RAKIS reviews Ras Al Khaimah’s advancing economic landscape

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

The Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Business Summit (RAKIS) 2025 officially opened its doors at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre, kicking off a high-energy two-day gathering of global investors, senior government leaders, and industry pioneers exploring the emirate’s rapidly advancing economic landscape.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the summit commenced with an official walkthrough by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, who visited key exhibitors and engaged directly with participating companies across the show floor.

Leaders Outline Strategic Priorities for a Future-Focused RAK

The conference opened with keynote addresses from senior representatives of RAK Chamber, RAKEZ, Marjan, MoIAT, RAK Properties, and other leading institutions. Their insights set the stage for an agenda focused on strengthening the emirate’s role as a competitive hub for sustainable growth, industrial diversification, and investment-driven development.

Throughout the day, participants joined a series of thematic discussions outlining RAK’s near-term and long-term development priorities across policy, sustainability, real estate and finance.

Speakers from MoIAT, Marjan and RAK Properties outlined how regulatory clarity and federal initiatives such as Make it in the Emirates are shaping new industrial and investment opportunities. Sustainability leaders from RAKGAS, RAK Municipality, Expo City Dubai, RAKEZ, EtihadWE and RAKNOR highlighted the emirate’s shift from long-term planning to tangible action across clean energy, ESG integration and circularity. In real estate and infrastructure, experts from EtihadWE, BNW Developments, Union Properties and Al Tamimi & Co discussed how smart development models, green infrastructure and digital-first planning are reshaping investor appetite. Meanwhile, finance and investment stakeholders including Changer, RAK ICC, RAK DAO, Khatib & Alami and the Joint Italian-Arab Chamber of Commerce explored how fintech, new capital channels and cross-border expansion are strengthening RAK’s position as a growing regional hub.

Across the exhibition floor, exhibitors reported strong engagement as delegates explored offerings in real estate, infrastructure, utilities, facilities management, technology, manufacturing, and professional services. Companies including BNW Developments, EtihadWE, Union Properties, Khatib & Alami, One FM, and Azzurro Facilities Management saw a steady flow of visitors, with investors actively seeking insights on upcoming projects, partnership opportunities, and new market entry pathways.

Participants also joined investor roundtables, curated networking programmes, business matchmaking sessions, and exclusive partnership forums designed to unlock new channels of collaboration, adding to the momentum and commercial energy across the venue.

Key participants—including BNW Developments, EtihadWE, Union Properties, K&A, One FM, and Azzurro Facilities Management—drew notable attention, with many highlighting the quality of enquiries from prospective partners. The Crown Prince’s tour further elevated momentum across the show floor, reinforcing the summit’s role as a high-value platform for investment discussions.