Published by: Finance Day What factors have driven the growth in companies registering within RAKEZ, and why are British firms choosing Ras Al Khaimah as their base? RAKEZ’s remarkable success has been driven by our efforts to create a business-friendly environment tailored to firms from all over the world of every size and sector. UK companies are particularly drawn by RAKEZ’s cost-effectiveness, in which operating costs are approximately 40% lower than other economic zones. Additionally, we offer seamless setup processes, 100% company ownership, full profit repatriation, and tailored support services such as visa processing and banking assistance. Another pull factor for British firms is our strategic location in the incredible Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, at the crossroads of major trade corridors connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are choosing to relocate here thanks to the Emirate’s favourable economy, including one of world’s lowest tax structures, making it financially attractive for businesses. Moreover, beyond economic advantages, Ras Al Khaimah offers an exceptional lifestyle, including affordable housing, modern healthcare, international schools, and a safe, family friendly community environment. Robust infrastructure, access to high-growth markets, and emerging sectors like luxury real estate and digital assets are further solidifying our position as an ideal hub for British businesses seeking global expansion. How does RAKEZ support British SMEs in manufacturing and engineering, and what specific incentives or services set it apart from other free zones? For British manufacturing and engineering SMEs specifically, RAKEZ provides dedicated industrial zones with customisable facilities designed to optimise production workflows. Our specialised industrial packages include purpose-built warehouses, developable land, and on-site technical support that addresses the unique challenges faced by manufacturing operations. British manufacturers like Manchester Paper Bags and JRL Fabrications have leveraged these tailored solutions to establish efficient production facilities that serve both regional and global markets. What truly sets RAKEZ apart from other free zones is our comprehensive ecosystem approach. Unlike competitors, we offer both free zone and non-free zone formations, fast-track processes, and end-to-end support services. Our recent construction projects prioritise sustainable infrastructure that enhances efficiency while reducing energy consumption—a critical consideration for forward-thinking manufacturers looking to minimise their environmental footprint. We also provide manufacturing SMEs with access to the upcoming RAK Central, the largest business district in the Northern Emirates, creating valuable networking opportunities with potential clients and partners. Our sophisticated ecosystem already encompasses more than 35,000 businesses from over 100 countries operating across 50+ sectors, fostering valuable networking and partnership possibilities throughout the region. This diverse business community, combined with the UAE’s standing as one of the world’s most competitive economies (projected by the IMF to grow 5.1% in 2025), provides the ideal environment for British companies looking to expand and leverage local and global connections. In what ways can Ras Al Khaimah serve as a strategic launchpad for UK businesses looking to expand into Asian and African markets? Asian and African markets, particularly considering that 31% of the world’s population resides within just four hours’ flying time from our dedicated RAK International Airport, granting easy access to other high-growth regions that represent the future of global economic development. For instance, Spatial Composite, a British company which manufactures aircraft cabin crew training equipment, arrived in RAKEZ in 2009 and now serves clients across Asia thanks to our impressive network. How is the recent UAE-UK trade alignment creating new prospects for companies in RAKEZ? We are proud of our 50+ year trade relationship with the UK, which has resulted in numerous opportunities for collaboration to date. The UK-UAE Sovereign Trade Agreement negotiations, initiated in 2022, represent a significant advancement in commercial relations. Negotiations are now being finalised, and just last month the UK government projected that the agreement could increase bilateral economic ties by 16% and add $10.8 billion to the region annually. This will create a framework for unprecedented cooperation between the two economies, of which the UAE is a major player. This landmark agreement will create transformative pathways for the logistics sector in particular, in both nations. With GCC demand for international products, goods and services projected to reach £800 billion by 2035, UK businesses in RAKEZ are ideally positioned to capitalise on this extraordinary growth trajectory. Further solidifying this partnership, the UK Department for Business and Trade signed a growth partnership agreement with Ras Al Khaimah last year to explore future trade and industry collaboration. Moreover, this alignment leverages established platforms like the UK-UAE Business Council, Joint Taskforce, and Joint Economic Committee, generating improved market access and reducing regulatory barriers for companies operating in RAKEZ. British companies can leverage our favourable trade