Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a thriving business and industrial hub located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Established in 2017, RAKEZ was created through the merger of two successful free zones—Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA). The goal was to streamline operations and create a one-stop solution for businesses looking to set up and expand in Ras Al Khaimah. Since its inception, RAKEZ has played a pivotal role in transforming the emirate into a global investment destination.

Strategic Location and Accessibility

RAKEZ benefits from its strategic location in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE's northernmost emirates. Situated close to major shipping routes, it offers easy access to key markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. RAKEZ is only an hour’s drive from Dubai and has excellent connectivity through seaports, airports, and road networks, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for global businesses.

Ras Al Khaimah’s proximity to key transportation hubs like the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and the Jebel Ali Port in Dubai further enhances its appeal for companies engaged in international trade and logistics.

Wide Range of Business Activities

RAKEZ caters to a wide variety of industries, offering customized solutions for businesses of all sizes. The zone supports five core sectors:

1. Manufacturing: RAKEZ is home to numerous manufacturing companies involved in industries such as steel, plastics, construction materials, and food processing. The zone offers facilities tailored for light and heavy industries, including warehouses, open yards, and industrial land for large-scale production.

2. Trading: RAKEZ provides a cost-effective environment for traders involved in importing, exporting, and re-exporting goods. The business-friendly infrastructure and access to major regional markets make it an ideal location for international trade.

3. Services: RAKEZ supports service-based businesses like consultancy, marketing, IT services, and legal firms by offering flexible office spaces and business support.

4. Logistics: The economic zone is a hub for logistics and warehousing companies that benefit from the proximity to major transportation networks and a seamless supply chain infrastructure.

5. Educational Services: RAKEZ also offers facilities and licenses for education-related businesses, from vocational institutes to training centers.

The diversity of industries in RAKEZ ensures that businesses can benefit from a collaborative ecosystem, contributing to the dynamic economy of Ras Al Khaimah.

Free Zone and Non-Free Zone Solutions

One of RAKEZ’s key features is the flexibility it offers businesses in choosing between free zone and non-free zone company setups:

• Free Zone: Businesses that opt for the free zone model enjoy 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits and capital, and tax exemptions on personal and corporate income. Free zone companies primarily engage in international trade and services, benefiting from customs duty exemptions for goods traded within the zone.

• Non-Free Zone: For businesses targeting the UAE’s domestic market, RAKEZ offers non-free zone licenses, allowing companies to operate freely across the UAE. This model provides investors with the flexibility to expand their operations locally while benefiting from competitive setup costs.

Customizable Facilities and Infrastructure

RAKEZ provides a wide range of flexible and customizable facilities to meet the specific needs of businesses, whether they are startups, SMEs, or large corporations. These include:

• Office Spaces: RAKEZ offers furnished and unfurnished offices, shared workspaces, and executive offices for companies in need of a professional business environment. The wide range of options allows companies to scale their workspace as their business grows.

• Industrial Facilities: For manufacturing and industrial companies, RAKEZ offers warehouses, storage units, and custom-built industrial spaces. The zone also provides large plots of land for businesses seeking to build their own factories and production facilities.

• Logistics and Warehousing: With state-of-the-art warehouses and logistic hubs, RAKEZ offers solutions for companies needing storage and distribution facilities. The zone’s advanced logistics infrastructure ensures that goods are easily transported to key regional and global markets.

• Customized Solutions: RAKEZ works closely with businesses to provide bespoke solutions, such as custom-built warehouses or office spaces, ensuring that companies can operate efficiently and grow in a space tailored to their needs.

Business Support and Incentives

RAKEZ is known for its business-friendly environment, offering a range of support services and incentives to facilitate company setup and growth:

• Simplified Licensing and Setup: RAKEZ offers an easy and fast business setup process, providing a wide variety of licenses, including commercial, industrial, professional, and educational. The economic zone’s business setup packages cater to companies at different stages of growth, from startups to large enterprises.

• Cost-Effective Solutions: One of RAKEZ’s major advantages is its affordability compared to other free zones in the UAE. The economic zone offers competitive pricing on office spaces, industrial facilities, and business licenses, making it an attractive option for investors.

• One-Stop Shop Services: RAKEZ’s one-stop shop simplifies the entire business setup and administrative process, providing services like visa processing, licensing, document clearing, and government services, all under one roof.

• Government Collaboration: RAKEZ maintains strong ties with the government of Ras Al Khaimah, facilitating collaboration and ensuring that businesses receive the support they need to thrive. This close relationship enhances investor confidence and allows RAKEZ to offer solutions that are aligned with local regulations and global best practices.

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

RAKEZ is dedicated to sustainability and innovation, aiming to create a modern and eco-friendly business environment. The economic zone has introduced several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, such as energy-efficient buildings, waste management programs, and green business practices. RAKEZ also encourages companies to embrace innovation by providing support for technology-driven businesses and startups.

A Gateway to Growth

With over 18,000 companies from over 100 countries, RAKEZ has become a hub for international investment and entrepreneurship. Its diverse business community includes multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups from a variety of industries. The combination of competitive business costs, world-class infrastructure, and a business-friendly regulatory environment makes RAKEZ an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand in the Middle East and beyond.

Conclusion

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a key player in the UAE’s business landscape, offering companies an environment where they can flourish. Its strategic location, flexible licensing options, cost-effective setup, and wide range of facilities make it an ideal destination for businesses looking to access the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. As Ras Al Khaimah continues to develop as a global business hub, RAKEZ is poised to play an even greater role in driving economic growth and attracting foreign investment to the region.