Heart Of RAK
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the fourth largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, is defined by its diverse landscapes, deep-rooted history and its ambitious and forward-looking strategy for growth. RAK embraces potential and is driven by the dynamic vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who is focused on sustainable development, economic prosperity, environmental conservation, social development and innovation. RAK’s commitment to stable growth and long-term planning makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a thriving environment to live, work and invest.
Strategically located at a crossroads between East and West, with one third of the world’s population within four hours’ flying time, RAK has one of the most diverse economies in the region, with no single sector accounting for more than 27% of its GDP, enhancing economic resilience and making it an ideal location for businesses to expand into the UAE, the Middle East, Africa, India and beyond.
Ras Al Khaimah welcomes entrepreneurs and businesses, offering simplified, straightforward and customizable services and low operating costs, including one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the world. The efficiency of RAK’s judicial system has been recognized by the World Bank. This judicial system provides fairness, transparency and a stable environment in which to operate.
With a focus on innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and ease of doing business, RAK attracts foreign direct investment from all corners of the world, spanning a diverse range of economic sectors. With a robust manufacturing base and thriving investment opportunities, RAK boasts an exceptional business environment, offering 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, streamlined business setup processes, modern infrastructure, including several ports strategically located close to the Strait of Hormuz and major international shipping lanes (including deep-water berths) and an international airport connecting to countries in South Asia, North Africa, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the GCC and Eastern Europe.
RAK is home to industry leaders and global exporters such as RAK Ceramics, one of the world’s largest ceramics manufacturers by volume, and Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, which produces about 1 million boxes of medicine a day, distributing products to more than 40 countries on five continents. These are among the more than 50,000 businesses from 100+ countries that are part of RAK’s thriving economic ecosystem, with about 30,000 of them hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), one of the largest economic zones in the region. Meanwhile, in the digital sphere, RAK Digital Assets Oasis is a Free Zone specifically created for and dedicated to digital and virtual assets companies. RAK DAO aims to position Ras Al Khaimah as a global leader in Web3, which incorporates concepts such as decentralization, blockchain technologies and token-based economics.
Strong growth forecasts, a resilient economy and prudent fiscal management are some of the many reasons RAK has been rated in the ‘A’ range by Fitch and S&P international ratings agencies for the past 15 years, and why it received upgrades by both agencies in 2024, to “A/A-1” by S&P and “A+” by Fitch.
RAK is also a diverse, multicultural society, with a population of 0.4 million people comprising 150 nationalities. The Emirate is known for its tranquil, coastal environment, attainable luxury beachfront properties and high quality of life, which, combined, create a desirable location for upscale living.
The significant investment in RAK’s real estate, hospitality and tourism sectors in recent years is culminating in the realization of numerous flagship projects from signature luxury global brands, adding the likes of Wynn Al Marjan Island, Four Seasons, Nikki Beach, Nobu, JW Marriott, W Hotels, Fairmont and La Mer By Elie Saab to the excellent existing portfolio of residential and hospitality offerings, including the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island and the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. In addition, RAK Central will provide an innovative new Grade A office and commercial district, and residential areas, creating the ideal destination to live, work and play. Built to LEED Gold standards, it is set to redefine the workplace and living environment in the Emirate.
As one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the region, RAK has become synonymous with adventure, culture and leisure. Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, has been developed into the region’s leading adventure tourism destination, boasting attractions including Jais Flight, the world’s longest zip line at almost 3km. With 68km of beaches spanning the majority of a near-80km coastline, as well as land covering 2,486.6 sq km of deserts and towering mountains, RAK is a place of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, with archaeological sites dating back 7,000 years, including four on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up, a competitive cost of living and high quality of life, Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities, making it a destination that truly embraces potential.