Progress

Celebrating the 6th Accession Anniversary of

HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah

A Humble Tribute

to HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi

Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler for his inspiring initiatives transforming Ras Al Khaimah into a new era of sustainable development and

economic prosperity for the present as well as future generations

CREDITS

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RAKIA PROFILE

Inspiring Strategies 5

After HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi took over as the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, Ras Al Khaimah has raced ahead of its peers in several sectors. Recently, it was voted the most promising

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investment destination in the entire Middle East

t is the element of pragmatism that makes a vision truly inspiring. It

steady flow of foreign investment in a manner that would help tap the

is also pragmatism that moves a vision from the realm of idealism to

latent potential of Ras Al Khaimah in sectors such as tourism, real estate,

one of strategy. And this has been the hallmark of the development

and manufacturing. These were areas in which Ras Al Khaimah enjoyed

paradigm that His Highness Sheikh Saud bin

distinct advantages by way of natural resources,

Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler,

location and position on the cultural landscape.

has handed down to his economic managers as

The smart businessman that he

part of his plan to transform Ras Al Khaimah into

is, Sheikh Saud has the business

a new and emerging investment destination and

sense to realise that if properly

Today, when countries and states are

utilised, the government apparatus

smarting under the impact of a debilitating

and the bureaucracy can be

global financial crisis, Sheikh Saud’s focus on

great assets capable of creating

sustainable development has paid off, and

vibrant and sustainable economy. It is perhaps the biggest tribute to the success of this strategy that Ras Al Khaimah has been voted by media leaders like the Financial Times as one of the most promising investment

common wealth for society

destinations in the whole of Middle East. That the emirate hardly had a presence on the global investment map five years ago makes the achievement all the more illustrious. Salutes to that great strategy. Sheikh Saud’s strategy was two-pronged: Ensure the success of local

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His ability to create a strong synergy between the two ensured the overall success of the plan.

that is showing. In an ocean of turbulence, Ras Al Khaimah stands out as an oasis of relative stability, although it is exposed to the global

dimensions of the crisis, which may not have fully played out yet. Sheikh Saud considers the government as the most important company in the emirate, because what the government does has a bearing on everything that happens there. He has no doubt in his mind

businesses by engineering necessary institutional and organisational

that the government has to be run like an efficient company, which

changes, and at another level, create conditions that would help attract a

will be responsive as well as responsible, and will constantly strive for

ENVISIONING RAK

HH Sheikh Saud and Dr Khater Massaad at the inauguration of Kludi RAK factory

improvement in whatever it handles. So, all the initiatives to reform the

Sheikh Saud asks World Bank to conduct study on foreign investment

Reforms in the bureaucracy have been a key component of the new

government apparatus and bureaucracy stem from this cardinal thought.

agenda. Sheikh Saud impressed the bureaucracy that ‘change was no longer

The smart businessman that he is, Sheikh Saud had the business sense

an option’. It has been made clear to government employees that they have

to realise that If properly utilised, the government apparatus and the

to perform the role of facilitators, rather than create hindrances to change.

bureaucracy can be great assets capable of creating common wealth for

But the change is not being forced arbitrarily as the bureaucracy has been

the society, rather than a liability, a description that bureaucracy is generally

exposed to a process of empowerment, to which the members of the

assigned all over the world.

bureaucracy have responded very positively. There is a strong awareness

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about the need to embrace change, which works in favour of everyone. This insight, coupled with his track record of managing highly successful business ventures, provided the impetus for all the recent initiatives in Ras Al Khaimah. The unprecedented growth of RAK Ceramics into a global leader in the ceramics industry, and the rejuvenation of Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries ( Julfar) as one of the leading regional players in the pharmaceutical industry are stellar examples of his management acumen. When Sheikh Saud took the initiative to organise a World Bank Investment Meet in Ras Al Khaimah, the first such event to be held outside Dubai or Abu Dhabi, many saw RAK as an unlikely venue. For, such events were considered more appropriate in these two cities. But Sheikh Saud had different ideas. As time passed by, everything seemed to fall in place, perfectly aligning with the well-orchestrated plan that Sheikh Saud had worked out for Ras Al Khaimah’s march ahead.

