Introduction
The UAE has become a prominent tech hub in the Middle East, with Dubai often in the spotlight for its futuristic vision and world-class infrastructure. However, Sharjah—the UAE’s cultural and academic capital—is quickly gaining ground as a cost-effective, innovation-driven destination for software development companies. As entrepreneurs and investors look to set up or expand their tech businesses in the region, one critical question arises: Sharjah or Dubai—Which is better for software companies?
In this blog, we’ll provide an in-depth comparison of Sharjah and Dubai across multiple factors such as cost, talent, business environment, infrastructure, and overall potential for software companies.
1. Business Setup Costs and Licensing
| Feature | Sharjah | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Business Licensing Fees | Lower | Higher |
| Office Space | Affordable (especially in free zones like SRTIP & Shams) | Premium pricing in business districts |
| Free Zones | SRTIP, Shams, Hamriyah Free Zone | DTEC, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis |
| Cost of Living for Employees | Lower | Higher |
Verdict: Sharjah is more affordable for startups and SMEs.
2. Access to Talent
- Sharjah benefits from proximity to universities like American University of Sharjah (AUS) and University of Sharjah, offering a steady stream of IT graduates.
- Dubai offers a larger, more diverse talent pool, with international tech professionals and expat developers from across the globe.
Verdict: Dubai offers more seasoned professionals; Sharjah is ideal for companies looking to hire fresh graduates or build talent in-house affordably.
3. Innovation & Tech Ecosystem
| Factor | Sharjah | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Innovation Parks | Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) | Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis |
| Startup Ecosystem | Growing rapidly | Well-established |
| R&D Facilities | Strong university collaboration | Access to accelerators and venture funds |
| Government Support | Innovation grants, low-cost setup | Incubators, accelerators, smart city initiatives |
Verdict: Dubai is more mature, but Sharjah is growing fast with high support for early-stage companies.
4. Business Networking & Opportunities
- Dubai is home to global corporations, multinational conferences, and high-end networking events.
- Sharjah focuses on academia-industry partnerships, regional collaborations, and low-competition networking.
Verdict: Dubai wins for high-level exposure; Sharjah offers less saturated market access.
5. Types of Software Companies Thriving
In Sharjah:
- AI startups
- EdTech platforms
- Blockchain development labs
- ERP & custom business software firms
In Dubai:
- FinTech and PropTech companies
- SaaS and eCommerce platforms
- Big data analytics firms
- International IT consultancies
Top Custom Software Development Companies in the UK
1. Avestan Technologies LLC
- Industry: Technology & IT Services
- Services: Web Development, App Development, Product Engineering, Digital Solutions
- Location: Likely operates in international markets (LLC suggests US/UAE presence)
- USP: Offers offshore software development services with a focus on delivering cost-effective digital transformation solutions.
- Website: avestantechnologies.com
- Glassdoor Rating: 2.8/5 based on 16 reviews
- AmbitionBox Rating: 1.6/5 based on 12 reviews
- LinkedIn: Avestan Technologies
- Highlights: Avestan Technologies offers custom web and mobile app development services. While they have a presence on professional platforms, employee reviews suggest areas for improvement in company culture and career growth opportunities.
2. Talentrise Technokrate Pvt. Ltd.
- Industry: Software Development, Mobile App Development, Web Development
- Services: Custom Software Solutions, Mobile & Web App Development, CRM Systems, KPO/BPO Services, Data Entry
- Headquarters: Nagpur, India
- Key Clients: Avestan Technologies, Daksh Vikash Pvt Ltd, Binary Code Technologies
- USP: Known for delivering scalable and modern applications with expertise across Flutter, Laravel, ReactJS, and cloud platforms.
- Website: talentrisetechnokrate.com
- Clutch Rating: 4.9/5 based on 11 reviews
- AmbitionBox Rating: 4.4/5 based on 20+ employee reviews
- GoodFirms Rating: 4.9/5 based on 18 reviews
- Highlights: Talentrise Technokrate is a Nagpur-based IT service provider specializing in custom web and mobile application development. Clients commend their efficient project management, proactive communication, and commitment to quality.
3. Softwave Technify
- Industry: IT Solutions & Consulting
- Services: Web & App Development, UI/UX Design, Digital Marketing, Software Consulting
- Headquarters: India (likely Tier 2 city)
- USP: Focuses on personalized client engagement and offers end-to-end IT solutions to SMEs and startups.
- Website: softwavetechify.com
- AmbitionBox Rating: 4.5/5 based on 4 employee reviews
- Highlights: Softwave Technify specializes in developing customizable and scalable taxi booking solutions, including driver apps, rider apps, and admin dashboards. Employee feedback indicates high work satisfaction.
4. Technokrate
- Industry: IT & Product Development
- Services: Mobile App Development, Web Portals, Enterprise Software, E-commerce Solutions
- Headquarters: India
- USP: Specializes in full-cycle development services, from ideation to deployment, with an emphasis on innovation and time-bound delivery.
- Website: technokrate.com
- AmbitionBox Rating: 1.2/5 based on 5 employee reviews
- Highlights: Technokrate’s low employee ratings suggest concerns regarding job security and company culture. Potential clients and employees may want to conduct further research before engagement.
5. Daksh Vikash Pvt. Ltd.
- Industry: BPO/KPO, Data Processing, Outsourcing
- Services: Data Entry, Lead Generation, Call Center Solutions, Business Process Outsourcing
- Headquarters: Likely based in North or Central India
- USP: Offers efficient back-office and support operations with a blend of quality assurance and workforce management.
- Website: dakshvikas.com
- LinkedIn: Daksh Vikas Private Limited
- Tracxn Profile: Daksh Vikas Private Limited
- Highlights: Daksh Vikash Pvt Ltd is a KPO and BPO company based in Jaipur, India, offering tailored outsourcing solutions to businesses.
6. Ryne Info Tech
- Industry: IT & Software Services
- Services: Software Development, Web & App Development, IT Consulting
- Headquarters: India
- USP: Focuses on affordable digital solutions for small businesses and startups, with an emphasis on scalable technologies.
- Website: ryneinfotech.com
- Glassdoor Rating: 4.3/5 based on 15 reviews
- AmbitionBox Rating: 1.0/5 based on 1 review
- Highlights: Ryne Info Tech has mixed employee reviews, with higher ratings on Glassdoor compared to AmbitionBox. Prospective clients and employees should consider these discrepancies when evaluating the company.
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Conclusion
Both Sharjah and Dubai offer unique advantages for software companies, but the right choice depends on your business goals and budget.
- If you’re a startup or SME seeking affordable setup, strong university ties, and long-term growth potential—Sharjah is the smarter, cost-effective option.
- If you’re an enterprise looking for fast-paced scaling, international exposure, and access to a large customer base—Dubai is your ideal launchpad.
Ultimately, both cities contribute to the UAE’s vision of becoming a global innovation hub. Choosing the right one means aligning your company’s strategy with the strengths of each location.
