Manufacturing is at the heart of the global economy. For British firms renowned for their innovation and quality, the question is no longer whether to expand internationally, but where to establish a competitive base for long-term growth. Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, delves into why the answer lies in the United Arab Emirates and the world-class economic zone.
UK MANUFACTURING’S MIDDLE EASTERN LEAP
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, where manufacturing accounts for 27 percent of GDP and is less than an hour’s drive from Dubai, is strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Within four hours’ flying time lies one-third of the world’s population, granting British businesses unrivalled proximity to high-growth markets.
This connectivity is supported by direct access to five seaports, RAK International Airport, and the developing Etihad Rail network, which is revolutionising freight movement across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
British manufacturer Spatial Composite Solutions FZ LLC, for example, who chose Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) in 2009 as its base for aircraft crew training equipment, is serving a range of clients from Asia to the US, demonstrating how UK innovation can reach global markets with the right platform.
LOWER COSTS, HIGHER IMPACT
For manufacturing firms under pressure to optimise every investment, financial incentives are critical.
Operating costs in RAKEZ are up to 40 percent lower than regional alternatives. Development costs are around 10 percent below the UAE average, whilst industrial land leasing rates are highly competitive.
Crucially, firms benefit from 100 percent ownership, full profit repatriation, and one of the world’s lowest tax structures. These advantages allow companies to redirect capital into innovation, sustainability, and expansion.
Ahmad Tea offers a powerful example: the Hampshire-based global tea producer operates a regional facility in RAKEZ, producing 22 million tea bags daily to supply 80+ countries. This remarkable output is enabled by RAKEZ’s cost-effective operating environment, integrated logistics, and supportive regulatory framework.
A PROVEN BASE FOR BRITISH MANUFACTURERS
More than 3,200 British entrepreneurs and investors now thrive in RAKEZ, making the UK one of the area’s top three sources of foreign direct investment (FDI). Some other success stories include:
A2C Services – A Portsmouth-headquartered, circular-economy laptop remanufacturer. Its GBP 1.6 million facility expansion in RAKEZ produces 50,000 remanufactured laptops monthly, certified with a British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemark for sustainable production.
Manchester Paper Bags and JRL Group – Both small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have leveraged RAKEZ’s customised facilities to establish efficient production lines, serving regional and global clients.
Waste to Wonder – A UK social enterprise repurposing corporate furniture for global charitable donations, demonstrating how RAKEZ supports businesses aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values.
These cases show the diversity of UK companies flourishing in the region – from traditional manufacturing to sustainable and tech-enabled production. They sit alongside leading players such as RAK Ceramics, one of the world’s largest ceramics manufacturers, headquartered in RAK.
INFRASTRUCTURE BUILT FOR THE FUTURE
At RAKEZ, we understand that world-class infrastructure is central to manufacturing competitiveness. That is why we continue to invest in versatile facilities – from ready-built warehouses and labour accommodation to industrial land and build-to-suit factories.
Upcoming projects like RAK Central, the largest business district in the Northern Emirates, and Tech Flex Zone, a future-focused district for tech-driven enterprises, are designed to give companies spaces that support their evolving needs.
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Beyond the factory floor, sustainability is integral. RAKEZ’s latest construction projects prioritise energy efficiency, water savings, and reduced emissions. The new uTerra Middle East Agro Industries organic fertiliser facility in the UAE’s Al Ghail Industrial Zone, which transforms organic waste into sustainable fertiliser, is a strong example of how RAKEZ empowers green manufacturing and is aligned with the country’s net zero 2050 goals.
NOT JUST A FREE ZONE
What sets RAKEZ apart is our ecosystem approach. Beyond spaces, we provide comprehensive services – streamlined licensing, visa processing, recruitment, banking, compliance, and marketing support.
Incorporation can be completed in days, with both free zone and non-free zone setups – a rare flexibility.
Home to more than 50,000 businesses across RAK – including over 35,000 operating under RAKEZ – our diverse community spans 100+ countries and 50 sectors, creating a powerful engine for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
RAK also consistently ranks amongst the world’s safest and most liveable locations – with international schools, modern healthcare, high-quality and affordable housing, and a welcoming environment for families from around the world to integrate within multiple English-speaking communities.
A NEW ERA OF OPPORTUNITY
All of this is reinforced by the deepening UK-UAE relationship. Bilateral trade now exceeds £23 billion and continues to grow, with negotiations for a Gulf Cooperation Council-UK Free Trade Agreement (GCCUKFTA) nearing completion.
This deal could add USD$10.8 billion annually to the region’s economy and boost bilateral ties by 16 percent. This will mean smoother market access, fewer regulatory hurdles, and stronger supply chain integration across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
RAK’s recent growth partnership with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade further underlines this alignment, opening new doors for collaboration in manufacturing, logistics, and innovation.
The UK has always been a valued partner to RAK, and at RAKEZ, we are proud to be the home of thousands of British firms shaping the future of industry.
As we continue to expand our infrastructure, services, and sustainability goals, our mission at RAKEZ remains clear – to empower manufacturers to scale efficiently, sustainably, and globally. For UK businesses looking to future-proof their operations and seize new markets, there has never been a better time to join.
