Your guide to the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is one of the country’s leading industrial and business hubs. Companies in RAKEZ enjoy numerous facilities, including well-developed infrastructure, business-friendly policies and different licences. Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location is a significant advantage as it connects investors to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), South Asia, Central Asia and Europe. While many consider this commercial hub a freezone, RAKEZ offers both types of licences for operating companies. Here’s an overview of the different business operations and a list of companies in RAKEZ.
WHY INVEST IN RAKEZ?
Companies that invest in RAKEZ have some distinct advantages.
- A choice of operating as a non-free zone or a free zone entity
- Efficient and fast business set-up processes
- Ideal location for businesses with global footprints
- One-stop shop for services administrated by the government
- Portal 360 – A self-service online portal for clients
- Connectivity to major highways allows ease of commute to RAK International Airport and other emirates
- Flexibility to modify or build facilities as per the requirement of the business
- On-site labour accommodation
- Availability of leased land to build accommodation for workers/officers
While many Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone companies provide accommodation to their staff, rental flats in Al Seer are good alternatives. Similarly, family-friendly rental villas in Al Hamra are only a 15-minute drive away for those working in RAKEZ companies.
SETTING UP A BUSINESS IN RAKEZ
The authorities have also simplified the business set-up process in RAKEZ. If you are keen on setting up a business in RAKEZ, three main steps are involved.
- Book a consultation with the setup experts.
- Identify and select the legal entity, facilities required and licence type.
- Complete the application and ensure every requirement is fulfilled. Government entities such as Civil Defense, Immigration, the Department of Economic Development, Customs Department, Environment Protection and Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce have set standards and requirements. RAKEZ’s team of experts will advise new business owners and investors on matching their needs.
RAKEZ will issue the licence, registration documents and bank letters once all the requirements have been adhered to, and subsequently, the visa application process will start.
INDUSTRY PORTFOLIO
If one looks at the list of companies in RAKEZ, it reflects the diversity of companies operating in this economic zone. There are companies from more than 50 industries operating here.
Here’s a list of the most represented industries in RAKEZ:
- Automotive and Parts
- Glass and Ceramic Products
- Pharmaceuticals
- Plastics and Rubber
- Industrial Machine
- Cement and Cement Products
- Paper and Paper Products
- Packing & Packaging
- Chemical Products
- Precious Stones
- Electrical Equipment Appliances
- Robotics
- Food
- Wood & Furniture
TOP COMPANIES IN RAKEZ
There are more than 15,000 companies in RAKEZ. Here’s a list of some prominent companies in RAKEZ:
- Al Nuaimi Group
- Arc
- Coca Cola
- Emirates Snack Foods
- Gates
- Ahmed Tea
- Ashok Leyland
- Continental Oils & Lubricants
- Flexitallic
- HRC
- Almarai
- Badeal
- Erith Group
- Dabur
- Fala Group
- Falcon
- Freij Entertainment
- Filatech Industries
- Ahmad Tea
- IAG
- Alicafe
- CEEM
- E & I Engineering Group
- Guardian
- Italfood
- Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries
- Nice touch
- Polyinds
- SHC
- Thomas & McQuaid
- Kersten Middle East
- Mahindra Emirates Vehicle Armouring
- ORF
- RAK Ceramics
- Spatial
- Kirby Building Systems
- MESC
- Pioneer
- RAK Precast
- SPT
- UGT
- KNAUF
- Minotti
- Pioneer Cement Industries
- Saver Glass
- Sparklo
- Swedinox
- Streit Group
- UNIKAI
RAKEZ ZONES
RAKEZ is subdivided into six different zones. Each RAKEZ zone focuses on a specific area with dedicated facilities for each business type. The complete list of companies in RAKEZ adds up to 15,000 companies in 50 different sectors.
AL GHAIL INDUSTRIAL ZONE – INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING
This zone is where all large-scale industrial manufacturing companies of RAKEZ operate.
What’s unique about this trade zone is that investors can set up a free zone or non-free zone entity. The district is ideal because companies can acquire a large space for manufacturing and processing activities.
This zone is also located close to Dubai and Sharjah. With the highways connecting RAK to other parts of the UAE, the daily commute is not a problem. Visas for investors and employees and the availability of labour accommodation make it an attractive proposition for foreign companies.
