SHAMS and Ajman Free Zone are two of the UAE's most competitively priced free zones, both regularly compared by founders shopping for the most affordable viable UAE company or freelance permit, with subtly different strengths.
Where they differ
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) is particularly well regarded for media, creative and consulting freelance permits and small company licences, given its strong reputation in that specific niche. Ajman Free Zone offers a broader general activity list spanning trading, industrial, service and freelance categories, plus physical office and warehouse packages for businesses needing industrial space, which SHAMS does not emphasise to the same degree.
Cost comparison
Both sit in the same competitive budget bracket alongside RAKEZ, UAQFTZ and Fujairah Creative City — the better comparison point is usually specific package inclusions and visa allocation rather than one having a flat, universal price advantage. See both compared directly in this site's Freelance Permit Cost Comparison.
Which one fits your business
For solo creatives, media professionals and consultants, SHAMS' specific reputation in that niche is a genuine draw. For businesses needing broader activity flexibility or physical industrial space, Ajman Free Zone's breadth is the stronger fit. Model your specific activity with this site's Business Setup Cost Calculator before assuming either is automatically cheaper.