RAKEZ: Ras Al Khaimah's flagship economic zone, among the UAE's most affordable free zones
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the UAE's largest and most cost-competitive free zones. Packages start from AED 5,499, the authority hosts 21,000+ companies from 100+ countries across 50+ sectors, and five specialised sub-zones cover everything from solo consulting to heavy manufacturing, with 100% foreign ownership and incorporation in 2 to 4 weeks.
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Why RAKEZ matters in the UAE free-zone landscape
RAKEZ was created in 2017 from the merger of the RAK Free Trade Zone (founded 2000) and the RAK Investment Authority. The combined authority is today one of the UAE's largest economic zones, hosting more than 21,000 active companies from over 100 countries across 50+ industries.
RAKEZ runs a multi-cluster model: five specialised sub-zones (Business Zone, Industrial Zone, Academic Zone, Al Hamra Industrial Zone and Al Ghail Industrial Zone) covering services, regional HQs, light and heavy manufacturing, logistics warehousing and accredited educational institutions, all under a single regulator.
Unlike the premium Dubai free zones, RAKEZ is positioned on cost competitiveness: among the lowest setup fees in the country, affordable industrial land, competitive utility tariffs and direct access to Saqr Port, the Middle East's largest bulk-handling port. It is the go-to jurisdiction for SMEs, manufacturers, exporters and cost-conscious holding structures.
What you can run under a RAKEZ license
RAKEZ covers an unusually wide activity catalogue. Most founders fall into one of five clusters, each mapped to a specific license type and sub-zone.
Industrial & manufacturing
Construction materials, light metallurgy, plastics, food processing, fine chemicals, packaging, automotive assembly and FMCG. Al Hamra and Al Ghail clusters offer industrial land, warehouses and pre-built sheds at very competitive rates.
Trading & distribution
Import / export, commodity trading, general distribution and B2B retail. Saqr Port proximity and RAK International Airport enable fast logistics flows to India, the Subcontinent, East Africa and the CIS.
Services & consulting
Management consulting, IT, marketing, HR, finance and corporate services. The Business Zone hosts a broad ecosystem of service providers and regional headquarters at controlled cost.
E-commerce & digital
Dedicated e-commerce licenses with warehousing available next door. A strong fit for online merchants who want local fulfilment with land costs far lower than Dubai.
Education, media & freelance
The Academic Zone hosts international universities, technical schools and regulated training providers. RAKEZ also issues an affordable freelance permit and media licenses covering 100+ activity categories for solo operators.
What you actually get with RAKEZ
The practical entitlements behind RAKEZ's cost-leader positioning. What the brochure rarely spells out.
Entry pricing from AED 5,499, among the lowest in the UAE.
100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor required.
100% repatriation of capital and profits.
Five specialised sub-zones covering services, industry and academia.
50+ sectors eligible under a single authority.
Industrial land, pre-built warehouses and shed units on long lease.
Direct access to Saqr Port and RAK International Airport.
Competitive energy and utility tariffs vs Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Freelance permit available for solo founders.
Multi-year packages with locked-in pricing (up to 10 years).
Pick the license that matches your model
Three core license families cover almost every founder profile at RAKEZ. Educational and media licenses are handled through dedicated sub-zone tracks.
Most picked
Commercial
For trading, distribution and e-commerce operators.
- Import / export and general trading
- Wholesale and B2B distribution
- E-commerce and online retail
- Several activities combinable per license
- Warehouse add-on available
Industrial
For manufacturing, assembly and storage operations.
- Light and heavy manufacturing
- Assembly, packaging and processing
- Metallurgy, plastics, chemicals, F&B
- Industrial land and pre-built sheds available
- Issued via Al Hamra or Al Ghail zones
Professional & Services
For consultants, IT, marketing and freelance operators.
- Management, finance and HR consulting
- IT, software, marketing and media
- Freelance permit available for solos
- Flexi-desk address included
- Lowest entry point in the catalogue
Notable names established at RAKEZ
RAKEZ hosts 21,000+ companies across 50+ sectors. A handful of regional industrial brands and listed manufacturers anchor the Ras Al Khaimah cluster across packaging, building materials, pharma and manufacturing.
Packaging
Falcon Pack
Regional food packaging and disposables manufacturer headquartered out of RAK, with production facilities inside the RAKEZ industrial cluster.
Pharma
Julphar
Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, one of the largest pharma manufacturers in MENA, publicly listed and headquartered in Ras Al Khaimah.
Building materials
RAK Ceramics
One of the world's largest ceramics brands, with its principal manufacturing base anchored in Ras Al Khaimah's industrial cluster.
