The flexible business environment in Ras Al Khaimah enhances its investment appeal, with a 44% growth in new company registrations in 2025, largely driven by affordable service licenses. Quality investments are bolstering the industrial and technological sectors. Since its launch in April 2017, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKZ) has established itself as a key entity supporting investment and business in the UAE, built on a vision of providing a flexible business environment, advanced infrastructure, and comprehensive services that meet investor needs and keep pace with global economic shifts. In just a few years, RAKZ has evolved from a regional economic presence into a dynamic economic force that plays a pivotal role in supporting the emirate's economic growth, attracting quality investments, and opening wider avenues for local and international companies to expand and thrive. RAKZ's performance in 2025 reflects the maturity of this economic model, as it continued to expand its business community, attract new investments, and strengthen its international presence. The total number of companies operating under its umbrella grew to over 40,000 worldwide. Adhering to a 'client-first' approach, RAKZ simplified procedures, expanded digital solutions, and provided integrated services through service centers, its medical fitness center for residence permits, and its electronic platforms, enhancing the ease of doing business and offering investors a more efficient and seamless experience. RAKZ CEO Rami Ghad highlighted the remarkable growth in its business community in 2025, with approximately 19,000 new companies joining, a 44% increase from 2024, bringing the total registered companies to over 40,000. These figures signify not just quantitative growth but also Ras Al Khaimah's increasing attractiveness as a business destination, driven by RAKZ's value proposition of flexibility, speed of procedures, competitive costs, and market access. This growth was largely fueled by service-related licenses, which accounted for 40% of new companies, followed by commercial and general trading licenses at 33%, and a strong showing from e-commerce at 17%. Other prominent activities included general trading, online product and service transactions, project management consulting, IT, lifestyle development, marketing and brokerage services, and building maintenance. Geographically, India remained the top source of new investors for RAKZ in 2025, accounting for 33% of new companies, followed by Pakistan (8%) and the UK (7%). Egypt and France were also significant contributors, reflecting the diversity of RAKZ's investor base and its success in appealing to various markets with a unified investment model. Beyond the surge in company numbers, 2025 saw the attraction of strategic investments that reinforced Ras Al Khaimah's position as a growing industrial and tech hub. In 2026, RAKZ continued to build on this momentum, achieving a series of milestones reflecting its sustained growth and evolving business ecosystem. The first quarter saw the launch of new initiatives and the strengthening of strategic partnerships, alongside regional recognition for its corporate governance, innovation, and digital transformation. In service development, RAKZ announced the expansion of self-storage facilities in the Al Hamra Industrial Area. It also continued to empower companies through specialized knowledge initiatives, launching the 'Growth Series 2026' with practical sessions focused on real-world business challenges to foster sustainable growth.