AL HAMRA INDUSTRIAL ZONE
Al Hamra Business Zone is an industrial hub. Investors can operate as a free zone or non-free zone entity. Its location is ideal, with proximity to the city and easy connectivity to the RAK International Airport and Dubai.
Another advantage is that companies can fit their facilities to suit their business needs. Companies can also build accommodation units for their workers on leased lands.
RAKEZ ACADEMIC ZONE – ACADEMIA
As the name suggests, this zone hosts educational institutes and services linked to academics. Several top educational institutes have opened up campuses here in a short period.
The list includes the Birla Institute of Technology, the University of West London, the Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, the University of Bolton, Northwood University, Bath Spa University, the University of Stirling and SBS Swiss Business School.
As you can see, these are some of the best universities in RAK. These institutes help prepare the workforce for the future by delivering exceptional training for professional development. Depending on the requirements, institutes can work on purpose-built campuses or start operations in prebuilt spaces.
AL HULAILA INDUSTRIAL ZONE – INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING
Al Hulaila Industrial Zone is dedicated to heavy-duty manufacturing companies. The regulations allow the construction of facilities according to the requirements of a particular business. This aspect is crucial because companies often find it challenging to modify buildings as needed. Land plot sizes start from 2,500 sq.m., while warehouses as small as 150 sq.m. are available here.
Similarly, its proximity to Saqr Port makes it attractive for businesses as it is one of the biggest ports in the MENA region. Availability of on-site staff and labour accommodation offer enormous benefits for companies setting up their offices in RAKEZ.
AL NAKHEEL BUSINESS ZONE – SMES
Al Nakheel Business Zone is dedicated to startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The availability of high-speed internet, advanced telecom infrastructure, 24-hour security and shared and private working spaces make it an ideal place for small and medium businesses to operate.
AL HAMRA BUSINESS ZONE
Al Hamra Business Zone allows companies to have a commercial presence away from the main city. It gives them easy access to logistical hubs, retail establishments, premier leisure spots and residential developments. Companies can work from shared workstations and offices or rent small to medium-sized private offices.
FAQS ABOUT RAKEZ
WHAT TYPE OF LICENCES ARE OFFERED TO BUSINESSES IN RAKEZ?
Businesses operating at RAKEZ can apply for a wide range of business licences.
- Commercial
- Educational
- E-Commerce
- General Trading
- Individual
- Industrial
- Media
- Professional
- Service
- Freelancer Permit
HOW CAN I CONTACT THE RAKEZ OFFICES?
RAKEZ liaison offices are located within the UAE and in Germany and India. Investors and business persons can call or visit any of these offices to inquire about doing business in RAKEZ.
- UAE
- Headquarters: Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah | RAKEZ contact number 800-72539
- Service Centre: Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah
- Compass Coworking Space: Al Shohada Road, Street C – Al Hamra Area, Ras Al Khaimah
- Business Centre Dubai: Boulevard Plaza Tower 2 (Floor 22), Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai |+971-4-704-1888
- GoBusiness Abu Dhabi: West Tower (Floor 1), Abu Dhabi Mall, Abu Dhabi | +971-2-699-4888
- GoBusiness Dubai: Office NO 2203/2204, Floor 22, Boulevard Plaza Tower 2, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai
- Business Centre Germany: Hansaring 1, 50670 Cologne, Germany | +492-2-1570-8650
- Business Centre India: Capital Building (No. 202, Floor 2), Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, India | +91-22-4973-5646
The UAE Government is focused on further diversification. Hence, economic zones like RAKEZ have been set up with business-friendly policies. Many foreign investors also open companies in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone to take advantage of the lower operational cost.
The government’s overall strategy and business-friendly policies have proven beneficial for many companies in RAK. The long list of companies in the RAKEZ free zone reflects this.
There are several other commercial zones in the UAE which you can consider, depending on your business needs. Top companies in Dubai Investments Park prefer the area because of its proximity to the Jebel Ali Port. Well-known companies in DAFZA find the location convenient because of quick access to the Dubai International Airport. Similarly, companies in JLT have immediate access to Jebel Ali Port. At the same time, the Dubai Industrial City has fostered close to hundreds of startups.
Are you looking for a business opportunity in the UAE? Head to MyBayut to learn all about UAE market dynamics.
