As UK businesses increasingly look beyond Europe for global growth, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gaining attention as a strategic springboard. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone), is becoming a magnet for British firms looking to scale across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ is one of the fastest-growing in the region In today’s dynamic international landscape, British businesses are recognised for their innovation, quality, and ambition. Forward-thinking SMEs and corporates alike are seeking agile, cost-effective global bases that offer long-term growth, regulatory stability, and access to new markets. Gateway to high-potential markets Located in the northernmost part of the UAE and just 45 minutes from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah offers a highly strategic location at the crossroads of major trade corridors. Its flagship economic zone, RAKEZ, is one of the fastest-growing in the region, home to more than 30,000 companies from over 100 countries and active across 50 sectors. RAKEZ provides a seamless business set-up experience, complete with ready-built offices, warehouses, industrial land, and on-site staff accommodation. Incorporation is often completed in days, and business packages typically include UAE residence visas for investors and their families. A suite of value-added services—from recruitment and banking support to marketing, admin, and e-commerce solutions—further simplifies the process. The appeal extends well beyond convenience. Ras Al Khaimah offers a quality lifestyle with access to international schools, modern healthcare, and affordable housing. It consistently ranks among the world’s safest places to live and work and boasts no personal income tax. A proven industrial base for UK companies RAKEZ is also a preferred choice for manufacturers and logistics providers, thanks to its dedicated industrial zones equipped with land for development, built-to-suit facilities, and labour accommodation. With direct access to UAE ports and airports—and soon, the Etihad Rail network—RAKEZ is well-positioned for efficient regional and global supply chain operations. In 2024 alone, RAKEZ registered 13,000 new companies—a 66% increase from the previous year—underscoring its growing appeal among international investors. The economic zone is home to more than 3,200 British entrepreneurs and investors More than 3,200 British entrepreneurs and investors are already thriving within this ecosystem. Hampshire-based global tea producer Ahmad Tea operates a major regional facility at RAKEZ, producing 22 million tea bags daily using blends sourced from India and Sri Lanka. The company exports to over 80 countries, showcasing RAKEZ’s capacity to support high-volume, global operations. Portsmouth’s A2C, a laptop remanufacturer built on a circular economy model, recently expanded its state-of-the-art facility in the zone with an AED 8 million investment. It now produces 50,000 remanufactured laptops monthly and holds a BSI Kitemark Certification for sustainable production. British specialist Spatial Composite, which manufactures aircraft cabin crew training equipment, relocated its base to RAKEZ in 2009. Today, its simulators serve clients across Asia and the United States. Meanwhile, UK-headquartered social enterprise Waste to Wonder repurposes surplus corporate furniture for donation to schools and charities around the world, reflecting RAKEZ’s appeal to businesses with strong ESG values. Stable and diversified economy backing long-term growth Ras Al Khaimah has maintained an A-range sovereign credit rating from global agencies for over 15 consecutive years, further reinforcing its status as a secure and stable investment destination. The emirate’s economy is among the most diversified in the region, with no single sector accounting for more than one-third of its GDP. This balance provides long-term resilience and stability for businesses setting up in Ras Al Khaimah. UK-UAE trade on the rise Glimpse of a British Chamber event hosted at RAKEZ coworking centre This shift aligns with broader trends in UK-UAE economic ties. The UAE-UK trade relationship recently hit £23.4 billion, with ongoing development across sectors such as investment, health, energy, education, space, tourism, food security, and technology. As discussions around a UK-GCC free trade agreement progress, the pathway for British companies to expand into the region is becoming even smoother. An emerging hub for sustainable, global growth As global competition sharpens, UK businesses are recognising the value of agile, cost-effective hubs like RAKEZ to future-proof their operations. With strategic access to high-growth markets, investor-first services, and a strong track record of success, Ras Al Khaimah is fast becoming a smart base for Britain’s next wave of international expansion.
As UK businesses increasingly look beyond Europe for global growth, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gaining attention as a strategic springboard. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone), is becoming a magnet for British firms looking to scale across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Located in Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ is one of the fastest-growing in the region
In today’s dynamic international landscape, British businesses are recognised for their innovation, quality, and ambition. Forward-thinking SMEs and corporates alike are seeking agile, cost-effective global bases that offer long-term growth, regulatory stability, and access to new markets.
Located in the northernmost part of the UAE and just 45 minutes from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah offers a highly strategic location at the crossroads of major trade corridors. Its flagship economic zone, RAKEZ, is one of the fastest-growing in the region, home to more than 30,000 companies from over 100 countries and active across 50 sectors.
RAKEZ provides a seamless business set-up experience, complete with ready-built offices, warehouses, industrial land, and on-site staff accommodation. Incorporation is often completed in days, and business packages typically include UAE residence visas for investors and their families. A suite of value-added services—from recruitment and banking support to marketing, admin, and e-commerce solutions—further simplifies the process.
The appeal extends well beyond convenience. Ras Al Khaimah offers a quality lifestyle with access to international schools, modern healthcare, and affordable housing. It consistently ranks among the world’s safest places to live and work and boasts no personal income tax.
RAKEZ is also a preferred choice for manufacturers and logistics providers, thanks to its dedicated industrial zones equipped with land for development, built-to-suit facilities, and labour accommodation.
With direct access to UAE ports and airports—and soon, the Etihad Rail network—RAKEZ is well-positioned for efficient regional and global supply chain operations.
In 2024 alone, RAKEZ registered 13,000 new companies—a 66% increase from the previous year—underscoring its growing appeal among international investors.
The economic zone is home to more than 3,200 British entrepreneurs and investors
More than 3,200 British entrepreneurs and investors are already thriving within this ecosystem. Hampshire-based global tea producer Ahmad Tea operates a major regional facility at RAKEZ, producing 22 million tea bags daily using blends sourced from India and Sri Lanka. The company exports to over 80 countries, showcasing RAKEZ’s capacity to support high-volume, global operations. Portsmouth’s A2C, a laptop remanufacturer built on a circular economy model, recently expanded its state-of-the-art facility in the zone with an AED 8 million investment. It now produces 50,000 remanufactured laptops monthly and holds a BSI Kitemark Certification for sustainable production.
British specialist Spatial Composite, which manufactures aircraft cabin crew training equipment, relocated its base to RAKEZ in 2009. Today, its simulators serve clients across Asia and the United States. Meanwhile, UK-headquartered social enterprise Waste to Wonder repurposes surplus corporate furniture for donation to schools and charities around the world, reflecting RAKEZ’s appeal to businesses with strong ESG values.
Ras Al Khaimah has maintained an A-range sovereign credit rating from global agencies for over 15 consecutive years, further reinforcing its status as a secure and stable investment destination.
The emirate’s economy is among the most diversified in the region, with no single sector accounting for more than one-third of its GDP. This balance provides long-term resilience and stability for businesses setting up in Ras Al Khaimah.
Glimpse of a British Chamber event hosted at RAKEZ coworking centre
This shift aligns with broader trends in UK-UAE economic ties. The UAE-UK trade relationship recently hit £23.4 billion, with ongoing development across sectors such as investment, health, energy, education, space, tourism, food security, and technology. As discussions around a UK-GCC free trade agreement progress, the pathway for British companies to expand into the region is becoming even smoother.
As global competition sharpens, UK businesses are recognising the value of agile, cost-effective hubs like RAKEZ to future-proof their operations. With strategic access to high-growth markets, investor-first services, and a strong track record of success, Ras Al Khaimah is fast becoming a smart base for Britain’s next wave of international expansion.
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