Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), one of the UAE’s leading industrial and economic hubs, has once again demonstrated its pivotal role in supporting the nation’s long-term economic transformation. This was prominently on display during its dynamic participation in the “Make it in the Emirates 2025” forum — an influential platform bringing together government bodies, industrial leaders, and investors under the umbrella of the UAE’s comprehensive industrial vision.
Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the forum welcomed more than 30,000 visitors and featured over 700 industrial stakeholders, including local and international manufacturers, policymakers, and representatives from leading free zones. The event served as a nexus for collaboration, policy alignment, and project announcements geared toward achieving the UAE’s ambitious industrial goals under the Operation 300bn strategy.
Aligning with National Vision: RAKEZ’s Strategic Presence
RAKEZ’s presence at the forum was both strategic and symbolic. Led by Group CEO Ramy Jallad, the RAKEZ delegation underscored the organization’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the UAE’s industrial base. Jallad took part in a high-profile panel discussion titled “Synergies in the UAE’s Industrial Landscape,” where he emphasized the importance of inter-emirate collaboration in building a unified industrial ecosystem.
He elaborated on how the UAE’s economic zones are evolving from isolated hubs into a national industrial network, characterized by collaboration, resource sharing, and integrated value chains. “We are seeing a transformational shift,” Jallad noted. “Manufacturers based in Ras Al Khaimah are forming partnerships with companies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. This synergy creates resilience, innovation, and collective growth.”
He also highlighted the vast diversity of the industries hosted within RAKEZ, ranging from traditional sectors like packaging and food production to high-tech domains including electric vehicle manufacturing, defense technology, and composite materials. This diversification, he said, makes RAKEZ a microcosm of the UAE’s future-ready industrial landscape.
Major Announcements: Two Landmark Projects
In a clear demonstration of its role as a driver of industrial innovation, RAKEZ used the forum to announce two major industrial developments:
1. THi Investment Management Corporation Project
RAKEZ signed an AED 1.1 billion agreement with THi Investment Management Corporation to establish a state-of-the-art industrial park in Ras Al Khaimah. Covering 130,000 square meters, this facility will serve as a base for advanced technology companies across various sectors.
The project is expected to generate 2,500 new jobs, making it one of the most significant employment-generating investments in the emirate’s history. With a strong emphasis on smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 integration, the facility will attract companies that prioritize automation, digitization, and sustainability.
2. Faraday Future Middle East Electric Vehicle Facility
In another milestone, RAKEZ finalized a deal with Faraday Future Middle East FZ-LLC to establish a luxury electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in the economic zone. Valued at AED 30 million, this 10,000 square-meter facility will focus on assembling premium electric cars, reinforcing the UAE’s vision to become a regional leader in green mobility.
This project will create 200 skilled jobs, providing significant economic and technological upliftment to Ras Al Khaimah and contributing to the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions through sustainable transportation.
Supporting Operation 300bn
These projects are directly aligned with the UAE’s Operation 300bn strategy — an ambitious federal initiative aimed at increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to the national GDP from AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion by 2031.
RAKEZ’s approach dovetails perfectly with this strategy, focusing on attracting future-oriented industries, nurturing local manufacturing capabilities, and providing globally competitive infrastructure. From streamlined regulatory processes to tailored support for SMEs and large manufacturers, RAKEZ offers a comprehensive ecosystem where industrial ambitions can be realized and scaled.
Jallad emphasized, “We’re not just supporting the strategy — we are living it. Our new projects are examples of what can be achieved when vision meets execution.”
Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
In addition to its economic focus, RAKEZ is deeply committed to promoting innovation and sustainability — pillars that are central to the UAE’s economic future. The new projects announced at the forum include green design elements, renewable energy integration, and zero-waste production models.
Moreover, RAKEZ has already rolled out initiatives to support clean industry practices, such as offering incentives for eco-friendly businesses, reducing energy consumption in its own operations, and encouraging sustainable logistics within its zones.
RAKEZ’s sustainability approach is not just environmentally driven — it is strategic. By cultivating a green reputation, RAKEZ positions itself as the go-to destination for global companies seeking ethical and sustainable industrial environments. This, in turn, enhances the UAE’s appeal to multinational manufacturers committed to ESG goals.
Fostering Local Talent and Employment
Another key element of RAKEZ’s strategy is its emphasis on human capital. The two newly announced projects alone will create nearly 3,000 jobs — many of which will require advanced technical and engineering skills. To meet this demand, RAKEZ is actively collaborating with local universities, vocational institutes, and training centers to develop a pipeline of skilled Emirati and expatriate talent.
This move is particularly vital in the context of the UAE’s wider efforts to empower its youth and encourage national participation in the private sector. With initiatives such as internships, certification programs, and joint research collaborations, RAKEZ is helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial practice.
The Road Ahead: Growth, Integration, Leadership
Looking ahead, RAKEZ is set to play an even larger role in the UAE’s industrial journey. With upcoming announcements in AI-driven manufacturing, smart logistics, and regional trade partnerships, the economic zone is positioning itself as a key contributor to not only national but also regional industrial leadership.
Further expansion of RAKEZ’s industrial clusters is already in the pipeline, with focus areas including aerospace, maritime services, renewable energy, and biotechnology. The zone’s flexible business models — from plug-and-play facilities for startups to custom-built warehouses for global enterprises — ensure that companies of all sizes can thrive in Ras Al Khaimah.
In his closing remarks at the forum, Ramy Jallad shared a bold vision: “We are not just building factories; we are shaping the future of industry in the UAE. Our ambition is not to follow the trends, but to set them.”
Conclusion
RAKEZ’s impactful participation in the “Make it in the Emirates 2025” forum stands as a testament to its enduring commitment to national development. Through strategic investments, high-profile partnerships, and a visionary approach to sustainability and talent development, RAKEZ is not merely contributing to the UAE’s industrial strategy — it is helping define it.
As the UAE continues to chart a bold course toward a knowledge-based, diversified economy, RAKEZ is set to remain a cornerstone of this transformation. Its work exemplifies the synergy between visionary governance, private-sector innovation, and regional collaboration — a synergy that will anchor the nation’s industrial growth for decades to come.
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