Sharjah Media City Partners with Ziina to Boost Digital Payments for SMEs
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Sharjah Media City Partners with Ziina to Boost Digital Payments for SMEs

The collaboration will provide businesses within the Shams ecosystem with advanced digital payment solutions.

4/30/2026
Ali Abounasr El Alaoui
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Sharjah Media City (Shams) has announced a strategic partnership with the UAE-based fintech platform, Ziina, to enhance the financial capabilities of businesses within its free zone. This collaboration is set to provide companies with access to advanced, secure, and efficient digital payment solutions. The initiative aligns with the United Arab Emirates' broader vision of advancing a cashless, digitally-driven economy for sustainable growth.


Fostering a Digital Business Ecosystem

The partnership underscores Shams' dedication to cultivating a comprehensive business environment tailored for entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By integrating modern financial technology, the free zone aims to accelerate the digital transformation of its member companies. This move is designed to enhance their market competitiveness and operational agility in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Rashid Sahoo, Director of Operations at Shams, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting business growth through innovation. He stated that the collaboration provides access to solutions that streamline daily transactions and boost operational efficiency. Through this initiative, Shams aims to deliver significant value to its clients and contribute to the nation's digital economic vision.

Expanding Innovative Payment Solutions

From Ziina's perspective, this alliance represents a significant milestone in its mission to expand its services across the seven emirates. Tomas Roberio, Head of Partnerships at Ziina, highlighted the importance of collaborating with a leading innovation hub like Shams. The partnership allows Ziina to extend its secure and seamless financial experiences to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs.

As a platform licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, Ziina will offer a mobile-first solution for managing payments. Businesses can easily send, receive, and manage funds, which simplifies their financial operations and improves the overall user experience. This integration provides a frictionless payment system that reinforces Ziina's commitment to empowering SMEs throughout the region.

A Strategic Incentive for Growth

To encourage the adoption of these new tools, the partnership includes an exclusive incentive for companies registered with Shams. New users will be offered AED 10,000 in fee-free transactions, allowing them to explore the platform without an initial financial commitment. This strategic offer is designed to lower the barrier to entry for adopting advanced digital payment systems.

This incentive provides a tangible benefit that directly supports the financial health of small and medium-sized enterprises. It enables businesses to modernize their payment infrastructure while managing costs effectively during critical growth phases. The offer demonstrates a shared commitment from both Shams and Ziina to foster a thriving and digitally-enabled business community.


This strategic collaboration between Sharjah Media City and Ziina marks a pivotal development for the region's business landscape. It provides companies with essential tools for digital financial management, directly aligning with the UAE's economic ambitions. Ultimately, the partnership strengthens Sharjah's status as a premier hub for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship in the modern era.