Corporate and M&A in Sharjah
Unlike Abu Dhabi or Dubai, Sharjah has no independent common-law financial free zone, so corporate and M&A work here sits within the onshore UAE framework. Companies are governed by the UAE Commercial Companies Law and licensed through the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) or one of the emirate's free zones, with disputes heard by the Federal Courts under UAE law.
Sharjah's economy is built on manufacturing, industry and trade, and its free zones, including Hamriyah and SAIF Zone, are popular vehicles for holding and operating companies with full foreign ownership. We structure acquisitions, joint ventures and group reorganisations across onshore and free-zone entities, and advise on the right home for a holding company given the absence of a local common-law court.
What we do
- Share and asset acquisitions
- Joint ventures and shareholder agreements
- Free-zone vs onshore structuring
- Group reorganisations
- Foreign-ownership and licensing
- Corporate governance
Frequently asked
Does Sharjah have a common-law court like ADGM or DIFC?
No. Sharjah has no independent common-law financial free zone. Corporate matters sit within the onshore UAE framework, heard by the Federal Courts. For a common-law holding structure, groups sometimes pair a Sharjah operation with an ADGM or DIFC entity. We advise on the mix.
Can I fully own a company in Sharjah?
In Sharjah's free zones, full foreign ownership is standard. Onshore, most activities now permit full foreign ownership following reforms to the Commercial Companies Law. We confirm for your activity.
Which free zone suits a holding company?
It depends on activity and cost. Hamriyah and SAIF Zone suit industrial and trading groups; other zones target media or tech. We match the structure to your plan.
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