Global Investors’ Conference starts off in RAK. Sheikh Saud announces Dh1 billion Industry Development Fund

Within a short time of taking over as the Crown Prince, Sheikh Saud has steered Ras Al Khaimah on the path of rapid progress and development.

Properties, RAKEEN, EDRAK etc, are landmarks in the strategy of efficiently

In simple terms, the plan aims to make RAK an ideal place for people to

implementing and managing this vigorous developmental and infrastructural

come and live and do business, utilising the tremendous opportunities

overhaul.

being created by the new initiatives. Simultaneously, great emphasis is

The new development paradigm emphasises the empowerment of

being laid on creating a business-friendly and congenial environment.

people through knowledge by building up all the essential infrastructure in

Several gateways have been created to provide single-window services to

this regard, along with the development of tourism, taking advantage of the

investors, so that they are not required to approach multiple government

emirate’s unique geography, landscape and traditions, as well as establishing

agencies to complete the formalities of setting up business in the emirate.

the foundations of a diversified industrial base that uses the abundant

The creation of institutions such as the RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), and the Investment and Development Office (IDO), RAK

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natural resources available in the mountains. Ras Al Khaimah has traditionally been the holiday home of people from the other emirates, the region and

RAK is a combination of lifestyle, business environment and friendly policies

tourists who keep coming back to its exotic attractions. “Every place has to find what is doable. Industry is part of what we need.

Everything that happens in Ras Al Khaimah, whether it is the launch of

We feel there is a great need here to do industrial development because it

forward-looking projects such as the Al Hamra property developments,

is not as significant as tourism. But focusing on industry does not mean we

hospitality assets or leisure and entertainment infrastructure, can be tracked

have to forget about tourism. It does not mean we have to create another

down to this idea that continues to spur all sections of the society, including

service economy. It is not just about creating a job, but to create a place

an assortment of existing and new institutions, to constantly excel. That’s what

that you would like to go to. It is a combination really of lifestyle, business

inspiring strategies are capable of doing.

environment and friendliness,” Sheikh Saud told an interviewer recently,

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while explaining his strategy.

RAKIA PROFILE

Back to Beauty : The RAK backwaters add to the calm and peace of its surroundings

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Reforming the Governance Process

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GOVERNMENT

O

‘Public- Private Partnership vital for development,’ says Sheikh Saud

ne of the earliest announcements by H H Sheikh Saud

The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Programme for Young Business Leaders facilitates entrepreneurship among the youth. Sheikh Saud believes that the future success of RAK’s economy in the global marketplace would depend on the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of the younger generation

bin Saqr Al Qasimi after his accession as Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler was that the Government of Ras Al Khaimah was committed to removing all hurdles in the

administrative, legal and other levels, to promote new investments and facilitate businesses in the emirate. A number of initiatives in this regard followed, including changes in systems and procedures to help businessmen and entrepreneurs and attract new investments in the emirate. Similarly, great emphasis was laid on increased partnership between the private and the public sectors to create a sustainable economic model for the future. Sheikh Saud saw this as very

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categories for small-size and large-size departments, organisational units and departments involved in customer service as well as excellence in e-governance. Award categories also provided for distinguished administrative experiment, the distinguished technical experiment and job excellence. To broad base the competition, participation was made compulsory for all local government departments. Also launched was the `Saud bin Saqr Programme for Young Business Leaders’ to promote and facilitate entrepreneurship and encourage UAE entrepreneurs to set up new businesses and projects, mainly small and medium enterprises, in the emirate. The government initiative sought to channelise the entrepreneurial spirit of young people towards creating profitable and sustainable business ventures that would enhance their role in the national economy. “The future success of our economy in the global marketplace would depend on the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of the young generation. This programme recognises the role of young people in driving UAE economic growth and would play a leadership Sheikh Saud opens seminar on RAK Government Excellence Award

role in promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing skills, and offering facilities for young people to set up new businesses,” Sheikh Saud said during the

important for creating a business friendly environment which would help realize his plans for RAK’s overall development. As part of the move to reform governance process and bureaucracy

All new business enterprises set up under the programme are exempted from payment of registration and related fees at the RAK Municipality, RAK

so as to upgrade the performance of local government departments

Economic Development Department, and RAK Chamber of Commerce for

and underline the importance of the government sector in bolstering

three years. The new business ventures would also get financial incentives

development in the emirate, Sheikh Saud decreed the setting up an award

through waivers on fees at the Labour Department.

for government excellence. The Ras Al Khaimah Government Excellence Award has seven distinct

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inauguration.