relationship with the UK and benefit from unprecedented market access and reduced business barriers in Ras Al Khaimah and the wider UAE. What operational or regulatory advantages do UK firms gain by establishing in Ras Al Khaimah compared to other emirates? The UAE maintains its status as one of the most competitive and highly advanced economies in the world and has so much to offer to international businesses looking to move abroad. While each Emirate provides unique benefits within this ecosystem, Ras Al Khaimah offers distinct operational advantages that complement the UAE’s overall business environment. For example, our highly diversified economy provides exceptional stability and resilience against market fluctuations. As one of the most economically diversified regions in the GCC, Ras Al Khaimah offers a balanced business environment that has earned consistent ‘A-range’ ratings from international agencies for over 15 consecutive years. From an operational perspective, UK firms benefit from our streamlined business processes and cost advantages. Development costs in Ras Al Khaimah are 10% below the UAE average, providing significant savings for companies establishing physical operations. Additionally, our industrial land leasing rates offer competitive advantages compared to other emirates, allowing businesses to optimise their capital deployment and operational expenditure. The regulatory environment in Ras Al Khaimah emphasises business facilitation, with faster approval processes and reduced bureaucracy. Our government entities work in close coordination to ensure that business establishment and ongoing operations proceed smoothly, creating an environment where British firms can focus on growth rather than administrative challenges. Furthermore, Ras Al Khaimah’s oil-free economy means we have developed robust alternative sectors including manufacturing, tourism, and real estate, creating unique opportunities for UK businesses seeking to leverage regional capabilities and market knowledge. No single sector accounts for more than 1/3 of overall GDP, ensuring resilience against global shocks or uncertainties. How does RAKEZ foster collaboration between local Emirati partners and British entrepreneurs to drive innovation and growth? RAKEZ has invested in establishing strategic partnerships between Emirati entities and British businesses, including a formal agreement with the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai that promotes business investment awareness and company formation. Agreements, such as this, with local entities and service providers streamline business establishment processes, therefore reducing any potential friction in the creation of cross-cultural commercial ventures and strengthening connectivity between Ras Al Khaimah and the UK. In addition, the economic zone’s diverse ecosystem creates natural forums wherein British innovation can be combined with local expertise to create sustainable growth across emerging sectors. The UAE’s economic diversification efforts have significantly reduced reliance on oil, with activities such as trade, manufacturing, financial services, construction, and real estate contributing substantially to non-oil GDP. What role does infrastructure play in RAKEZ’s appeal to UK industrial and tech companies? Our mission is to provide businesses operating within our economic zone with the tools and facilities that they need to thrive, so investing in the right infrastructure is a core focus for us. In recent years, we have committed to providing our businesses with versatile facilities including coworking spaces, customisable offices, warehouses, and developable land meticulously tailored to specific operational requirements. We believe working environments must be optimised for companies and this has reaped its rewards as we are seeing an increasing number of businesses choosing RAKEZ thanks to our bespoke offer. Our upcoming projects like RAK Central HQ Office Complex, a modern office development at the heart of the Emirate, and Tech Flex zone, a future-focused vibrant district for tech-driven enterprises, exemplify our mission to create spaces that bring our clients and investors closer together. We believe in providing more than just a workspace, but a modern workspace where communities can be formed. We also provide seamless access to five major seaports and an international airport, soon to be enhanced by the Etihad Railway network connecting the entire UAE, thus creating unparalleled logistical advantages for companies engaged in regional and global trade. Our recent construction projects also prioritise sustainable infrastructure that improves efficiency while reducing resource consumption, aligning perfectly with the ESG priorities of forward-thinking British companies like Waste to Wonder, which repurposes corporate furniture for charitable donation worldwide, a testament to how infrastructure can support both commercial success and social responsibility. How is RAKEZ adapting its offerings to meet evolving post-pandemic business needs and sustainability goals? RAKEZ is constantly evolving to address post-pandemic business requirements, especially given the accelerated shift towards e-commerce. We have expanded our service portfolio to support a more digitalised operational environment, while actively fostering innovation in emerging sectors including digital assets, gaming, and sustainable manufacturing