RAKEZ Business Activities List 2025 | Complete Guide to Free Zone & Non-Free Zone Licenses
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a very important part of the UAE Business Setup. It helps businesses grow and succeed by offering good benefits. RAKEZ is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates in the UAE. It is an easy place for new businesses to get started. Many companies from all over the world choose to set up here because of its low costs and tax benefits. There is a list of Business activity allowed in UAE Ras Al Khaimah.
In 2024, RAKEZ saw an increase of 23% in new companies, welcoming 3,676 new businesses. This shows that RAKEZ is a growing hub for entrepreneurs and businesses. It is becoming a leader in the UAE for startups and companies in various industries. From small startups to large manufacturing companies, RAKEZ is becoming a place where businesses can thrive.
Understanding the RAKEZ business activities list is important for anyone thinking about UAE Business Setup. RAKEZ offers many business licenses based on different types of work, such as trading, consulting, IT, and manufacturing. If you are planning to set up a company in RAKEZ, knowing which business activity fits your plan is key to making the right decision.
RAKEZ is part of the reason why the UAE is one of the top countries in the world for business growth. It is especially good for foreign investors because it allows them to own their company fully. The RAKEZ Free Zone also allows businesses to avoid paying taxes in Business Registration in Dubai, which makes it even more attractive for companies that want to grow quickly.
In this blog, you will find a complete guide to RAKEZ business activities, licensing options, and how to set up your business in this growing zone. Let’s take a closer look at what RAKEZ has to offer.
What is RAKEZ?
RAKEZ is the abbreviation of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. It is a commercial center in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah of the United Arab Emirates. RAKEZ was established by both RAKIA (Ras AL Khaimah Investment Authority) and the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority with a drive to make it simpler for businesses to incorporate and work in the UAE.
So clearly, it’s also a strong player in the economy of the UAE. There is a list of Business activity allowed in UAE Ras Al Khaimah (almost 50+). It caters to sectors like manufacturing, IT, media, education, and e-commerce. RAKEZ Free Zone is an ideal option for company formation in Dubai.
Businesses in RAKEZ can have 100% foreign ownership, 0% income tax, and the freedom to repatriate all profits. With this, RAKEZ offers the perfect location for foreign investors who wish to establish a business in the UAE. Further, RAKEZ is a cost-effective option for companies when you consider other free zones in the UAE, such as DMCC or Sharjah Free Zone.
RAKEZ also has a Golden Visa UAE program for investors and entrepreneurs, which lends long-term residency in the country. This is perfect for people who want to build a life and business where they can be secure.
One of the most beneficial things about RAKEZ is the low-budget facilities arrangement it has for companies. The setup costs and ongoing fees are a fraction of those in other free zones. This makes it much easier for SMEs and startups to get up and running with the minimum of costs.
Why Choose RAKEZ for Your Business Setup?
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone has a number of leading reasons why it is the best option for UAE Business Setup. So, whether you’re looking to set up a new company or add new business activities to your existing business, RAKEZ has got you covered. Let’s go over these advantages in more detail:
Lower Setup Costs
RAKEZ has one of the most cost-effective business establishments in the UAE. The RAKEZ setup costs are less than Dubai Free Zones and in other places in the UAE. For startups and small businesses, this is great.
100% Foreign Ownership
Why RAKEZ? Foreign investors get 100% ownership in their business in RAKEZ. This means you won’t have to partner up with local sponsors, which is required by businesses with operations in mainland parts of the country.
Tax Benefits
In RAKEZ, you can experience no income tax, which means that companies will be able to save money. This tax-free zone then lets businesses reinvest profits and grow more quickly. Imports and exports are not subject to customs duties.
Golden Visa UAE
One of the greatest benefits of establishing a business in RAKEZ is that entrepreneurs looking for a Golden Visa UAE can apply along with their family members. The Golden Visa provides for long-term residency in the UAE, and enables you to live and work without a sponsor. This is particularly appealing for those seeking to make the UAE their home in the long run.
Easy Bank Account Opening in Dubai
RAKEZ offers the easiest process of bank account Opening in Dubai for its clients. It’s simple, and the required documentation is minimal. This is a bonus point for businesses that need to control their payments.
