The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the most popular choices among entrepreneurs and business owners. Whether you are looking to set up a new company, or want to expand your existing business, the UAE is generally the first choice that comes to mind. It is for all the right reasons. The minimal taxation, ease of doing business, amazing infrastructure and supportive government are among the many reasons that you would want to start a business in the UAE. In its bid to promote businesses and their growth, the UAE has also set up various free zones that offer special economic incentives to businesses in the area. But with more than 40 free zones in the UAE, there is a good chance you might get confused while choosing a free zone for your business. There is no direct comparison between the UAE free zones as all of them are the best for specific requirements. In this article, we will discuss the strategic advantages offered by the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), one of the premier free zones in the UAE, for all business owners. It will also give you clarity on the differences between setting up a business in RAKEZ and other free zones in the UAE.
1. Strategic location The UAE is already located at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and Asia, offering businesses great connectivity with the rest of the world. This advantage gets further amplified if you decide to start a business in RAKEZ. Ras Al Khaimah is one of the northern emirates and has a vast shoreline. It means you get superior connectivity for trade through the sea routes. RAKEZ consists of 5 seaports, including Saqr Port, which is the largest bulk port in the Middle East. Along with these seaports, RAKEZ also offers great connectivity through roads and airways. Most businesses operating in RAKEZ enjoy extremely smooth supply chain operations because of the great transportation infrastructure of the zone. 2. Opportunity for a wide range of business activities To set up and run a business in a UAE free zone, you need to obtain valid business licences for your specific business activities. Since each free zone allows only a certain set of business activities, it becomes one of the most important criteria for choosing a business location. RAKEZ is among the select few free zones that allow for a wide range of business activities. For instance, here are some of the categories under which you can get a business licence for a free zone business activity: - Commercial - Educational - E-commerce - General trading - Individual/Professional - Industrial - Media - Service - Freelancer permit It’s highly likely that your intended business activity falls into one of these categories. 3. Presence of specialised zones A business rarely prospers alone. A successful business is usually part of a thriving ecosystem. At RAKEZ, you get to choose from specialised zones that cater to specific businesses. Following are the 6 specialised zones in RAKEZ: Al Ghail Industrial Zone: This is ideal for you if you are looking to establish a large-scale industrial enterprise in the UAE. Al Hamra Industrial Zone: It is a modern magnate for light industries as well as heavy industry projects. RAKEZ Academic Zone: It is home to international educational institutions and relevant service providers. Al Hulaila Industrial Zone: It is ideal for businesses that are more on the heavier side of industrial manufacturing. Al Nakheel Business Zone: It is a modern zone for SMEs and freelancers comprising world-class business centres. Al Hamra Business Zone: It is a specialised business zone perfectly located between the city centre and neighbouring emirates. 4. Provision to build on-site staff accommodations One huge advantage of setting up a business, especially an industry in RAKEZ is that there are provisions to build on-site staff accommodations. Features like these ensure improved productivity for your business. The convenient staff and labour accommodations also help you attract better talent, which can also be a strategic advantage in many cases. 5. One-stop shop for all government services Another key element to the success of most businesses is streamlined operations. At RAKEZ, processes are set up such that they offer the most convenience to business owners and stakeholders. There is a one-stop for all government services where you can accomplish more in less time and effort. At this central location, you can get access to services like: - Registration and leasing - Licence renewal - On-going business support - Visa services - Concierge services - Administrative assistance.
If you are considering establishing your business in RAKEZ, our team of experienced Business Development professionals is here to support you through the initial stages. They will work closely with you to create a customised package tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free set-up process. Contact us today to know more.
Q: What kind of activities are allowed in RAKEZ? A: At RAKEZ, there are hundreds of business activities ranging from over 50 sectors such as manufacturing, energy, technology, healthcare, aviation, shipping, education, media, professional services as well as personal and community services. To learn more about the activities, please click here. Q: What type of free zone licences does RAKEZ issue? A: ● Industrial: Manufacturing, importing, packaging and exporting products ● Commercial: Trading in services and goods ● Educational: Opening an education-related institution or a consultancy company ● E-commerce: Trading in goods and services via electronic means ● Individual/Professional: One owner with one activity in a specific speciality or expertise ● General Trading: Trading in multiple goods ● Media: Operating media-related business activities ● Service: Conducting services or consultancies across any industry Q: Why should I start a business in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)? A: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone offers numerous advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, fast and efficient business set-up processes, dedicated zones for specific business activities, on-site staff and labour accommodations and a one-stop shop for all government services. These benefits make it an ideal location for starting and growing your business. Q: What kind of living standards can I expect in Ras Al Khaimah? A: Ras Al Khaimah offers high-quality living standards with a 64 km coastline, an average temperature of 27℃, majestic mountains and a relaxed seaside environment. It also provides affordable housing, shopping malls, premium educational institutions and other amenities, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle while you oversee your business operations.
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