to create new pathways for businesses to explore cutting-edge commercial models. In April 2025, we partnered with Koshima, a leading AI education and consulting firm, to support our businesses to implement AI to enhance operational efficiency and bridge the gap between AI training and real-world applications. Additionally, the development of Wynn Al Marjan Island, scheduled to open in 2027, and other gaming-related activities, will establish Ras Al Khaimah as a destination for e-sports, gaming technologies, and related digital innovations, resulting in exciting new prospects for technology-focused businesses within RAKEZ. Given we are just 30 minutes away from the new integrated resort, we are ideally placed for companies at the intersection of the entertainment, technology, and hospitality sectors that are looking for growth opportunities in the coming years. In terms of sustainability, we have invested in infrastructure that enhances efficiency while reducing energy and water consumption. Uterra Middle East Agro Industries, which recently inaugurated Ras Al Khaimah’s first organic fertiliser facility in RAKEZ’s Al Ghail Industrial Zone is a testament to this. The facility is a perfect example of how we are working to support the UAE’s sustainability goals and are eager to show our continued support for empowering green enterprises via dedicated facilities. What’s your long-term vision for RAKEZ’s relationship with the UK business community, and how do you see it evolving over the next five years? The UK-UAE relationship has always been one of mutual respect and shared ambition, and we’re incredibly proud of the strong business ties we’ve developed with British companies over the years. Both our nations are home to some of the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking businesses, and I believe our partnership offers immense value and opportunities for continued growth. Looking ahead, our vision is to establish RAKEZ as the premier regional hub for UK businesses across key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, technology, and sustainable industries. To achieve this, we are focused on deepening relationships with UK trade bodies and investment agencies, creating a comprehensive support network that empowers British enterprises to thrive. With the UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement now in its final stages, we see exciting opportunities to unlock new pathways for collaboration and market access. At the same time, we are enhancing our bespoke services for UK businesses, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and digital transformation initiatives. As the fastest-growing economic zone in the UAE in 2025, it is a really exciting time for us. Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 1.28 million tourists in 2024, and transformative projects like Wynn Al Marjan Island are driving significant investments into the Emirate. For UK businesses seeking their next big opportunity, there has never been a better moment to join us on this extraordinary growth journey.
Published by: Finance Day
RAKEZ’s remarkable success has been driven by our efforts to create a business-friendly environment tailored to firms from all over the world of every size and sector. UK companies are particularly drawn by RAKEZ’s cost-effectiveness, in which operating costs are approximately 40% lower than other economic zones. Additionally, we offer seamless setup processes, 100% company ownership, full profit repatriation, and tailored support services such as visa processing and banking assistance.
Another pull factor for British firms is our strategic location in the incredible Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, at the crossroads of major trade corridors connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are choosing to relocate here thanks to the Emirate’s favourable economy, including one of world’s lowest tax structures, making it financially attractive for businesses. Moreover, beyond economic advantages, Ras Al Khaimah offers an exceptional lifestyle, including affordable housing, modern healthcare, international schools, and a safe, family friendly community environment. Robust infrastructure, access to high-growth markets, and emerging sectors like luxury real estate and digital assets are further solidifying our position as an ideal hub for British businesses seeking global expansion.
For British manufacturing and engineering SMEs specifically, RAKEZ provides dedicated industrial zones with customisable facilities designed to optimise production workflows. Our specialised industrial packages include purpose-built warehouses, developable land, and on-site technical support that addresses the unique challenges faced by manufacturing operations. British manufacturers like Manchester Paper Bags and JRL Fabrications have leveraged these tailored solutions to establish efficient production facilities that serve both regional and global markets.
What truly sets RAKEZ apart from other free zones is our comprehensive ecosystem approach. Unlike competitors, we offer both free zone and non-free zone formations, fast-track processes, and end-to-end support services. Our recent construction projects prioritise sustainable infrastructure that enhances efficiency while reducing energy consumption—a critical consideration for forward-thinking manufacturers looking to minimise their environmental footprint.