Industry
Ducab
UAE cable manufacturing major operating production lines and storage in the northern emirates industrial corridor served by RAKEZ.
Steel structures
Mammut Building Systems
Pre-engineered steel building manufacturer with its flagship factory and offices established inside the RAKEZ industrial zone.
Automotive
Ashok Leyland
Indian commercial vehicle major runs its UAE assembly and aftermarket operations from the RAKEZ industrial cluster.
Manufacturing
Ittihad Paper Mill
Large-scale uncoated woodfree paper manufacturer serving MENA, with its principal plant operating under RAKEZ industrial license.
HR & outsourcing
Innovations Group
Regional HR, payroll and corporate services group with a long-standing RAKEZ presence supporting SMEs across the northern emirates.
Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE's industrial north
RAKEZ is headquartered in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, about one hour by road from Dubai International (DXB) and 45 minutes from the future Al Maktoum airport. The emirate combines serious logistics access with a calmer, more affordable operating environment.
- ~1 hour by road to Dubai International (DXB)
- ~45 min to Al Maktoum International (DWC)
- Direct access to Saqr Port (bulk & container)
- RAK International Airport, cargo-friendly
- Industrial land & pre-built warehouses on long lease
Coworking & flexi-desk
Shared spaces in the Business Zone for solos and small teams
Executive offices
Private fitted-out offices from studio to open-space layouts
Warehouses & sheds
Light to heavy storage, pre-built sheds in Al Hamra and Al Ghail
Industrial & academic land
Long-lease plots for factories, production lines and campuses
How we incorporate your RAKEZ company in 2 to 4 weeks
Six structured steps from cluster choice to issued license. We handle four of them; you only act on two.
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Pick the right cluster & activity
Depending on your business model we route you to the Business Zone, an Industrial Zone (Al Hamra or Al Ghail) or the Academic Zone. The activity must match the RAKEZ catalogue.
Choose the legal form
FZE (single shareholder), FZ-LLC / FZC (multiple shareholders), or a branch of an existing parent company. We recommend based on your shareholder structure.
Reserve the trade name
Name reservation is submitted online and must comply with RAKEZ conventions. The suffix depends on the legal form chosen (FZE, FZ-LLC, Branch).
KYC & initial approval
You provide passports, CVs, address proof, corporate resolutions for any corporate shareholders, and a business plan for regulated industrial activities. We compile and submit.
Pick the office or land package
Coworking, flexi-desk, executive office, warehouse or industrial plot: the choice depends on activity and visa quota. Some configurations require physical presence.
Pay & receive the license
Once payment clears and approvals land, the license is issued. Visa applications, Emirates ID and bank account can then be launched in parallel.
Four realities first-time RAKEZ founders miss
Entry price vs total package
Headline entry is AED 5,499 for a 0-visa Biz Starter, but real-world setups with 1 visa land around AED 15,000–18,000 once medical, Emirates ID, deposit and bank account costs are folded in. Always compare apples to apples.
Sub-zone affects activity scope
Your activity dictates which sub-zone you fall into. A consulting license sits in the Business Zone; manufacturing requires Al Hamra or Al Ghail with a physical shed or plot; educational activities require Academic Zone approval. Pick the wrong cluster and you re-apply.
UAE corporate tax 9% trigger
UAE corporate tax applies at 9% on net profit above AED 375,000. Below that the effective rate is 0%. Free-zone "qualifying income" can stay at 0% subject to substance, which means real presence at RAKEZ, not just a flexi-desk on paper.
Living in Dubai, licensed in RAK
You can run a RAKEZ company while based in Dubai, many founders do. But the ~1h commute (and longer in peak traffic) matters for activities requiring frequent physical presence. Plan trips to the Business Zone in batches.
What's inside our RAKEZ all-in-one package
One transparent fee covers company formation, residence visa and UAE banking. From AED 15,500: 1 year license, 1 visa, flexi-desk address at the Business Zone.
