SRTIP: the research-park free zone for deep tech, sustainability & Industry 4.0
SRTIP (Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park) is the UAE's university-adjacent science park. Sitting beside the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah, it issues research-grade licenses from AED 5,500, keeps 100% foreign ownership, and pairs every tenant with R&D incentives, lab access and accelerator programmes (SoiLAB, SAIA) you won't find inside a generalist Dubai free zone.
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Why SRTIP is the Emirates' science-park outlier
SRTIP was established in 2016 under the directive of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the American University of Sharjah. It sits inside Sharjah University City, walking distance from AUS and the University of Sharjah, and operates as both a free zone and a research park.
Where Meydan or Shams compete on price and turnaround for generalist founders, SRTIP competes on research adjacency. Tenants get structured access to university labs, joint research agreements, the SoiLAB prototyping facility, and the Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator (SAIA). It is the right fit for R&D arms, deep-tech startups, climate-tech ventures, robotics teams and life-sciences spin-outs: founders who need a credible scientific address and a path to commercialise research, not just a flexi-desk.
What you can run under an SRTIP license
SRTIP is sector-curated. The park welcomes ventures that align with its five research pillars. We'll map your activity to the right license during the consultation.
Deep tech & R&D
Applied research arms, AI/ML labs, advanced materials, photonics and quantum-adjacent ventures. Issued under an Innovation or R&D license.
Sustainability & climate tech
Circular economy, waste-to-value, carbon capture, water tech and ESG measurement platforms. Aligned with the BEEAH-SRTIP partnership corridor.
Industry 4.0 & smart manufacturing
IoT-enabled factories, digital twins, additive manufacturing and aerospace/automotive engineering tied to SAIA pilot partners.
Robotics & automation
Industrial robotics, autonomous mobility, drone systems and edge-AI controls. Prototype facilities available on site.
BioTech & life sciences
Medical devices, hospital automation, diagnostics and AgriTech innovation. R&D license required; lab space available inside the park.
What you actually get with SRTIP
The practical entitlements that come with every SRTIP license. The parts that matter for research-driven founders.
100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor required.
100% repatriation of capital and profits.
University-adjacency: structured access to AUS and University of Sharjah faculties and labs.
Eligibility for joint research agreements and university commercialisation pathways.
Access to SoiLAB (Sharjah Open Innovation Lab) prototyping and workshop facilities.
Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator (SAIA) cohort access for qualifying startups.
Visa quota scaling from 0 visas (Innovators package) to unlimited on Innovation Plots.
Lab space, shell-and-core units and custom HQ plots available alongside flexi-desks.
No currency restrictions on inbound or outbound transfers.
Bank account introductions to UAE retail and digital banks.
Pick the license that matches your research model
Three license families cover the SRTIP tenant base. Pricing scales with activity count, visa quota and the office tier (co-working, lab, plot).
Most picked
Innovation
The flagship license for deep-tech and sustainability ventures.
- Deep tech, climate tech, robotics, AI
- Access to SoiLAB & SAIA accelerator
- Eligibility for joint research with AUS / UoS
- Innovators package from AED 5,500 (zero-visa)
- Women in Innovation track from AED 9,000
Service
For consultancy and professional services tied to the park's sectors.
- IT, engineering, scientific consultancy
- Health, creative and design services
- Co-working desk packages from AED 25,000
- Up to 3 visas per desk on Maktabi
R&D / Industrial
For lab-based research and light advanced manufacturing.
- Wet / dry lab fit-outs available on request
- Shell-and-core innovation offices
- Custom Innovation Plots with negotiable visas
- Aligned with aerospace, automotive, energy pilots
Notable research tenants established at SRTIP
SRTIP is a sector-curated research park, with deep links to AUS and the University of Sharjah. Below are recognisable R&D centres, deep-tech ventures and corporate research arms that have established a presence at the park.
CleanTech
BEEAH
Sharjah-headquartered sustainability and waste-management group, co-anchor of the BEEAH-SRTIP corridor on the park.
EV conversion
Peec Mobility
EV-conversion and clean-mobility venture operating from SRTIP through its Sharjah research partnership.
Water tech
Manhat
AUS spinout developing water-from-air technology, with its R&D and pilot facility established at SRTIP.
Industrial R&D
Honeywell
Global industrial-technology major maintains research and training collaborations with SRTIP and AUS.
