Free zone · Ras Al Khaimah
Setting up in RAKEZ
RAKEZ, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, is a government-established licensing authority that launched in 2017 in the UAE's northernmost emirate. It is unusual in issuing both free zone and non-free zone licences, and it covers more than 3,000 activities across over 50 sectors. Its footprint spans several business and industrial zones, including Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila industrial zones and the Al Nakheel and Al Hamra business zones. Facilities run from flexi desks and executive offices to warehouses and serviced land plots, and the industrial zones are close to Ras Al Khaimah's ports and airport. It appeals equally to freelancers, e-commerce sellers and heavy industry.
Packages from AED 6,000 (published starting price; your total depends on activity, visas and office) · estimate a full setup
Updated
Who RAKEZ suits
- Manufacturers and industrial projects that need land or warehouses
- SMEs, e-commerce sellers and freelancers wanting a low-cost licence
- Businesses that may need a non-free zone licence later
Key facts
- Government-established authority launched in 2017
- Both free zone and non-free zone entity options
- More than 3,000 licensable activities across over 50 sectors
- Industrial zones at Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila, plus two business zones
- Flexi desks, offices, warehouses, land plots and the Compass Coworking Centre
Things to weigh up
- Ras Al Khaimah is around an hour or more from Dubai by road
- Industrial sites are spread across several zones, so location choice matters
- Free zone entities still face limits on trading directly with the mainland
RAKEZ questions
What is the difference between a RAKEZ free zone and non-free zone licence?
RAKEZ can license both types. A non-free zone entity is generally aimed at businesses that want to operate more freely within the UAE market, so the right choice depends on where your customers are.
Does RAKEZ suit heavy industry?
Yes. RAKEZ runs several industrial zones with land plots and warehouses, and its industrial areas sit near Ras Al Khaimah's ports.
Similar starting price
Shams
From AED 5,750
Content creators, influencers and podcasters
Costs and details AjmanAjman Free Zone
From AED 5,555
Cost-conscious traders and small manufacturers in the northern emirates
Costs and details Abu DhabiADGM
From AED 6,600
Fund managers, fintechs and other financial services firms
Costs and details DubaiDubai South
From AED 6,978
Logistics, freight forwarding and third-party logistics firms
Costs and detailsGet your RAKEZ setup cost
Free cost estimate and a consultation call within 24 hours. No obligation.