Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) promoted the emirate’s investment potential and expanding global partnerships during the 16th Turkish–Arab Economic Forum (TAF16), held recently in Istanbul. As an official sponsor of the forum, RAKEZ underscored Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a competitive destination for international investors and a growing hub for cross-border business collaboration.
The forum gathered business leaders, government officials, and investors from across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye, serving as a platform for strengthening trade and investment dialogue between the Turkish and Arab markets. RAKEZ’s participation aimed to reinforce the emirate’s visibility among Turkish enterprises and highlight its business-friendly environment, advanced infrastructure, and connectivity to regional and global markets.
Expanding Bilateral Trade and Investment Links
RAKEZ’s presence at the Istanbul forum coincided with a period of strong economic cooperation between Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 18.9 billion in 2024, representing a 40 percent year-on-year increase. By engaging with Turkish investors at TAF16, RAKEZ sought to build on this momentum and attract new entrants from sectors aligned with Ras Al Khaimah’s diversified economy.
The RAKEZ delegation presented the emirate’s competitive advantages, including streamlined regulatory processes, cost-effective company formation packages, and access to well-developed industrial zones. The discussions highlighted how Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location and ease of doing business position it as a launchpad for Turkish enterprises looking to expand across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad delivered a keynote address outlining the emirate’s evolving economic landscape and infrastructure growth. He emphasised the progress Ras Al Khaimah has made in diversifying its economy and supporting sustainable investment. “TAF16 provided a valuable platform to strengthen economic bridges between Türkiye and the Arab world. Ras Al Khaimah continues to evolve as a destination of choice for investors, offering a business-friendly environment, advanced infrastructure, and strategic connectivity. We are proud to support businesses on their growth journeys and welcome Turkish enterprises to be part of our dynamic ecosystem,” said Jallad.
Strong Turkish Business Presence in Ras Al Khaimah
RAKEZ currently hosts more than 470 Turkish-owned companies, operating across diverse sectors such as consultancy, general trading, e-commerce, building materials, chemicals, and manufacturing. This growing community reflects the increasing appetite among Turkish businesses to leverage Ras Al Khaimah’s infrastructure and investor support framework to access regional markets.
Following the main forum, the RAKEZ delegation conducted a targeted investment roadshow across Istanbul. The roadshow included a series of one-on-one meetings with potential investors and business intermediaries from key Turkish industries, including building materials, food trading, mechanical and engineering equipment, ready-made garments, chemicals, and metals. These engagements provided opportunities for direct dialogue on market entry strategies and highlighted the emirate’s ability to accommodate a range of business activities within its integrated economic zones.
RAKEZ’s participation also aligned with broader efforts to promote Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term economic diversification strategy. The emirate continues to attract international companies seeking a stable and cost-effective base of operations, with modern logistics networks and access to Ras Al Khaimah Port and the wider UAE transportation infrastructure. As trade between Türkiye and the UAE expands under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the emirate’s role as an investment gateway is expected to strengthen further.
Strategic Platform for Cross-Border Collaboration
The Turkish–Arab Economic Forum has emerged as a key meeting point for government and private sector representatives seeking to deepen cooperation between Türkiye and Arab economies. For RAKEZ, the event provided a venue to promote Ras Al Khaimah’s credentials as both an investment destination and a facilitator of international business partnerships. The forum’s agenda focused on trade facilitation, industrial development, and innovation, themes that align closely with the emirate’s growth priorities.
By maintaining a consistent presence at international events such as TAF16, RAKEZ continues to position Ras Al Khaimah as an integral part of the UAE’s wider economic diplomacy and business tourism strategy. Its participation not only showcases the emirate’s investment strengths but also supports its reputation as a destination that combines business, innovation, and lifestyle opportunities.
RAKEZ’s involvement in global forums and trade missions also contributes to Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal within the MICE sector. The emirate’s growing portfolio of business events, investment summits, and conferences aligns with its goal to attract both corporate visitors and investors. As the business tourism segment expands across the Gulf, economic zones like RAKEZ play a critical role in linking investment promotion with international event participation.
Through initiatives such as this, Ras Al Khaimah continues to enhance its visibility in key markets and strengthen ties with global partners. The emirate’s combination of investor incentives, robust infrastructure, and transparent regulations positions it as a preferred location for businesses seeking regional expansion. With growing interest from Turkish enterprises and ongoing collaboration under CEPA, RAKEZ’s engagement at TAF16 underscores its role in shaping the future of cross-border trade and investment in the Middle East.
