Why the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is the answer for Russian investors looking for global avenues and business growth In today’s dynamic global landscape, Russian businesses have carved a reputation for innovation, quality and ambition.Talented and creative business owners, investors and entrepreneurs are some of the key drivers behind this. To bolster their success, Russian entrepreneurs are increasingly looking to “go global” by tapping into promising international markets, sectors and talent. RAKEZ headquarters Gateway to growth As investors from Russia seek new avenues for growth, there is one part of the world rapidly emerging as a beacon of opportunity, offering a strategic gateway to tap into the MENA and Asia markets and beyond. That place is Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and home to Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), one of the largest and fastest-growing economic zones in the region. The UAE today stands as Russia’s primary foreign economic partner in the Arab world, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 10 billion in 2024 — a testament to the growing ties and business potential between the two nations. Against this backdrop, RAKEZ is playing a key role in deepening these relations, especially for industrial and logistical players. A one-stop solution for all your business needs and a welcoming home Located just a 45-minute drive from Dubai, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, offers a robust infrastructure and a supportive ecosystem, making it an attractive destination for global businesses. As a preferred business hub, it hosts over 50,000 multinational companies, out of which 30,000 are based in RAKEZ. The economic zone provides cost-effective set-up packages, modern facilities including coworking spaces, offices, warehouses, industrial land and on-site labour accommodations, and first-class services tailored to meet the diverse needs of investors and entrepreneurs. For manufacturers in particular, RAKEZ presents a scalable, cost-efficient platform with dedicated industrial zones catering to both light and heavy manufacturing sectors, such as automotive, metals, chemicals and building materials. These sector-specific zones promote clustering, enabling businesses to benefit from shared services, streamlined supply chains, and operational synergies. Adding to its appeal, Ras Al Khaimah is naturally rich in key raw materials including limestone, gypsum, clay, and aggregates. This abundance has positioned the emirate as a hub for heavy industries such as cement, ceramics, and quarrying — making it especially attractive to manufacturers looking to source materials locally and reduce supply chain costs. RAKEZ also facilitates a smooth and fast-tracked journey from set-up to full-scale production. Investors gain access to a wide range of industrial land options, open yards, and ready-to-move-in facilities — all supported by integrated solutions including licensing, visa services, and leasing via a one-stop shop model. Setting up a UAE business with RAKEZ is a one-stop affair, typically taking between a few hours to two to three days, depending on the business activity and company structure. Additionally, business owners in the UAE are eligible for UAE residence visas and can secure visas for their family members through several RAKEZ business set-up packages that include visa provisions. Moreover, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich pool of local and multinational talent, and businesses in the UAE have the flexibility to outsource their workforce from most parts of the world. To ensure steady support for business growth, the economic zone also offers a suite of value-added services to ease operations. For example, its experts assist investors in opening both corporate and personal bank accounts with leading banks in the UAE, simplifying financial transactions. In addition to fostering business growth, RAKEZ assists individuals and families in integrating into the community by offering a variety of high-quality housing options and world-class amenities. These include international educational institutions, healthcare services and a wealth of entertainment and adventure opportunities suitable for all ages. Ras Al Khaimah is recognised as one of the safest places in the world to visit, live and work, with a high safety index rating (88.88 out of 100) and a low crime index (11.12). The emirate boasts a highly skilled workforce, excellent quality of life, no personal income tax and a lower cost of living than the UAE’s national average, making it an ideal destination for both professional and personal fulfilment. A business-friendly zone for any size or sector RAKEZ stands as a leading example of a business-friendly ecosystem by nurturing and supporting foreign investors, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs, as well as manufacturing giants, while providing easy access to global markets. Its attractive offering includes 100% foreign ownership of companies, 0% personal tax, 0% withholding tax, one of the world’s lowest corporate tax rates capped at 9% (as applicable), 5% VAT and 100% repatriation of capital and profits. Additionally, RAKEZ’s competitive land leasing rates, affordable utilities, and tailored packages for businesses of all sizes make it a compelling proposition for Russian manufacturers looking to establish or expand their MENA footprint. The economic