The Region's Publishing Powerhouse - World's First Publishing Free Zone

Overview

SPC Free Zone is the World's First Publishing Free Zone, providing publishers, authors, and editors with significant business expansion opportunities. Located in Sharjah, UAE's cultural capital, SPC Free Zone offers a one-stop platform to create and sell both locally and internationally, with key distribution perks within this strategic location.

The network of government entities and publishing organisations provides publishers with access to a nurturing ecosystem designed specifically for publishers, writers, and similar creators.

Government Initiatives

Sharjah, the UAE's cultural capital, is an industrial and education hub, making it the preferred location for publishers globally. SPC Free Zone has curated a nurturing ecosystem for publishers, writers, and other similar creators.

Key Government-Backed Features

• UAE Cultural Capital: Sharjah's status as the cultural center of the UAE
• Print on Demand (POD) Service: Dedicated POD facilities available
• Publishing Ecosystem: Comprehensive support infrastructure for publishing businesses
• UNESCO World Book Capital: Recognition and support from international cultural organizations

Private Partnerships

Emirates Publisher Association (EPA)

The Emirates Publisher Association is a non-profit organisation with a goal rooted in developing the UAE's publishing industry.

EPA Benefits for Publishers

1. Publishers get significant exposure in the local and international market
2. Helps publishers connect with some of the largest names in the industry

EPA Membership for SPCFZ License Holders

EPA membership requirements mandate that the company should be owned by an Emirati national holding not less than 51% of its shares. However, a publisher licensed with SPCFZ can register as a member, regardless of the business owner's nationality.

Lightning Source Sharjah

Lightning Source Sharjah and Sharjah Book Authority have established a joint venture to operate a Lightning Source Print On Demand (POD) facility at SPC Free Zone.

Lightning Source POD Services

This partnership provides a superior printing and distribution service for publishers and retail channels in the Gulf region and the Middle East, allowing them to cater to consumer demands and reach readers worldwide.

Lightning Source can:

1. Support publishers by making their titles accessible to millions of readers locally and globally, supplying books to more than 40,000 libraries worldwide
2. Help publishers balance and effectively manage consumer demand, affordable distributions, and print runs
3. Reduce challenges associated with estimating demand for titles and efficiently scaling print volumes

Business Setup Services

Start Your Business

• Customer Portal: Online portal for business management
• Pay as You Go: Flexible payment options
• Cost Calculator: Calculate business setup costs
• Invest in Sharjah: Investment opportunities
• Name Check: Business name availability verification
• Business Setup Guide: Comprehensive setup guidance
• Business Activities: Available business activity options
• Refer & Earn: Referral program

SPC Plus Value-Added Services

• Corporate Banking Assistance: Support with corporate banking setup
• Spouse and Dependent Visa: Visa processing services
• VIP Medical: Medical services and Emirates ID
• Documentation: Document processing assistance
• Custom Code: Customs code services
• SPC Finance: Financial services
• Virtual Receptionist: Virtual receptionist services
• Coworking Space: Shared workspace facilities
• Dedicated Account Manager: Personalized account management

Additional Resources

Insights

• Blogs: Industry insights and updates
• Activity Hub: Business activity information
• Featured In: Media coverage and recognition
• FAQs: Frequently asked questions

Partner Opportunities

• Become a Channel Partner: Partnership opportunities
• Channel Partner Portal: Dedicated portal for partners
• Corporate Partnerships: Corporate collaboration opportunities

Contact Information

Get in Touch

• Contact Details: Direct contact information available
• Careers: Employment opportunities
• Customer Feedback: Feedback submission options

Additional Information

• About Us: Company information
• Rules and Regulations: Regulatory framework
• Announcements: Official announcements and updates
• Publishers Hub: Dedicated publisher listing and resources

International Business Setup

• Business setup in UAE from UK
• Business setup in UAE from India
• Business Ideas in UAE

Language Options

Content available in English and Arabic (العربية)