AI-based solutions, and 26 manage and operate intelligent systems and robots, alongside companies active in advanced research and robotics trade, which gives the business community a dimension that goes beyond the number of companies to provide expertise and activities whose needs, services, and cooperation opportunities may intersect.

The establishment packages in the free zone of Sharjah City for Publishing start at AED 5,750, while its procedures allow for the immediate issuance of business licenses, with some licenses completed through an AI-supported pathway within minutes, alongside procedures for residence within five working days and support for opening a bank account within three working days.

It provides more than 40 additional services for businesses, thus covering part of the requirements that accompany the company's transition from registration to starting its activities and operating its business.

The free zone of Sharjah City for Publishing allows for more than 2,000 commercial activities, with the possibility of combining up to five activities under one license, alongside 100% foreign ownership, no requirement for paid capital, and the dual-license option that enables companies to operate in both the free zone and the local market.

Artificial intelligence companies operate within a community of more than 20,000 companies spread across sectors including e-commerce, general trade, digital marketing, and information technology solutions.

This diversity creates intersection points between technology solution development companies and businesses that need these solutions or related services, as well as opportunities for collaboration among companies operating in different circles of the same sector. The city’s location, near Sharjah and Dubai airports, adds another dimension to companies looking at the United Arab Emirates as a base for reaching customers and markets inside and outside the country.

In late 2024, Sharjah Publishing City launched the first AI-supported business license, which allows the licensing process to be completed in less than five minutes. This puts technology at the core of the business incorporation experience, not just within a list of sectors attracted by the free zone.

Batul