As part of the move to tune up administrative procedures, the government announced plans to launch an advanced Geographic

GOVERNMENT

Sheikh Saud inspires RAK to deploy GIS technology to boost development

Information System (GIS) capable of capturing, storing and analysing

of the whole emirate and preparation of a strategic plan on how to meet

geospatial and other information relating to Ras Al Khaimah and link various

those needs. The comprehensive data base is then connected through

governments departments through a network.

the government network, making it possible to offer a host of public utility

The mapping exercise and data base created as part of the GIS project

services. Key departments covered under the plan included the RAK

could be used to provide a variety of services like resource management,

Municipality, Lands Department, Public Works and Services Department and

developmental planning and emergency response planning. It could also

the Sewerage Authority.

be used to deliver a whole lot of community services related to schools,

Similarly, plans were launched to implement an internet enabled

hospitals and for the issuance of building permits, land registration etc, when

e-communications platform in all the government departments in Ras

the system is integrated to the government website.

Al Khaimah to create efficient communication and information sharing

The first phase of the plan envisaged a study to identify the requirements

mechanism within and between all government departments.

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Legal Reforms A slew of legislative and regulatory initiatives were launched in Ras Al Khaimah as part of Sheikh Saud’s plan to improve the legal infrastructure in the emirate

A

major step in improving the legal infrastructure of the emirate

non-Arab expatriate ownership. But Ras Al Khaimah was the first emirate

was the launch of Ras Al Khaimah Commercial Arbitration

to provide for registration of the ownership titles with the emirate’s Land

Centre to provide conciliation and arbitration services to

Department.

business and commercial sectors in the emirate and outside.

The establishment of the Commercial Arbitration Centre is expected

for real estate development projects in the emirate. The decree in this

to provide a mechanism for quick and efficient settlement of commercial

regard made it mandatory for all developers wishing to sell off-plan units

disputes that would boost business confidence and improve the business

to register with Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) and to open

climate in the emirate.

a Guarantee Account in which amounts paid by buyers towards property

Another important legislation opened up the emirate’s freehold property sector, only the second emirate after Dubai to open property to

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RAK was also closely behind Dubai in providing for Guarantee Accounts

purchases or by project financing parties will be deposited.

HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah

A Master Planner

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n keeping with the overall strategy for the development of Ras Al

the development of the southern areas of the emirate with the view to

Khaimah, Sheikh Saud announced a master plan to develop land for a

creating economic development opportunities across all the regions. The

variety of industrial, residential, tourism and agricultural projects. The

plan addresses a whole set of issues like land use, development planning,

first phase of the plan covered 540sqm, about 10 per cent of which

efforts for stimulating economic growth, housing, transportation and tourism

is earmarked for industrial ventures. The plan aimed to ensure orderly development of the emirate over the next two decades. The strategy includes the development of a comprehensive plan for

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development for the southern areas of the emirate. Sheikh Saud had told a Global Investors’ Conference, organised jointly by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and the World Bank, that the RAK

INITIATIVES

RAK signs joint venture to set up the Technology Innovation Centre

RAK unveils model of new Dh850 million theme park

economy was on the verge of a tipping point, which will see exponential change and ‘unstoppable growth’. Sheikh Saud also announced the setting up of the Dh1 billion Technology and Industrial Development Fund dedicated to promoting industry and technology in RAK. “The fund will provide targeted funding commitments to viable projects to set up high value technology and manufacturing units”, he said. The aim of the fund is to establish RAK firmly as a regional centre for research and development in a wide array of disciplines in order to encourage learning and innovation in the emirate, the UAE and the world at large. Sheikh Saud had asked the World Bank to conduct a comprehensive study on the foreign investment avenues available in the emirate as part of