We also provide manufacturing SMEs with access to the upcoming RAK Central, the largest business district in the Northern Emirates, creating valuable networking opportunities with potential clients and partners.
Our sophisticated ecosystem already encompasses more than 35,000 businesses from over 100 countries operating across 50+ sectors, fostering valuable networking and partnership possibilities throughout the region. This diverse business community, combined with the UAE’s standing as one of the world’s most competitive economies (projected by the IMF to grow 5.1% in 2025), provides the ideal environment for British companies looking to expand and leverage local and global connections.
Asian and African markets, particularly considering that 31% of the world’s population resides within just four hours’ flying time from our dedicated RAK International Airport, granting easy access to other high-growth regions that represent the future of global economic development. For instance, Spatial Composite, a British company which manufactures aircraft cabin crew training equipment, arrived in RAKEZ in 2009 and now serves clients across Asia thanks to our impressive network.
We are proud of our 50+ year trade relationship with the UK, which has resulted in numerous opportunities for collaboration to date. The UK-UAE Sovereign Trade Agreement negotiations, initiated in 2022, represent a significant advancement in commercial relations. Negotiations are now being finalised, and just last month the UK government projected that the agreement could increase bilateral economic ties by 16% and add $10.8 billion to the region annually. This will create a framework for unprecedented cooperation between the two economies, of which the UAE is a major player.
This landmark agreement will create transformative pathways for the logistics sector in particular, in both nations. With GCC demand for international products, goods and services projected to reach £800 billion by 2035, UK businesses in RAKEZ are ideally positioned to capitalise on this extraordinary growth trajectory. Further solidifying this partnership, the UK Department for Business and Trade signed a growth partnership agreement with Ras Al Khaimah last year to explore future trade and industry collaboration. Moreover, this alignment leverages established platforms like the UK-UAE Business Council, Joint Taskforce, and Joint Economic Committee, generating improved market access and reducing regulatory barriers for companies operating in RAKEZ. British companies can leverage our favourable trade relationship with the UK and benefit from unprecedented market access and reduced business barriers in Ras Al Khaimah and the wider UAE.
The UAE maintains its status as one of the most competitive and highly advanced economies in the world and has so much to offer to international businesses looking to move abroad. While each Emirate provides unique benefits within this ecosystem, Ras Al Khaimah offers distinct operational advantages that complement the UAE’s overall business environment.
For example, our highly diversified economy provides exceptional stability and resilience against market fluctuations. As one of the most economically diversified regions in the GCC, Ras Al Khaimah offers a balanced business environment that has earned consistent ‘A-range’ ratings from international agencies for over 15 consecutive years.
From an operational perspective, UK firms benefit from our streamlined business processes and cost advantages. Development costs in Ras Al Khaimah are 10% below the UAE average, providing significant savings for companies establishing physical operations. Additionally, our industrial land leasing rates offer competitive advantages compared to other emirates, allowing businesses to optimise their capital deployment and operational expenditure.
The regulatory environment in Ras Al Khaimah emphasises business facilitation, with faster approval processes and reduced bureaucracy. Our government entities work in close coordination to ensure that business establishment and ongoing operations proceed smoothly, creating an environment where British firms can focus on growth rather than administrative challenges.
Furthermore, Ras Al Khaimah’s oil-free economy means we have developed robust alternative sectors including manufacturing, tourism, and real estate, creating unique opportunities for UK businesses seeking to leverage regional capabilities and market knowledge. No single sector accounts for more than 1/3 of overall GDP, ensuring resilience against global shocks or uncertainties.
RAKEZ has invested in establishing strategic partnerships between Emirati entities and British businesses, including a formal agreement with the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai that promotes business investment awareness and company formation. Agreements, such as this, with local entities and service providers streamline business establishment processes, therefore reducing any potential friction in the creation of cross-cultural commercial ventures and strengthening connectivity between Ras Al Khaimah and the UK.
