The Bottom Line
SRTIP costs AED 4,357 less (28% savings) in your first year compared to Meydan. That’s AED 11,233 vs AED 15,590 all-in with one visa.
If speed matters more than cost, Meydan gets you operational in 3 Working Days — 1 working days faster than SRTIP.
For banking, Meydan has high approval rates, which means smoother account opening and less paperwork. A rejected bank application can delay your launch by weeks.
Dubai · Est. 2009
Meydan Free Zone
Meydan suits solo entrepreneurs and small partnerships (max 6 shareholders) who want a Dubai presence without long setup timelines. Ideal for consultants, traders, and service providers serving the broader Middle East market.
License
AED 11,500
Visa
AED 3,150
Setup
3 Working Days
Banking
High
The Pros of Meydan
Dubai address for international credibility
Fastest setup at 3 working days
High bank approval rate for professional services
Flexible activity mix — ideal for multiple business lines
Virtual address with optional office upgrades
Strong reputation in Middle East business community
The Cons
Maximum 6 shareholders limits growth potential
Higher license fee than Shams or RAKEZ
No specialized industry support like DMCC or JAFZA
Limited visa allocation with virtual address
Sharjah · Est. 2016
Sharjah Research, Tech, Innovation Park (SRTIP)
SRTIP is perfect for tech startups, software development teams, and education providers with serious innovation credentials. If your business involves R&D, renewable energy, or advanced technology, SRTIP offers grants and resources unavailable elsewhere.
License
AED 8,110
Visa
AED 2,233
Setup
4 Working Days
Banking
Medium
The Pros of SRTIP
Unlimited shareholders — ideal for VC-backed startups
Dedicated support for R&D and innovation projects
Renewable energy sector grants and incentives available
4-day approval aligned with tech hub standards
Access to research facilities and incubator networks
Competitive fees for tech-heavy businesses
The Cons
Medium bank approval rate — requires strong tech proof of concept
Limited to innovation, tech, and education activities
Sharjah location less convenient than Dubai for international talent recruitment
Smaller corporate ecosystem than DSO or DIC
Office space rental not always included in package
Full Cost Comparison
All figures in AED with 1 visa included. The lower value is highlighted in green.
Cost Item
Meydan
SRTIP
Business License
AED 11,500
AED 8,110
Office / Desk
Included
Included
Visa (1 person)
AED 3,150
AED 2,233
Medical Exam
AED 320
AED 320
Emirates ID
AED 370
AED 370
Establishment Card
AED 250
AED 200
Total Year 1
AED 15,590
AED 11,233
Annual Renewal (Yr 2+)
AED 10,200
AED 7,200
Banking & Compliance
Getting a bank account open is often harder than getting the license itself. Here’s what to expect at each zone.
Meydan
Meydan enjoys high bank approval (95%+ with major banks) due to its established reputation. Processing takes 2–3 weeks for standard applications. Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and ADCB have fast-track processes for Meydan clients. A simple business plan showing service offerings is usually sufficient.
License approval happens in 3 working days from complete submission. Activities must be specified clearly, but Meydan accepts broad categories like "general trading" and "business consultancy." Name reservation is same-day. Maximum shareholder limit (6) is fixed and cannot be waived.
SRTIP
Banks generally approve SRTIP accounts for software and tech companies with documented proof of concept or paying customers. Processing typically takes 3–4 weeks. Bring demo videos, customer testimonials, or revenue proof. Mashreq and RAKBANK show strong appetite for SRTIP tech founders.
Setup takes 4 working days. Innovation and research-focused activities get priority. Businesses must clearly demonstrate their tech innovation angle. If your activity is too general (e.g., "general IT services"), you may be redirected to another zone. Documentation should include detailed business and technical specifications.
Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Meydan If…
- Your business matches: E-commerce, General Trading, Management Consulting, Marketing
- You want the smoothest possible banking experience
- You need to get operational as quickly as possible (3 Working Days)
- You work remotely and don’t need a physical office
Choose SRTIP If…
- Your business matches: Education, Healthcare, IT Consultancy, Software Development
- Budget is your primary concern (AED 4,357 cheaper)
- You work remotely and don’t need a physical office
- You have multiple shareholders or investors
Our Analysis
If speed is your priority, Meydan Free Zone gets you operational in 3 days versus Sharjah Research, Tech, Innovation Park (SRTIP)'s 4-day timeline. But that faster setup comes with cost implications—Sharjah Research, Tech, Innovation Park (SRTIP) saves you AED 4,357 (28% less) in your first year. From a banking perspective, Meydan Free Zone has high approval prospects, making it smoother for companies needing quick account setup. Meydan Free Zone shines for meydan suits solo entrepreneurs and small partnerships (max 6 shareholders) who want a dubai presence without long setup timelines. ideal for consultants, traders, and service providers serving the broader middle east market., while Sharjah Research, Tech, Innovation Park (SRTIP) targets srtip is perfect for tech startups, software development teams, and education providers with serious innovation credentials. if your business involves r&d, renewable energy, or advanced technology, srtip offers grants and resources unavailable elsewhere.. The cost gap is modest enough that your specific business needs should guide the decision. Meydan Free Zone offers better banking relationships despite higher upfront costs; Sharjah Research, Tech, Innovation Park (SRTIP) prioritizes affordability without sacrificing core services.
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