The New Year in the UAE brought big news for startups and first-time founders - a trade license priced at only AED 1,000. Sharjah came up with the most affordable business setup offer even seen in the UAE.
The license was made available to eligible candidates during the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026), a power-packed event that recorded 17 MoU signings and unlocked financial deals worth AED 100 million.
For early-stage founders worried about high startup costs, it came as a golden opportunity to turn their ideas into formal ventures!
First public roll-out at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026)
The “Business Kickstarter Package” featuring the AED 1,000 license was launched for the first time at the SEF 2026. The initiative was born through a strategic collaboration between Sheraa, Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), Emirates NBD, and du.
The two-day event took place on January 31 and February 1 at the SRTI Park. The response was massive. 294 founders applied for the exclusive business license in just two days.
Who qualified? Key sectors Targeted
Sharjah’s startup license attracted early-stage founders with strong and innovative ideas. It was designed for startups operating in six priority sectors: sustainability, creative industries, education technology, advanced manufacturing, health technology, and transportation. Applicants had to meet the eligibility criteria set by the organizing authorities to ensure full compliance.
Highlights from the event
The SEF 2026 witnessed a record-breaking 15,000 attendees, including more than 5,000 founders.
A total of 300 speakers took the stage to share their success stories from the entrepreneurship and innovation sectors. Founders got valuable first-hand insights and life-long inspiration.
Talking about the license scheme, here’s what eligible founders took home:
- Standard business license for AED 1,000: For single-owner business with up to three activities, valid for one year
- Multi-owner license for AED 3,000: Covering up to five activities for the first year.
And the benefits extended beyond licensing:
- Dubai provided special business connectivity packages for founders.
- Emirates NBD offered dedicated banking support, monthly maintenance fee waivers for the first year, and a six-month waiver on salary transfer charges.
- Sheraa granted free access to its coworking spaces for one year.
An awards ceremony followed, recognizing startups and founders making impact across entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. The festival concluded with high-energy performances by regional music and comedy artists.
More than a license, it was a launchpad for founders
Sharjah’s 9th edition of SEF 2026 was a massive success. Most of the company set up formalities were completed on-site during the festival itself. Throughout the event, entrepreneurs gained access not only to the license but also to banking support, investor engagement opportunities, operational assistance, and cross-border networking.
The driving vision behind the initiative
Often, it is not the lack of ideas or talent that holds founders back. It is the fear of high entry barriers and high costs. The Business Starter Package was designed to remove exactly that and encourage entrepreneurs to experiment with their ideas more confidently.
Sharjah officials said that the initiative aimed to empower innovation and support company formation in the UAE. It reduced the financial risk for founders. By lowering the cost of entry, it gave entrepreneurs the push they needed to start without hesitation or regret.
Following the success of SEF 2026, Sheraa CEO Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi ensured that the 10th edition next year will continue the journey – promising an even deeper and more impactful chapter.
Sharjah continues to focus strongly on future-oriented and innovation-driven industries. This initiative aligns directly with that long-term vision. It further strengthens Sharjah’s position as a leading entrepreneurship and innovation hub in the UAE.
Plan your next business move with Dubiz
The AED 1,000 commercial license from Sharjah was a limited-time and rare opportunity to establish a business presence in the UAE at a minimal cost. But strategic business decisions go beyond offers. Festival-based offers may come with specific conditions that may or may not suit your business plans.
Professional guidance can help entrepreneurs choose the right license package that meets both their current needs and long-term business goals. Dubiz Business Setup, with over seven years of experience in UAE company formation, is ready to assist you in making the right and informed decisions.
Our team can help you understand the UAE’s legal and compliance framework, manage trade licenses, and guide you through the business setup services.
For more information or to book a free consultation, contact us today. You can also follow us on our social media: dubiz_co for more business updates from across the UAE.