In addition, the economic zone’s diverse ecosystem creates natural forums wherein British innovation can be combined with local expertise to create sustainable growth across emerging sectors. The UAE’s economic diversification efforts have significantly reduced reliance on oil, with activities such as trade, manufacturing, financial services, construction, and real estate contributing substantially to non-oil GDP.
Our mission is to provide businesses operating within our economic zone with the tools and facilities that they need to thrive, so investing in the right infrastructure is a core focus for us. In recent years, we have committed to providing our businesses with versatile facilities including coworking spaces, customisable offices, warehouses, and developable land meticulously tailored to specific operational requirements. We believe working environments must be optimised for companies and this has reaped its rewards as we are seeing an increasing number of businesses choosing RAKEZ thanks to our bespoke offer.
Our upcoming projects like RAK Central HQ Office Complex, a modern office development at the heart of the Emirate, and Tech Flex zone, a future-focused vibrant district for tech-driven enterprises, exemplify our mission to create spaces that bring our clients and investors closer together. We believe in providing more than just a workspace, but a modern workspace where communities can be formed.
We also provide seamless access to five major seaports and an international airport, soon to be enhanced by the Etihad Railway network connecting the entire UAE, thus creating unparalleled logistical advantages for companies engaged in regional and global trade.
Our recent construction projects also prioritise sustainable infrastructure that improves efficiency while reducing resource consumption, aligning perfectly with the ESG priorities of forward-thinking British companies like Waste to Wonder, which repurposes corporate furniture for charitable donation worldwide, a testament to how infrastructure can support both commercial success and social responsibility.
RAKEZ is constantly evolving to address post-pandemic business requirements, especially given the accelerated shift towards e-commerce. We have expanded our service portfolio to support a more digitalised operational environment, while actively fostering innovation in emerging sectors including digital assets, gaming, and sustainable manufacturing to create new pathways for businesses to explore cutting-edge commercial models.
In April 2025, we partnered with Koshima, a leading AI education and consulting firm, to support our businesses to implement AI to enhance operational efficiency and bridge the gap between AI training and real-world applications.
Additionally, the development of Wynn Al Marjan Island, scheduled to open in 2027, and other gaming-related activities, will establish Ras Al Khaimah as a destination for e-sports, gaming technologies, and related digital innovations, resulting in exciting new prospects for technology-focused businesses within RAKEZ. Given we are just 30 minutes away from the new integrated resort, we are ideally placed for companies at the intersection of the entertainment, technology, and hospitality sectors that are looking for growth opportunities in the coming years.
In terms of sustainability, we have invested in infrastructure that enhances efficiency while reducing energy and water consumption. Uterra Middle East Agro Industries, which recently inaugurated Ras Al Khaimah’s first organic fertiliser facility in RAKEZ’s Al Ghail Industrial Zone is a testament to this. The facility is a perfect example of how we are working to support the UAE’s sustainability goals and are eager to show our continued support for empowering green enterprises via dedicated facilities.
The UK-UAE relationship has always been one of mutual respect and shared ambition, and we’re incredibly proud of the strong business ties we’ve developed with British companies over the years. Both our nations are home to some of the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking businesses, and I believe our partnership offers immense value and opportunities for continued growth.
Looking ahead, our vision is to establish RAKEZ as the premier regional hub for UK businesses across key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, technology, and sustainable industries.
To achieve this, we are focused on deepening relationships with UK trade bodies and investment agencies, creating a comprehensive support network that empowers British enterprises to thrive. With the UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement now in its final stages, we see exciting opportunities to unlock new pathways for collaboration and market access. At the same time, we are enhancing our bespoke services for UK businesses, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and digital transformation initiatives.
As the fastest-growing economic zone in the UAE in 2025, it is a really exciting time for us. Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 1.28 million tourists in 2024, and transformative projects like Wynn Al Marjan Island are driving significant investments into the Emirate. For UK businesses seeking their next big opportunity, there has never been a better moment to join us on this extraordinary growth journey.
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