Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has emerged as a growing base for artificial intelligence businesses, with more than 1,000 AI-related companies now operating from the free zone.
The companies span AI research, consulting, model training, AI-powered solutions, intelligent systems and robotics. Their presence comes as the UAE’s AI market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 36.3% between 2026 and 2033, reaching an estimated $97.45bn by 2033, according to Grand View Research.
AI research and consulting lead SPC Free Zone’s business base
Among the AI-related companies operating from SPC Free Zone, 691 specialise in AI research, innovation and consulting.
Meanwhile, 125 companies focus on AI model training. Another 110 businesses develop AI-powered solutions, while 26 operate in intelligent systems and robotics.
Other companies work in areas such as advanced AI research and robotics trading, taking the total number of AI-related businesses beyond 1,000.
The growing cluster forms part of SPC Free Zone’s wider business community, which includes more than 20,000 companies from 173 countries.
SPC Free Zone offers faster company setup for AI businesses
SPC Free Zone has positioned speed and cost as part of its offering to startups and technology businesses entering the UAE market.
Company formation packages start from AED 5,750, while the free zone can issue business licences immediately. In addition, its AI-powered licensing system allows selected applications to be completed within minutes.
Investors can also obtain UAE residency within five working days. The free zone further provides assistance with opening corporate bank accounts within three working days.
More than 40 additional business services are available to companies operating within the free zone.
Saif Al Suwaidi highlights growing demand for flexibility
Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC, said the expansion of AI and smart solutions businesses reflects wider changes across the UAE’s business environment.
“The growth of AI and smart solutions companies at SPC Free Zone reflects the wider shift taking place across the business landscape. Our focus is on providing an environment where these companies can establish efficiently and access the services and flexibility they need as they grow.”
He added that companies increasingly need quicker access to markets as AI adoption expands across industries.
“As AI adoption accelerates across sectors, companies need faster access to markets and greater flexibility to scale. We continue to develop our services and attract technology and new economy businesses, connecting them with growth opportunities in the UAE and beyond.”
AI companies gain access to flexible licensing options
Businesses operating from SPC Free Zone can select from more than 2,000 business activities. The free zone also offers 100% foreign ownership and does not require paid-up capital.
Companies can combine up to five business activities under a single licence. Moreover, a dual-licensing option allows eligible businesses to operate in both the free zone and the UAE mainland.
This flexibility could support technology companies as they expand their operations and seek access to a wider market.
SPC Free Zone also offers offices, co-working spaces, warehouses, storage facilities and meeting rooms.
Sharjah builds a wider technology and business ecosystem
The AI companies operate alongside businesses in e-commerce, general trading, digital marketing and information technology solutions.
The broader business network gives AI and technology companies access to a diverse commercial ecosystem as they explore growth opportunities in the UAE and beyond.
With more than 1,000 AI-related businesses now operating from the free zone, SPC Free Zone is strengthening its position within the UAE’s expanding technology and new economy landscape.