zone’s industrial platform is also bolstered by multi-modal connectivity and infrastructure linkages, including proximity to Ras Al Khaimah Ports, major UAE airports, and the underway Etihad Rail network—enhancing logistical efficiencies for manufacturers and exporters alike. Around 1,200 Russian enterprises—including prominent names such as law firm EPAM; metal repairer and fabricator and welding equipment, transformers, and control panel supplier WGS Middle East; autonomous vehicle converter BaseTrack; wire manufacturer Aeris Stream Copper; and, tobacco and tobacco product producer and distributor Global Tobacco—all operate successfully under the RAKEZ business community and have flourished in the region with the economic zone’s support. At the centre of a strong, resilient and diversified economy The growing emirate of Ras Al Khaimah itself offers a wide array of investment opportunities across various sectors and the MENA region. The economy is characterised by its resilience and diversification, where no single sector contributes more than one-third to GDP. Having been consistently rated in the A range by international ratings agencies for over 15 years, and forecast to enjoy continued growth, Ras Al Khaimah is an attractive destination for investors seeking stability and prosperity. The emirate benefits from its position within the wider UAE ecosystem, which last year was listed among the top ten most competitive countries in the world. Driving growth opportunities for a hub of over 30,000 businesses At the forefront of innovation and economic progress, RAKEZ continues to drive growth and development in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate’s strategic location, coupled with its flourishing tourism, hospitality, real estate, manufacturing, logistics, construction, advanced technology and digital assets sectors, positions it as a hub of opportunity and a strategic choice for businesses to set up shop. In 2024, RAKEZ welcomed 13,000 new companies, marking a significant 66% increase in new company registrations compared to 2023. With optimistic growth forecasts, Ras Al Khaimah presents Russian investors with an entryway to new opportunities and unparalleled expansion prospects. A prosperous future Progressing towards a future of prosperity and opportunity, Ras Al Khaimah emerges as a strategic destination set for growth and success. Simultaneously, RAKEZ’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment make it an ideal partner for Russian businesses seeking to expand globally. With 2025 heralding a new era of economic potential, RAKEZ is extending an invitation to Russian investors to join its flourishing ecosystem, expand their businesses internationally and be part of a rising economy built for industrial excellence and logistical efficiency.
Why the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is the answer for Russian investors looking for global avenues and business growth
In today’s dynamic global landscape, Russian businesses have carved a reputation for innovation, quality and ambition.Talented and creative business owners, investors and entrepreneurs are some of the key drivers behind this. To bolster their success, Russian entrepreneurs are increasingly looking to “go global” by tapping into promising international markets, sectors and talent.
RAKEZ headquarters
As investors from Russia seek new avenues for growth, there is one part of the world rapidly emerging as a beacon of opportunity, offering a strategic gateway to tap into the MENA and Asia markets and beyond. That place is Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and home to Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), one of the largest and fastest-growing economic zones in the region.
The UAE today stands as Russia’s primary foreign economic partner in the Arab world, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 10 billion in 2024 — a testament to the growing ties and business potential between the two nations. Against this backdrop, RAKEZ is playing a key role in deepening these relations, especially for industrial and logistical players.
Located just a 45-minute drive from Dubai, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, offers a robust infrastructure and a supportive ecosystem, making it an attractive destination for global businesses. As a preferred business hub, it hosts over 50,000 multinational companies, out of which 30,000 are based in RAKEZ.
The economic zone provides cost-effective set-up packages, modern facilities including coworking spaces, offices, warehouses, industrial land and on-site labour accommodations, and first-class services tailored to meet the diverse needs of investors and entrepreneurs.
For manufacturers in particular, RAKEZ presents a scalable, cost-efficient platform with dedicated industrial zones catering to both light and heavy manufacturing sectors, such as automotive, metals, chemicals and building materials. These sector-specific zones promote clustering, enabling businesses to benefit from shared services, streamlined supply chains, and operational synergies.
Adding to its appeal, Ras Al Khaimah is naturally rich in key raw materials including limestone, gypsum, clay, and aggregates. This abundance has positioned the emirate as a hub for heavy industries such as cement, ceramics, and quarrying — making it especially attractive to manufacturers looking to source materials locally and reduce supply chain costs.