Startup studio
Sheraa
Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center operates flagship programmes and cohort space inside the SRTIP campus.
Accelerator
SAIA
Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator runs deep-tech and Industry 4.0 cohorts directly out of SRTIP.
AR / VR
Holopundits
Immersive-tech and AR/VR studio that has run research and pilot programmes from the SRTIP innovation cluster.
EdTech & research
Innoventures Education
Education group running research and innovation labs co-located inside the SRTIP-AUS-UoS ecosystem.
Inside Sharjah University City: SRTIP's research campus
SRTIP sits inside Sharjah University City, walking distance from AUS and the University of Sharjah, and roughly 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai. The address is a credibility marker for grant-funded and research-led ventures.
- 45 min to Downtown Dubai
- 20 min to Sharjah International Airport
- Walking distance from AUS & University of Sharjah
- Co-located with Sheraa, BEEAH partners and SAIA cohorts
Lab space
Wet / dry lab fit-outs available on request
Prototype facility
SoiLAB workshop, open to tenants
University partnerships
AUS & UoS joint research pathways
Accelerator
SAIA cohort access for qualifying startups
How we incorporate your SRTIP company in 7–10 working days
Six steps from first call to issued license. SRTIP's research-park screening adds 2–3 days versus a generalist free zone.
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Scope research alignment with us
SRTIP is sector-curated. We pressure-test your activity against the park's five pillars (deep tech, sustainability, Industry 4.0, robotics, biotech) before submitting.
Pick the legal form
FZC (multiple shareholders), FZE (single shareholder), or branch of an existing entity. We recommend based on shareholder count, lab needs and substance plans.
Reserve trade name & package
We submit name approval and lock the package: Innovators, Women in Innovation, Startup, Maktabi desk, SME office, or Innovation Plot.
KYC, research brief & documents
You send passport, address proof, bank reference and a short research brief that helps SRTIP's committee align you with the right cluster.
Sign the MoA electronically
We share the Memorandum of Association via secure e-sign. No notary visit required for standard packages.
Pay & receive license
Final invoice is settled, SRTIP issues the trade license and incorporation pack within 7–10 working days.
Five realities first-time founders miss about SRTIP
Research alignment is screened
SRTIP is not a generalist free zone. The park's committee expects a short research brief and rejects activities outside its five pillars. If your model is pure trading, Meydan will be faster.
Setup timeline
License in 7–10 working days. Residence visa adds 3–4 weeks (medical, Emirates ID, stamping). Budget 5–7 weeks end-to-end if visa is in scope.
Sharjah, not Dubai
The address is Sharjah University City. Plan 45 min to Downtown Dubai and 30–45 min to DXB. For lab-based work that's an asset; for client-facing consultants who live in Marina or Downtown, it can be friction.
Corporate tax 9% trigger
UAE corporate tax applies at 9% on net profit above AED 375,000. Free-zone "qualifying income" can stay at 0% with substance. R&D activities aligned with the UAE's 2026 R&D incentive framework may qualify for additional reliefs.
Annual audit for renewal
SRTIP requires audited financial statements, prepared to IFRS by an SRTIP-approved auditor, as a condition of annual license renewal. Budget for a licensed UAE auditor every year from year one.
What's inside our SRTIP all-in-one package
One transparent fee covers company formation, residence visa and UAE banking. From AED 18,500 on the Innovators track: 1 year, 1 visa, R&D activity included.
