Ras Al Khaimah has taken another major step toward strengthening its industrial infrastructure with the launch of the region’s first Prestressed High-Strength Concrete (PHC) Piles Factory. The Dh120 million project is a joint venture between RAK Ports, China’s Jianhua Holdings Group, and PHC Technologies. Located within the RAK Maritime City Free Zone, the facility will cover 540,000 square feet and is expected to create up to 500 jobs. This marks an important milestone in the emirate’s growing industrial ecosystem and its ambition to become a leading hub for sustainable construction materials and advanced logistics.
A Major Milestone for Ras Al Khaimah
The establishment of the PHC Piles Factory represents a strategic investment in Ras Al Khaimah’s industrial future. The project aligns with the emirate’s long-term vision to diversify its economy, expand its manufacturing base, and position itself as a logistics and export powerhouse. The announcement was made in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, reflecting the leadership’s strong support for industrial development and foreign investment.
This new venture follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024 between RAK Ports and Jianhua Holdings Group, solidifying the latter’s official entry into the UAE market. Once operational, the facility is projected to generate more than Dh20 million in annual port revenues while boosting trade flows across the region.
Expanding the Region’s Industrial Capacity
The plant will specialize in producing large-diameter prestressed concrete piles used for infrastructure and foundation works in major construction projects such as ports, bridges, towers, and industrial facilities. These piles are crucial components that provide durability and stability to large-scale structures. The demand for such high-performance construction materials is growing rapidly across the GCC, driven by regional infrastructure expansion and the adoption of sustainable building practices.
By manufacturing these products locally, Ras Al Khaimah aims to reduce import dependence and supply the GCC and wider Middle Eastern markets with advanced, eco-friendly construction materials that meet international standards for quality and sustainability.
Supporting RAK Ports’ Greenfield Development
The new PHC piles plant will play an essential role in supporting RAK Ports’ Greenfield port expansion, known as the Saqr 2.0 project. This new development features deep-water berths and modern logistics corridors that will directly enhance the export capabilities of the new factory. The facility’s strategic proximity to Ras Al Khaimah’s network of quarries, cement plants, and concrete suppliers will enable efficient sourcing of up to one million metric tonnes of raw materials each year.
This integrated supply chain strengthens RAK’s position as one of the Gulf’s most competitive industrial zones for construction materials. The project is expected to attract further investments into RAK Maritime City Free Zone, creating a ripple effect across multiple sectors, including logistics, transport, and engineering.
Building a Strong Partnership
Roy Cummins, CEO of RAK Ports, described the project as a defining moment for the emirate’s industrial growth strategy. He said that the collaboration with Jianhua Holdings and PHC Technologies comes at a time when Ras Al Khaimah is investing heavily in infrastructure and logistics capacity. According to him, the emirate’s unique ecosystem—featuring modern ports, deep-water access, and close proximity to raw material sources—provides an ideal environment for high-quality manufacturing and export-oriented industries.
Cummins emphasized that the new facility would not only boost local production but also strengthen the UAE’s role as a regional leader in the supply of sustainable construction materials.
Jianhua’s Entry into the Middle East
For China’s Jianhua Holdings Group, this project marks its first production base in the Middle East. The company is recognized globally for its expertise in concrete manufacturing and for introducing innovative, low-carbon building materials in global markets. Wang Guihua, Chairman of Jianhua Holdings Group, said the new plant would bring advanced Chinese technology and manufacturing standards to the UAE.
He explained that with the support of Ras Al Khaimah’s leadership and the infrastructure provided by RAK Ports, the company aims to establish the new facility as a core hub for its regional operations. Jianhua’s entry into the UAE market also demonstrates the deepening industrial and trade relations between the two countries, paving the way for more cross-border investments in high-value manufacturing.
PHC Technologies’ Role in Operations
PHC Technologies will be responsible for managing production and daily operations at the new facility. Nader Alizadeh, Managing Director of PHC Technologies, highlighted that the plant will feature modern automation and quality control systems to ensure world-class output. He explained that the PHC piles, which were first developed in Japan in the 1960s, have since become a standard for strong and durable infrastructure across Asia.
Manufactured in a controlled environment, these piles offer higher load-bearing capacity, longer lifespan, and quicker installation compared to traditional alternatives. By adopting these advanced methods in Ras Al Khaimah, PHC Technologies aims to set a new benchmark for quality and efficiency in the region’s construction industry.
Strengthening UAE–China Industrial Ties
The joint venture is part of a broader initiative to strengthen UAE–China industrial cooperation. In late 2024, Ras Al Khaimah and Guangdong Province signed an MoU to promote collaboration in trade, transport, and education. The establishment of this factory represents one of the first tangible results of that agreement, highlighting how diplomatic partnerships are translating into real economic opportunities.
Ras Al Khaimah has been positioning itself as an investment-friendly destination that encourages international collaboration in innovation, technology, and sustainable industry. The new factory reinforces the emirate’s reputation as a reliable partner for global investors and a leader in next-generation manufacturing.
Generating Employment and Enhancing Skills
The PHC piles factory is expected to create around 500 new jobs, ranging from technical and engineering roles to administrative and logistics positions. The facility will also contribute to workforce development in the emirate by introducing specialized training programs in collaboration with local institutions. These initiatives aim to transfer knowledge and technical expertise to the local workforce, supporting RAK’s long-term goal of developing a skilled and future-ready talent pool.
In addition to direct employment, the project will stimulate growth across related industries, including transport, warehousing, and raw materials supply, further strengthening RAK’s industrial ecosystem.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a key focus of the new factory. The facility will incorporate energy-efficient production systems and environmentally friendly materials to minimize waste and carbon emissions. This aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By promoting low-carbon construction solutions, the project supports the transition to a more sustainable and resilient industrial economy.
Using locally sourced materials not only reduces transportation-related emissions but also ensures a more cost-effective and eco-conscious production process. The plant’s design reflects a commitment to responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
Strengthening RAK’s Industrial Leadership
The Dh120 million PHC piles factory marks an important step forward in Ras Al Khaimah’s industrial journey. It combines local strengths with global expertise, bringing together RAK Ports’ logistics capabilities, Jianhua’s advanced technology, and PHC Technologies’ operational excellence. This synergy positions Ras Al Khaimah as a frontrunner in the region’s construction materials industry and underscores its role in shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing.
As Ras Al Khaimah continues to attract international investment and expand its industrial zones, projects like this are setting the stage for long-term economic diversification and resilience. The PHC piles factory is not only a symbol of innovation but also a catalyst for job creation, sustainability, and international cooperation.
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