RAKEZ also facilitates a smooth and fast-tracked journey from set-up to full-scale production. Investors gain access to a wide range of industrial land options, open yards, and ready-to-move-in facilities — all supported by integrated solutions including licensing, visa services, and leasing via a one-stop shop model.
Setting up a UAE business with RAKEZ is a one-stop affair, typically taking between a few hours to two to three days, depending on the business activity and company structure. Additionally, business owners in the UAE are eligible for UAE residence visas and can secure visas for their family members through several RAKEZ business set-up packages that include visa provisions.
Moreover, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich pool of local and multinational talent, and businesses in the UAE have the flexibility to outsource their workforce from most parts of the world. To ensure steady support for business growth, the economic zone also offers a suite of value-added services to ease operations. For example, its experts assist investors in opening both corporate and personal bank accounts with leading banks in the UAE, simplifying financial transactions.
In addition to fostering business growth, RAKEZ assists individuals and families in integrating into the community by offering a variety of high-quality housing options and world-class amenities. These include international educational institutions, healthcare services and a wealth of entertainment and adventure opportunities suitable for all ages. Ras Al Khaimah is recognised as one of the safest places in the world to visit, live and work, with a high safety index rating (88.88 out of 100) and a low crime index (11.12). The emirate boasts a highly skilled workforce, excellent quality of life, no personal income tax and a lower cost of living than the UAE’s national average, making it an ideal destination for both professional and personal fulfilment.
RAKEZ stands as a leading example of a business-friendly ecosystem by nurturing and supporting foreign investors, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs, as well as manufacturing giants, while providing easy access to global markets.
Its attractive offering includes 100% foreign ownership of companies, 0% personal tax, 0% withholding tax, one of the world’s lowest corporate tax rates capped at 9% (as applicable), 5% VAT and 100% repatriation of capital and profits.
Additionally, RAKEZ’s competitive land leasing rates, affordable utilities, and tailored packages for businesses of all sizes make it a compelling proposition for Russian manufacturers looking to establish or expand their MENA footprint. The economic zone’s industrial platform is also bolstered by multi-modal connectivity and infrastructure linkages, including proximity to Ras Al Khaimah Ports, major UAE airports, and the underway Etihad Rail network—enhancing logistical efficiencies for manufacturers and exporters alike.
Around 1,200 Russian enterprises—including prominent names such as law firm EPAM; metal repairer and fabricator and welding equipment, transformers, and control panel supplier WGS Middle East; autonomous vehicle converter BaseTrack; wire manufacturer Aeris Stream Copper; and, tobacco and tobacco product producer and distributor Global Tobacco—all operate successfully under the RAKEZ business community and have flourished in the region with the economic zone’s support.
The growing emirate of Ras Al Khaimah itself offers a wide array of investment opportunities across various sectors and the MENA region. The economy is characterised by its resilience and diversification, where no single sector contributes more than one-third to GDP. Having been consistently rated in the A range by international ratings agencies for over 15 years, and forecast to enjoy continued growth, Ras Al Khaimah is an attractive destination for investors seeking stability and prosperity. The emirate benefits from its position within the wider UAE ecosystem, which last year was listed among the top ten most competitive countries in the world.
At the forefront of innovation and economic progress, RAKEZ continues to drive growth and development in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate’s strategic location, coupled with its flourishing tourism, hospitality, real estate, manufacturing, logistics, construction, advanced technology and digital assets sectors, positions it as a hub of opportunity and a strategic choice for businesses to set up shop. In 2024, RAKEZ welcomed 13,000 new companies, marking a significant 66% increase in new company registrations compared to 2023. With optimistic growth forecasts, Ras Al Khaimah presents Russian investors with an entryway to new opportunities and unparalleled expansion prospects.
Progressing towards a future of prosperity and opportunity, Ras Al Khaimah emerges as a strategic destination set for growth and success. Simultaneously, RAKEZ’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment make it an ideal partner for Russian businesses seeking to expand globally.
With 2025 heralding a new era of economic potential, RAKEZ is extending an invitation to Russian investors to join its flourishing ecosystem, expand their businesses internationally and be part of a rising economy built for industrial excellence and logistical efficiency.
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