A future of prosperity and opportunity in the Middle East

In today’s dynamic global landscape, European businesses have carved a reputation for innovation, quality and ambition. Talented and creative business owners, investors and entrepreneurs are some of the key drivers behind this. To bolster their success, European businesses are increasingly looking to “go global” by tapping into promising international markets, sectors and talent.

Gateway to growth

As European businesses seek new avenues for growth, there is one part of the world emerging as a beacon of opportunity, offering a strategic gateway to tap into the MENA and Asia markets and beyond. That place is Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and home to Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), one of the largest and fastest-growing economic zones in the region.

A one-stop solution for all your business needs and a welcoming home

Located just a 45-minute drive from Dubai, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, offers a robust infrastructure and a supportive ecosystem, making it an attractive destination for global businesses. As a preferred business hub, RAKEZ hosts over 25,000 multinational companies, including a significant number of European enterprises.

The economic zone provides cost-effective set-up packages, modern facilities including coworking spaces, offices, warehouses, industrial land and on-site labour accommodations, and first-class services tailored to meet the diverse needs of investors and entrepreneurs. Setting up a UAE business with RAKEZ is a one-stop affair, typically taking between a few hours to two to three days , depending on the business activity and company structure. Additionally, business owners in the UAE are eligible for UAE residence visas and can secure visas for their family members through several RAKEZ business set-up packages that include visa provisions.

Moreover, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich pool of local and multinational talent, and businesses in the UAE have the flexibility to outsource their workforce from most parts of the world. To ensure steady support for business growth, the economic zone also offers a suite of value-added services to ease operations. For example, its experts assist investors in opening both corporate and personal bank accounts with leading banks in the UAE, simplifying financial transactions.

In addition to fostering business growth, RAKEZ assists individuals and families in integrating into the community by offering a variety of high-quality housing options and world-class amenities. These include international educational institutions, healthcare services and a wealth of entertainment and adventure opportunities suitable for all ages. Ras Al Khaimah is recognised as one of the safest places in the world to visit, live and work, with a high safety index rating (88.88 out of 100) and a low crime index (11.12). The emirate boasts a highly skilled workforce, excellent quality of life, no personal income tax and a lower cost of living than the UAE’s national average, making it an ideal destination for both professional and personal fulfilment.

A business-friendly zone for any size or sector

RAKEZ stands as a leading example of a business-friendly ecosystem by nurturing and supporting foreign investors, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs, as well as manufacturing giants, while providing easy access to global markets.

Its attractive offering includes 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies, 0 per cent personal tax, 0 per cent withholding tax, one of the world’s lowest corporate tax rates capped at 9 per cent (as applicable), 5 per cent VAT and 100 per cent repatriation of capital and profits.

From streamlined set-up processes to competitive costs and favourable tax incentives, RAKEZ provides the ideal platform for businesses to thrive and flourish. Prominent European companies such as Saver Glass, Knauf, Ahmad Tea, A2C, Italfood, Glass Technology and SAN Group all operate successfully under the RAKEZ business community and have flourished in the region with RAKEZ’s support.