Flexible Office Solutions
Flexible office space solutions are also provided by RAKEZ. Depending on your needs, you can opt for a flexi-desk, shared office, private office, or even a warehouse. This flexibility allows you to grow the business up or down.
Business Hub for Different Sectors
RAKEZ supports businesses across industries. RAKEZ has a license for you, whether you are in the IT or manufacturing sector, media, services industry, or much more. It provides multi-sector opportunities, making it a great place for businesses in any field.
In 2024, RAKEZ saw a 23% increase in new businesses, welcoming 3,676 companies.
RAKEZ provides an ideal environment for businesses, especially in the e-commerce and manufacturing sectors. There is a list of Business activity allowed in UAE Ras Al Khaimah.
Starting a business in RAK? John Doe, a Dubai-based consultant and businessman, says, “RAKEZ has significantly facilitated growth for hundreds of startups by providing affordable options with tempting tax benefits that other zones within the UAE simply do not offer.”
The establishment of Aroon Logistics FZC is an example. Another example is the tie-up with JIFZ Electronics, a global consumer electronics company that already ramped up its operations in RAKEZ earlier in 2013. The company enjoyed 100% foreign ownership, zero tax on income, and convenient access to shipping services at RAK Port.
Licensing Categories and License Activity List
This function is finely-grained and per-sector provisionable. Here are some of the main categories in licensing with the License Activity List.
Commercial License
For trading, import/export, or retail companies. Examples are electronics, car parts, fashion, and cosmetic businesses.
Service License
This is primarily for service-oriented businesses, including consultancy, IT solutions, advertising, and management services. If you are providing professional services, then this license is for you.
Industrial License
Ideal for organisations in manufacturing, assembly, and packaging.
Educational License
For educational institutions, training institutes, or e-learning sites. This license caters to the growing need for learning and acquiring new skills.
Media License
This license applies to media-producing businesses, digital content creators, advertising agencies, and social media marketers. It is ideal for modding in film, animating, and all other content creation.
E-Commerce License
For businesses engaged in e-commerce, particularly those involved in online retailing, digital marketplaces, and online selling. This license is for businesses that focus on online retailing.
Selecting the right type of RAK Free Zone license for your kind of business activity will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of your business. There is a specific License Activity List for each license. A RAKEZ commercial license allows for both importing and exporting, retail trading, and general trading. Companies choosing a RAK Free Zone license can provide consultancy, marketing, and IT or other services.
Analyze and select the most appropriate RAK Free Zone license for your business.
List of Business Activities in RAK (Free Zone)
At RAKEZ Free Zone, a company can undertake various business activities. There are some specific Permitted Business Activities In Rakez. Each set of activities can be divided into three categories, namely, Industrial, Commercial, and Service.
Below, we will highlight the List Of Business Activities in RAK with each activity’s key components.
Industrial Activities:
- Manufacturing: This includes companies that deal with food production, electronics manufacturing, and textile production.
- Packaging: Businesses include packaging goods like cosmetics, food, or chemicals.
Commercial Activities:
- Commerce: Import and export trade, such as auto parts, cosmetics, and other related products.
- Retail: The direct selling of goods and interaction with customers. Example clothing and other shops.
Service Activities:
- IT Services: Can include companies that provide software development, network services, and IT consulting.
- Consultancy: This comprises forms of business such as business consultancy, HR services, financial consulting, and marketing agencies.
Media & Creative Activities:
- Film Production: Includes companies involved in the creation of videos, films, and TV programs.
RAKEZ’s new proposed ventures are focused on AI-enabled businesses, and include Training & Education in AI- ML – RAKEZ is in discussion with various universities. Data Analytics for tailored solutions after processing internal data to arrive at an intelligent solution for different business units and software development (builds) for AI applications.
The growth of e-commerce in RAKEZ has been phenomenal. With more companies establishing digital platforms and online Business Registration in Dubai, RAKEZ has turned to be a networking space for online retailers. Boasting tax-free advantages and favourable proximity to global shipping networks, e-commerce businesses are riding an exponential curve of growth in RAKEZ.
RAKEZ Free Zone permits a business to list multiple activities on one company license, as long as RAKEZ has approved it.
Non-Free Zone Permitted Business Activities in RAKEZ
Outside the Free Zone, one can also do non-free zone business where the business activities are regulated according to the Mainland UAE Laws. It includes business activities in:
- Construction & Engineering – It deals with construction materials, contracting, and engineering design.
