RAKEZ rolls out welcome mat for African companies seeking expansion into UAE

• Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) records 43 percent increase in new companies.
• Economic zone offers 100 percent ownership to foreign companies.
• African companies encouraged to set up at the RAKEZ.

A new trading hub in the UAE dubbed Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), recorded a significant 43 percent increase in new company registrations for the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

According to officials at the economic zone; “a total of 8,506 companies joined the RAKEZ business community between January and June this year, up from 5,933 in the first half of 2024, marking a significant leap in the economic zone’s continued growth trajectory.”

“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,” explains the CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) Ramy Jallad.

In a recent interview with ITP Media, the CEO said companies are particularly drawn by RAKEZ’s cost-effectiveness, in which operating costs are approximately 40 percent lower than other economic zones.

“Additionally, we offer seamless setup processes, 100 percent company ownership, full profit repatriation, and tailored support services such as visa processing and banking assistance,” he said.

He also pointed out that  companies are also attracted to the zone’s strategic location at the crossroads of major trade corridors connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa and the fact that the UAE enjoys favourable growth projections by the IMF, an impressive 5.1 percent in 2025.

“Companies 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,” he went on to detail.

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, the CEO details.

Also, the city offers robust infrastructure, access to high-growth markets, and emerging sectors like luxury real estate and digital assets; “all these factors further solidify our position as an ideal hub for British businesses seeking global expansion,” he added citing that UK companies are the most registered.

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RAKEZ incentives set it apart from other free zones

According to the executive, RAKEZ provides dedicated industrial zones with customizable facilities designed to optimize production workflows especially for engineering SMEs.

“Our specialized industrial packages include purpose-built warehouses, developable land, and on-site technical support that addresses the unique challenges faced by manufacturing operations,” he goes on to elaborate.

As an example, he cited British manufacturers like Manchester Paper Bags and JRL Fabrications who, according to him, have leveraged these tailored solutions to establish efficient production facilities that serve both regional and global markets.

A supporting factor is the UK-UAE Sovereign Trade Agreement negotiations tht were initiated in 2022.

As these negotiations are now being finalised, the UK government has projected that the agreement could increase bilateral economic ties by 16 percent and add USD$10.8 billion to the region annually.

To this effect, Jallad said; “This will create a framework for unprecedented cooperation between the two economies, of which the UAE is a major player.”

Also, 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.

It follows that, 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,” Jallad said.

“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,” he summed up.

He said priority on sustainable infrastructure that enhances efficiency while reducing energy consumption is a critical consideration for forward-thinking manufacturers looking to minimise their environmental footprint.

To date, the RAKEZ business zone encompasses more than 35,000 businesses from over 100 countries operating across more than 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, provides the ideal environment for companies looking to expand and leverage local and global connections.

Nearby developments also serve to support RAKEZ like the fact that Ras Al Khaimah which welcomed 1.28 million tourists in 2024, and transformative projects like Wynn Al Marjan Island which is driving significant investments into the Emirate and RAKEZ is well situated to host companies looking to tap into the burgeoning UAE economy.

Detailing, Jallad said; “While each Emirate provides unique benefits within this ecosystem, Ras Al Khaimah offers distinct operational advantages that complement the UAE’s overall business environment.”

He also highlighted the highly diversified economy that he said provides exceptional stability and resilience against market fluctuations.

RAKEZ creating opportunity for African businesses

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 and Africa is no exception.

According to the RAKEZ CEO, African markets are open for business, companies that set up at the RAKEZ are strategically located with the dedicated RAK International Airport nearby.

“We are just four hours away from most African destinations granting easy access to these high-growth regions that represent the future of global economic development,” the CEO points out.

From an operational perspective, African firms stan to benefit from RAKE’s streamlined business processes and cost advantages.

For example, development costs in Ras Al Khaimah are 10 percent below the UAE average, this provides significant savings for companies establishing physical operations at the RAKEZ.

“Additionally, our industrial land leasing rates offer competitive advantages compared to other emirates, allowing businesses to optimise their capital deployment and operational expenditure,” he

Further still, 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 firms can focus on growth rather than administrative challenges,” he reassured stakeholders.

Furthermore, Ras Al Khaimah is an oil-free economy because it has developed robust alternative sectors including manufacturing, tourism, and real estate.

“No single sector accounts for more than 1/3 of overall GDP, ensuring resilience against global shocks or uncertainties,” he explained.

The RAKEZ mission is to provide businesses operating within it’s economic zone with the tools and facilities that they need to thrive.

Among other factors, it avails businesses with versatile facilities including coworking spaces, customisable offices, warehouses, and developable land 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,” he concluded.

The RAKEZ also provide seamless access to five major seaports and an international airport, and you also have the Etihad Railway network connecting the entire UAE, thus creating unparalleled logistical advantages for companies engaged in regional and global trade.