No — RAKEZ is in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost UAE emirate, about 1.5 hours' drive from Dubai. RAK is positioned as a lower-cost alternative to Dubai for businesses that don't need the Dubai address. Many service businesses use RAKEZ licenses with Dubai-based principals.

RAKEZ

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Multi-sector free zone in Ras Al Khaimah serving manufacturing, education, and SMEs. RAKEZ and Ajman offer some of the lowest setup costs in the country.

Attributes

Founded	2006
Headquartered	Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Regulator	RAKEZ Authority
Jurisdiction	United Arab Emirates
Type	Free Zone
Applicable law	Emirates Civil Law
Governing authority	RAKEZ Authority
ISO country code	AE

What it is

RAKEZ — the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone — is a multi-sector free zone in Ras Al Khaimah formed in 2017 from the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority. It hosts 21,000+ companies across manufacturing, services, education, media, and trading. RAKEZ runs specialised cluster zones — RAKEZ Industrial Zone (heavy industry), RAKEZ Business Zone (commercial), RAKEZ Academic Zone (education), RAKEZ Media Zone — each tuned to its sector.

Member benefits: 100% foreign ownership, low setup costs, large industrial-land availability, and proximity to Saqr Port and Ras Al Khaimah Airport.

Key characteristics

Type: Multi-sector free zone
Location: Ras Al Khaimah (northern emirate)
Specialty zones: Industrial, Business, Academic, Media
Cost positioning: Among the cheapest UAE free zones

How it works

RAKEZ offers several license options to suit different business needs. Here's a general overview:

1. **Mainland License:** This is the most common type of license, allowing businesses to operate legally within the UAE mainland. It requires a minimum capital investment and adherence to local regulations. 2. **Free Zone License:** RAKEZ offers various free zone licenses, including trading, service, and manufacturing licenses. These licenses provide 100% foreign ownership and customs benefits. 3. **Offshore License:** This license is designed for holding companies and investment vehicles. It offers tax benefits and simplifies international transactions.

To obtain a license, businesses typically need to complete an application process, provide documentation, and pay the required fees. RAKEZ provides support throughout the licensing process, including assistance with documentation and regulatory compliance.

Types of RAKEZ

Type	Description	When it applies
Free Zone	RAKEZ is a free zone offering 100% foreign ownership and customs benefits.	Suitable for businesses seeking to establish a presence in the UAE with minimal restrictions.
Mainland License	A license for businesses operating within the UAE mainland, subject to local regulations.	Suitable for businesses seeking to conduct operations within the UAE mainland.

Examples

Many international companies have established operations in RAKEZ, including manufacturing facilities, trading companies, and service providers. Several startups have also chosen RAKEZ as a base for their businesses, benefiting from the free zone's supportive ecosystem. RAKEZ's location in Ras Al Khaimah provides access to a growing market and a skilled workforce. The free zone has attracted investments from various sectors, contributing to the emirate's economic diversification.

Why it matters

RAKEZ is the UAE's value-for-money free zone — particularly strong for manufacturing, education, and trading businesses that need affordable land or warehouse space alongside a license.

Common misconceptions

Misconception
RAKEZ is only for small businesses.
Reality
RAKEZ caters to businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations.

FAQs

Is RAKEZ in Dubai?: No — RAKEZ is in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost UAE emirate, about 1.5 hours' drive from Dubai. RAK is positioned as a lower-cost alternative to Dubai for businesses that don't need the Dubai address. Many service businesses use RAKEZ licenses with Dubai-based principals.