- Retail & Wholesale – Business related to wholesale distribution, retail, and production of products.
- Transport & Logistics – Companies dealing with the forward freight, shipping, and logistics services.
- Engineering Services – These are the businesses that include engineering design, project management, and contracting services.
Interestingly, by 2024, the e-commerce sector had grown by 28% than it was in the previous year. By 2024, over 18,000 businesses in 50+ sectors will have called RAKEZ home, and a significant number are international companies benefiting from the tax exemptions and enjoying 100% foreign ownership. Enterprises enjoy duty-free and tax holidays, inexpensive energy, and competitive real estate costs.
How Company Formation In Dubai Experts Can Help You
Setting up a company in Dubai in RAKEZ has a lot of advantages that will help your company succeed in the ever-changing local market of the UAE. Whether you are new to the area and growing your business, as an established company, or just opening its doors, RAKEZ is the perfect place.
If you are prepared to get started with a business in RAKEZ but are not sure what the next steps are, simply get in touch with one of the business setup consultant in Dubai today. These consultants can help you with each step of the RAKEZ company formation in Dubai process—from choosing the right license to bank account Opening in Dubai and obtaining your Golden Visa. They will provide expert guidance in understanding the List of Business Activities in RAK.
With the UAE PRO Services, your application will be filled out properly, without any hiccups, and accurate regulations. With the knowledge they possess, you can transform your experience of business registration in Dubai into one that went smoothly and was successful.
Do not miss the incredible opportunities for setting up a company in Dubai. Get in touch with a RAKEZ business setup consultant in Dubai now, and start your business venture in one of the UAE’s most affordable, tax-free, and pro-business zones. Welcome to Business in RAKEZ begins now!
FAQs
Q1: What are the permitted business activities in RAKEZ?
RAKEZ provides facilities for businesses in numerous fields such as trading, IT services, consultancy, manufacturing, media production, and e-commerce. No matter if you belong to the retail, education, or technology industry, RAKEZ has the license that will help kick-start your business.
Q2: How much time does it take to register a company in RAKEZ?
You can register a business in RAKEZ in 7-10 working days, based on the type of business and documentation. Unlike anywhere else in the UAE, RAKEZ has simplified the process and provides digital approvals so that your company can be set up at speed.
Q3: What is the cost of doing business in RAKEZ?
Business setup cost in RAKEZ usually varies between AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 for a general license. There is also the price of office rent, visa, and processing fees. SMEs & startups may also avail themselves of RAKEZ’s cost-effective packages.
Q4: I have heard about the UAE Golden Visa. How can I obtain it through RAKEZ?
The Golden Visa UAE is a program for granting long-term residency based on investment, entrepreneurship, and skilled professionals. If you have a company being set up in RAKEZ, then you can apply for this visa. With the Golden Visa, you and your family can live and work in the UAE long term.
Q5: What should I select if I am trying to form a RAKEZ setup?
Your type of business determines which type of business activity you should choose. RAKEZ has different types of business activities such as trading, manufacturing, IT, media, and services. You’re usually better off consulting with a business setup Expert who can guide you towards the right license and activity for your company.
Conclusion
For setting up a company in Dubai, your choice of RAKEZ business activity matters for your business. RAKEZ allows you to set up in either the free zone or non-free zone, which is why RAKEZ provides flexibility and tax advantages at low amounts of fees. Great for entrepreneurs and investors.
In the RAKEZ Free Zone, 100% foreign ownership . That means you retain complete ownership of your business. You don’t even have to pay income tax and customs duties, so international investors also get nothing from it!
RAKEZ is in proximity to RAK Port and RAK Airport, facilitating business with the world. The zone is good for small businesses and great for big ones. You can opt for office spaces or flexi-desks, or warehouses. In 2024, 3,600 new companies were created by RAKEZ, while an increase in the repression is registered, when speaking last 80%.
Are you ready to set up your business in RAKEZ? Get in touch with one of our business setup consultant in Dubai. Whether you are someone in IT, manufacturing, or e-commerce, or belong to any other sector of the economy, UAE PRO Services will assist you in selecting the appropriate RAKEZ business activity and get your firm up on its feet as soon as possible. Leverage the tax advantages and minimal startup expenses in RAKEZ, don’t let it slip through! Get started today!
