Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) Business Excellence Awards, in cooperation with RAK Department of Economic Development (RAK DED), recognized the best free zone and non-free zone businesses in Ras Al Khaimah for the sixth consecutive year. Set in a grander venue in Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre in Al Jazirah Al Hamra, the prestigious event welcomed 350 leaders of companies operating in the emirate as well as government representatives.
In response to the emirate’s continuous diversification and feedback from the previous award participants, RAKEZ has added four new categories to increase the representation of various business sectors to the awards program. The introduction of Best Service Provider, Best Educational Provider, Best Business Leader and Happiest Workplace Environment has encouraged a sharp increase in the applications for 2019, growing 8% from the previous year.
A total of AED 220,000 monetary prizes were given to the winners that were carefully selected through the systematic evaluation conducted by International Performance Excellence, an independent judging committee.
“We have founded RAKEZ Business Excellence Awards six years ago to cultivate a culture of excellence in Ras Al Khaimah’s business community. Since then, it has become an annual tradition where businesses from different sectors gather to celebrate the achievement of their peers,” said RAKEZ Chairman His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi. “To us at RAKEZ, the awards program serves a reminder that brilliance exists in businesses of all sizes; all they need is the right support to achieve their goals, and this is what keeps us on track on our constant journey to innovating and enhancing our offerings. My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of RAKEZ Business Excellence Awards 2019 as well as to all who participated and poured their hearts out on their applications. See you again next year!”
The recipients of RAKEZ Business Excellence Awards 2019 are:
- BEST NEW STARTUP
St Mary’s High School, part of St. Mary’s Group of Schools
- BEST NEW STARTUP (RAK DED)
Khair Jalees Books Trading, an online bookstore and a white board media producer
- BEST SMALL BUSINESS
Abiya Building Material Trading, a designer and manufacturer of Middle-Eastern decorative panels
- BEST SMALL BUSINESS (RAK DED)
The Muse Cafe, a café that serves specialty coffee and a wide selection of food
- FASTEST-GROWING COMPANY (SMALL TO MEDIUM)
Precision Refrigeration Middle East, a manufacturer of professional refrigeration for the F&B industry
- FASTEST GROWING COMPANY (MEDIUM TO LARGE)
Ace Cranes & Engineering, a manufacturer of industrial cranes
- BEST INDUSTRIAL COMPANY (SMALL TO MEDIUM)
Middle East Specialized Cables, a special cables manufacturer
- BEST INDUSTRIAL COMPANY (MEDIUM TO LARGE)
Unipods, an off-site construction technology company
- BEST CONTRIBUTOR TO RAS AL KHAIMAH DEVELOPMENT
UTICO, Middle East’s largest provider of full service private utility
- BEST CONTRIBUTOR TO RAS AL KHAIMAH DEVELOPMENT (RAK DED)
Union Cement Company, a manufacturer of wide-ranging cement products
- BEST EDUCATIONAL PROVIDER
Western International College, a provider of undergraduate and post-graduate programs
- BEST SERVICE PROVIDER
Evolution Fashion, a maker of fine quality, custom and ready-to-wear leather jackets
- BEST BUSINESS LEADER
Dr Rashed Al Nuaimi, CEO of Al Nuaimi Group
- HAPPIEST WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT
FRANKE LLC, a high-quality stainless steel products manufacturer
- HAPPIEST WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT (RAK DED)
Little Treasures Nursery, a preschool in Ras Al Khaimah
Runner-ups also received a new elegantly designed trophy during the ceremony, including: Prognica Labs, Amlak Detergents and Disinfectants Manufacturing, Metalfab Middle East, Hydro Dynamic Pipe Engineering, The University Of West London – UAE Branch, Bon Education, Business Bay Consultancy, Qhwat Qusaid Marketing Operations Management, India Palace Restaurant, Thunder Road Restaurant and Al Soufi Trading Est. Mr Krishan Kumar Chutani, CEO of Naturelle, is the runner-up for the Best Business Leader category.
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad, said: “The new categories have indeed added more flavor to the competition, and we are glad that we have given a chance for more companies to join the awards program and get their milestones acknowledged. On the next editions, we will look into giving more recognitions not only on a company level but also on an individual level.”
Commenting on RAK DED’s partnership with RAKEZ, Dr Abdulrahman Alshayeb Alnaqbi, RAK DED Director General, said: “We are happy to once again to be part of RAKEZ Business Excellence Awards. This is the third year of our participation and we foresee this partnership continuing for the years to come. We are doing this to give back to our clients that are helping take Ras Al Khaimah to a global level, as well as inspire other businesses to follow their footsteps.”
