Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is set to make a strong impression at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025, the region’s largest event for the food and beverage processing industry. The exhibition, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4 to 5 November, serves as a major platform for global and regional industry leaders to explore the latest trends and innovations in food production and processing.
RAKEZ’s participation highlights its growing influence in the UAE’s food and beverage (F&B) sector, where nearly 1,000 active companies contribute to various areas including production, ingredients, packaging, and exports. The economic zone aims to showcase how its expanding ecosystem is driving sustainable growth and innovation in the industry.
A Hub for Growth and Investment
RAKEZ has become one of the UAE’s most dynamic business and industrial hubs, offering a comprehensive environment for global and local F&B companies to thrive. Its participation in Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 focuses on promoting Ras Al Khaimah as a cost-effective and strategic base for companies looking to expand across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
With simplified setup procedures, flexible licensing options, affordable facilities, and strong logistics connectivity, RAKEZ provides businesses with the tools they need to operate efficiently. This makes it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, and multinational brands seeking sustainable expansion.
Leadership Vision and Strategy
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad emphasized the significance of Gulfood Manufacturing as a key opportunity to connect with global investors and industry leaders. He said that RAKEZ has built an ecosystem where innovation, efficiency, and sustainability work together to empower businesses of all sizes.
According to Jallad, the zone’s focus is not only on fostering industrial growth but also on supporting the UAE’s long-term food security goals. Through its infrastructure and community of F&B companies, RAKEZ contributes directly to national objectives of economic diversification and sustainable development.
A Thriving F&B Ecosystem
RAKEZ is home to a diverse community of food and beverage companies operating across the entire value chain—from production and processing to packaging and export. These companies represent a mix of local talent and international expertise, helping to strengthen the UAE’s reputation as a global food hub.
Leading Brands in the RAKEZ Community
Ahmad Tea is a global tea producer using RAKEZ as a regional hub for exports. Italfood, a well-known artisan cheese producer, serves the UAE’s hospitality sector with high-quality dairy products. Swedinox International manufactures stainless-steel processing equipment for the food industry, supporting the technical backbone of production lines.
Sai Flavours supplies natural and artificial flavoring agents to brands across the GCC, while Unikai Foods, one of the UAE’s largest FMCG companies, integrates both manufacturing and logistics operations within RAKEZ. Green Rock Group produces sustainable paper cups, supporting eco-friendly packaging solutions for the region’s growing demand for environmentally conscious alternatives.
Seara Foods, a global meat producer, operates advanced cold-chain facilities within the economic zone, ensuring high standards in storage and distribution. Uterra Middle East Agro Industries focuses on bio-fertilisers and sustainable agricultural products, while Chocolala, a homegrown chocolatier, exports premium confectionery from RAKEZ’s Al Hamra Industrial Zone.
This wide range of companies showcases RAKEZ’s success in building a diverse and integrated ecosystem where collaboration and innovation thrive.
Strategic Location and Logistics Advantage
RAKEZ’s location in Ras Al Khaimah gives it a strong logistical advantage. The economic zone is strategically close to major ports and airports, enabling efficient transportation for perishable goods and export shipments. Its proximity to Ras Al Khaimah Port, Saqr Port, and Dubai’s global logistics hubs ensures that businesses can manage exports quickly and cost-effectively.
For companies in the F&B sector, this connectivity is critical for maintaining product quality and ensuring timely delivery. It also strengthens RAKEZ’s reputation as a reliable partner for international trade and supply chain management.
Tailored Infrastructure and Flexible Facilities
RAKEZ provides a wide range of facilities designed to meet the specific needs of F&B manufacturers. Companies can choose from ready-to-use warehouses, land plots for large-scale operations, and customizable production spaces.
The economic zone also offers a one-stop service model that simplifies licensing, visa, and utility processes. Dedicated client service teams help companies operate smoothly and efficiently, allowing them to focus on innovation and market expansion. This combination of flexibility and support makes RAKEZ an attractive choice for both startups and established brands.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a key pillar of RAKEZ’s development strategy. The economic zone encourages businesses to adopt environmentally responsible practices and supports projects that reduce carbon footprints and waste.
Partnerships with companies such as Green Rock Group and Uterra Middle East Agro Industries highlight RAKEZ’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly manufacturing and sustainable agriculture. By fostering green innovation, RAKEZ is aligning with the UAE’s broader goals of developing a circular economy and achieving long-term environmental resilience.
Supporting UAE’s Food Security and Industrial Vision
RAKEZ plays an important role in supporting the UAE’s national food security and industrial strategies. By attracting global investors and empowering local manufacturers, it is helping to create a more self-reliant and export-oriented food production sector.
The focus on innovation, technology, and sustainability ensures that companies within RAKEZ can meet the evolving demands of the regional and international markets. This not only boosts local production but also strengthens the UAE’s competitiveness in the global F&B industry.
Collaboration and Future Growth
Events like Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 provide RAKEZ with valuable opportunities to connect with potential investors, suppliers, and partners. By participating in such platforms, the economic zone promotes Ras Al Khaimah as a destination for high-value industries and advanced manufacturing.
With the UAE’s F&B market continuing to expand—driven by population growth, evolving consumer preferences, and a strong shift toward sustainable solutions—RAKEZ remains focused on enabling innovation and efficiency. Its efforts contribute directly to building a future-ready industrial ecosystem capable of meeting global standards.
About Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Established by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ serves as a major business and industrial hub that currently hosts over 38,000 companies from more than 100 countries across 50 industries. It offers entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, and manufacturers a variety of solutions, including free zone and non-free zone licenses, customizable facilities, and end-to-end support through a single service platform.
RAKEZ operates several specialized zones catering to different business needs. Al Nakheel and Al Hamra Business Zones are designed for commercial and service-based enterprises, while Al Ghail, Al Hamra, and Al Hulaila Industrial Zones cater to manufacturers and heavy industries. The Academic Zone is dedicated to educational and training institutions.
Through these zones, RAKEZ aims to attract diversified investment and promote economic growth in Ras Al Khaimah by providing a stable, business-friendly environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
RAKEZ’s participation in Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 highlights its growing importance as a regional powerhouse in the food and beverage sector. By combining strategic location, modern infrastructure, sustainability-focused initiatives, and investor-friendly policies, it offers companies the ideal environment to scale their operations and reach new markets.
As the UAE’s F&B industry continues to evolve, RAKEZ remains committed to supporting businesses that are driving innovation, enhancing food security, and contributing to the nation’s long-term economic goals. The economic zone’s continued growth reflects its vision to be a leading global destination for investment, sustainability, and industrial excellence.
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