Company formation
- Trade name reservation
- License issuance (Commercial, Services or Industrial)
- Memorandum of Association drafting + e-signature
- Flexi-desk address at the Business Zone
- Establishment card
- Corporate Tax registration & initial compliance
- Up to 3 activities included
Residence visa
- Entry permit issuance
- Medical fitness test coordination
- Emirates ID application & biometrics
- Visa stamping inside passport
- Status change inside the UAE
- Valid 2 years, renewable
Banking
- Business and personal account introductions
- Document pack prepared to bank-ready standard
- Follow-up support until account is opened
- Backup option with a UAE digital bank
DIY vs working with us
On your own
Compare 45+ providers
Rules, prices and procedures all over the place
Check trade-name availability
Submit the request and wait for approval
Fill admin forms & files
Errors = delays or fines
Gather supporting documents
Missing or incorrect = rejection or fines
Chase extra approvals
Miss one and you trigger penalties or delays
Shop prices and locations
Hidden costs likely
Handle the payments
Procedural errors = fines or delays
Run the visa process
Strict steps and timelines, fine risk
Shop UAE banks cold
High rejection risk
Track compliance yourself
VAT & renewals → penalties if missed
Time sink
Stress, errors, financial risk
Recommended
With us
An optimal structure
Tailored to your goals
Trade name reserved
Fast and approved
Dedicated personal support
By your side at every step
Compliant, validated file
Optimised to pass first time
Easier networking
Targeted introductions
Optimised investment
No unnecessary costs
End-to-end support
Fast and stress-free
Single point of contact
Clear, personalised follow-up
Bank account opening
Fast and simplified
Zero stress, total peace of mind
We look after everything
100% business focus
We handle the rest
Teams we've set up at RAKEZ
"We were completely satisfied with Créer Société Dubaï. From the outset, we benefited from direct, clear, and highly professional support. We particularly appreciated the speed and efficiency of the process — we obtained our Emirates IDs and opened our bank accounts in just 13 days, which is remarkable. A special mention goes to Joïca, who was extremely kind, very attentive, and always available, even when we were still in France. She answered all our questions patiently and professionally, which made our experience very reassuring."
"Excellent experience from start to finish. Setting up the company in Dubai was quick and easy, with clear and professional support at every stage. The team is very responsive and always available to answer questions. Special mention to Ibrahim from the accounting department for his professionalism and the quality of his follow-up. I highly recommend them for company formation and accounting management in Dubai."
"Thank you so much for your support; the process was smooth and the assistance from all the local organizations was a great help. Everything went perfectly! Thank you to the whole team!"
RAKEZ: frequently asked questions
RAKEZ is positioned as the cost leader among UAE free zones:
- From AED 5,499 for a Biz Starter package (0 visa, 1 activity)
- AED 11,000–13,000 for a Professional / Services license with flexi-desk
- AED 14,000–18,000 for a Commercial or Trading license with 1–2 visas
- Industrial setups with land or sheds priced separately by plot size
Multi-year packages (up to 10 years) lock in pricing and reduce the effective yearly cost.
RAKEZ runs five specialised sub-zones:
- Business Zone: services, consulting, IT, freelance and regional HQs (most common)
- Industrial Zone: general light manufacturing and processing
- Academic Zone: universities, technical schools and accredited training providers
- Al Hamra Industrial Zone: heavy industry, large warehouses, plot-based plants
- Al Ghail Industrial Zone: manufacturing, agro-processing and logistics
Your activity dictates which one applies.
RAKEZ wins on raw entry price. Its Biz Starter 0-visa package starts at AED 5,499 vs IFZA from AED 12,900. For a typical setup with 1 visa, RAKEZ lands around AED 15,000–18,000 vs IFZA AED 17,000–22,000.
The trade-off: IFZA sits inside Dubai Digital Park (DSO) so your address is "Dubai", and incorporation is faster (5–7 days vs 2–4 weeks at RAKEZ). If proximity to Dubai matters or you need a tech-cluster address, IFZA is worth the premium. If cost is the priority, especially for industrial, warehouse or freelance setups, RAKEZ usually wins.
Yes. A RAKEZ license can be operated from any emirate, including Dubai, and many licensees do exactly that to benefit from lower running costs. The drive from central Dubai to the Business Zone is roughly one hour each way.
To trade directly on the Dubai consumer market (B2C retail, government contracts), additional permits may be required from the Dubai Department of Economy, to be reviewed case by case depending on the activity.
Yes. RAKEZ is one of the UAE's strongest free zones for industry. The Al Hamra and Al Ghail industrial zones provide pre-built sheds, warehouses and long-lease industrial land for manufacturing, assembly, processing and storage. Sectors covered include construction materials, metallurgy, plastics, chemicals, F&B, packaging and automotive assembly.
Industrial licenses are subject to additional approvals depending on the activity (environmental, safety, hazmat).
Plan 2 to 4 weeks for a standard commercial or services setup, from KYC to issued license. Industrial setups with land allocation or pre-built sheds can take longer depending on activity approvals and lease negotiations.
Residence visas, Emirates ID and bank account opening run in parallel after the license is issued and typically add another 3–6 weeks. End-to-end, budget 6–10 weeks for a fully operational setup with banking.
Other free zones worth considering
Each free zone serves a different model. If RAKEZ isn't quite the right fit, these are the closest alternatives.
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We'll tell you within 30 minutes whether RAKEZ is the right fit for your model, or which UAE free zone is.