Company formation
- Trade name reservation
- License issuance (Innovation, Service or R&D)
- Memorandum of Association drafting + e-signature
- Co-working desk or shell-and-core unit at SRTIP
- Establishment card
- Corporate Tax registration & initial compliance filing
- Activity selection aligned with park pillars
Residence visa
- Entry permit issuance
- Medical fitness test coordination
- Emirates ID application & biometrics
- Visa stamping inside passport
- Status change inside the UAE
- Valid 2 years, renewable
Banking
- Business and personal account introductions
- Document pack prepared to bank-ready standard
- Follow-up support until account is opened
- Backup option with a UAE digital bank
DIY vs working with us
On your own
Compare 45+ providers
Rules, prices and procedures all over the place
Check trade-name availability
Submit the request and wait for approval
Fill admin forms & files
Errors = delays or fines
Gather supporting documents
Missing or incorrect = rejection or fines
Chase extra approvals
Miss one and you trigger penalties or delays
Shop prices and locations
Hidden costs likely
Handle the payments
Procedural errors = fines or delays
Run the visa process
Strict steps and timelines, fine risk
Shop UAE banks cold
High rejection risk
Track compliance yourself
VAT & renewals → penalties if missed
Time sink
Stress, errors, financial risk
Recommended
With us
An optimal structure
Tailored to your goals
Trade name reserved
Fast and approved
Dedicated personal support
By your side at every step
Compliant, validated file
Optimised to pass first time
Easier networking
Targeted introductions
Optimised investment
No unnecessary costs
End-to-end support
Fast and stress-free
Single point of contact
Clear, personalised follow-up
Bank account opening
Fast and simplified
Zero stress, total peace of mind
We look after everything
100% business focus
We handle the rest
Teams we've set up at SRTIP
"When I decided to start my business in Dubai, my primary concern was finding trustworthy people capable of handling all the necessary steps professionally. Thanks to Ga Nui and Malik's support, I was able to move forward with confidence and dedicate all my energy to developing my business, without worrying about the administrative aspects. I wholeheartedly recommend Ga Nui and Malik for their professionalism, availability, and the quality of their support."
"Creating my company in Dubai was supported throughout the entire process — preparing for my move abroad, setting up the company, obtaining my Emirates ID, local business number, and opening bank accounts — and the team remains available afterward to answer any questions. I especially want to thank Joïcia, who handled my case and was always responsive, available, and professional. Thanks also to Franck for his assistance with the bank accounts. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate any longer and go for it; they will guide you."
"Highly recommend this company for setting up your business in Dubai. The entire process was smooth and professional. Special thanks to Akhil who made sure the medical examination and fingerprinting went perfectly, and to Laura for her outstanding support throughout the entire procedure. Great team!"
SRTIP: frequently asked questions
Entry-level pricing starts at AED 5,500 on the Innovators (zero-visa) package. Total cost varies with activity count, visa quota and office tier.
- Innovators (zero-visa): from AED 5,500
- Women in Innovation: from AED 9,000
- Startup package (under 3 years old): from AED 15,000
- Maktabi co-working desk + 3 visas: from AED 25,000/year
- SME office (27 sqm) + 8 visas: quoted on request
Both are Sharjah free zones, but they serve different founders:
- SRTIP: research park, sector-curated, university-adjacent, deep tech / sustainability / Industry 4.0. Best for R&D, lab work and grant-funded ventures.
- Shams: media free zone, generalist creative licenses, very affordable, no research screening. Best for content creators, agencies and freelancers.
If your model needs a lab, a workshop or a credible scientific address, SRTIP wins. If you just need a Sharjah license for media work, Shams is faster and cheaper.
Yes. SRTIP tenants align with the UAE's 2026 R&D incentive framework, which rewards qualifying research expenditure. On top of that, the park itself opens access to:
- The Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator (SAIA) cohort grants
- SoiLAB prototyping facilities (in-kind R&D support)
- Joint research agreements with AUS and University of Sharjah that can co-fund pilots
Free-zone "qualifying income" remains at 0% corporate tax with substance.
SRTIP was established in 2016 as a subsidiary of the American University of Sharjah, and signed a quadripartite three-year master research agreement with AUS, University of Sharjah and National Paints. Tenants can:
- Co-author joint research agreements with university faculties
- Access the UoS Commercialisation Committee to move IP from lab to market
- Hire university talent through structured internship and graduate pipelines
Yes. The MoA is signed electronically and the license is issued in 10–15 working days. SRTIP's research-alignment screening is handled by email and video call. You only need to travel for the residence visa (medical, Emirates ID, stamping). A 7 to 10 day trip is enough.
SRTIP offers more tiers than a generalist free zone:
- Maktabi co-working desk: 3 visas per desk, meeting rooms included
- Startup office (16 sqm): 6 visa quota
- SME office (20–27 sqm): 8 visa quota
- Innovation Office (shell-and-core): custom fit-out, unlimited visas negotiable
- Innovation Plots: build your own HQ inside the park
Other free zones worth considering
Each free zone serves a different model. If SRTIP isn't quite the right fit, these are the closest alternatives.
Book your free 30-minute consultation
We'll tell you within 30 minutes whether SRTIP is the right free zone for your research model, and if it isn't, which one is.