Sheikh Saud lays foundation stone for mega Theme Park in RAK

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Ras Al Khaimah’s GDP is estimated to have grown by more than 50 per cent over the last four years and the fast- growing emirate, riding a wave of massive inward investments, is expected to clock an annual growth rate of over 15 per cent in the next few years. By 2006, the GDP had grown to more than Dh11 billion from 7.1 billion in 2003 and was headed for more aggressive growth. The RAK government is planning a sukuk issue to raise resources to implement the strategic vision and future plans. Standard Chartered Bank has been appointed Sole Lead Manager and Sole Bookrunner for the sukuk programme. The sukuk plan follows the Government’s initiative to obtain Sheikh Saud at the event when KGL commenced development of Container Terminal at Mina Saqr Port

credit ratings earlier this year through rating advisory services by Standard

its master development plan.

Chartered Bank in which both Fitch and Standard and Poor’s (S&P) provided

The conference titled, `Invest and Live in Ras Al Khaimah’, heard the

the RAK government with an ‘A’ level rating.

Crown Prince outline sector-wise developmental initiatives taken by the Government for achieving rapid growth and development. These included an extensive infrastructure improvement programme, expansion of the capacities of sea ports, private and public sector partnership in the healthcare sector, development of the tourism sector to make it a premier tourist destination by tapping the emirate’s distinct cultural heritage, its rich repository of natural resources-the deserts, mountain ranges, hot water springs, fertile plains and the pristine beaches. There are already signs of Sheikh Saud’s plan yielding results. There has been an unprecedented all round socio- economic prosperity, with the emirate recording tremendous growth in manufacturing, services and tourism sectors and considerable rise in living standards and per capita income.

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RAK unveils action plan to promote heritage tourism

Infrastructure Boost

Saqr Port

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INITIATIVES

RAK’s development has been multi-dimensional. One of Sheikh Saud’s most significant achievements is the parallel attention he paid to enhance the emirate’s infrastructure

A

long with a major industrial expansion plan, Sheikh Saud’s

consolidate this opportunity, Sheikh Saud ordered an ambitious road

growth strategy for Ras Al Khaimah also envisaged substantial

development programme to upgrade road infrastructure within the emirate

upgrade of the emirate’s basic infrastructure. The opening

at an estimated investment of around Dh3 billion.

of the six-lane Emirates Road already placed RAK in close

The Road Improvement Programme envisaged the extension of

proximity to Dubai, which opened up a possibility for the emirate to be

the Emirates Road, creation of new roads, including those to rural areas

part of the massive economic expansion happening in Dubai. The new road,

and quarries, and expansion of the existing road network. The plan was

which effectively cut travel time between RAK and Dubai to just around 45

prepared on the basis of a transportation and traffic study commissioned by

minutes, provided a big boost to the emirate’s economy, as it banked heavily

the government. The strategy involved creation of new highways, widening

on a flurry of new initiatives in the tourism, real estate and industrial sectors.

of existing roads, building of flyovers and improving congested junctions.

The 62-km extension of the highway threw open enormous opportunities for the emirate by allowing for easy transportation of goods and products. The drastic reduction in the travel time was also seen to be

Also proposed was the development of the Siji-Shawkah Road, along with the RAK Coastal Road and the new Al Jais Mountain Road. Another infrastructure development project envisaged the setting

capable of translating into a big increase in the number of tourists, who

up of a sewerage network, involving an investment of Dh360 million in

would find RAK easily accessible from Dubai and elsewhere. The new road

two phases, along with a waste water treatment plant, incurring another

also provided a fillip to RAK’s industrial sector and enhanced its potential

investment of Dh60 million. The three-stage project with a time-frame of

to become a key player in the manufacturing sector. It also provided a

four years for completion is an important milestone in the emirate’s planned

tremendous boost to the development of the freehold property sector

urban development programme and is expected to improve the quality of

in RAK, as people from Dubai and other neighbouring emirates found

life in the emirate by reducing pollution and enriching the environment. The

residence in the emerging emirate as an attractive option. To further

second phase of the project involved the laying of a 350-km long sewerage

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pipeline linking all the residential and commercial establishments in the designated areas. As part of the plan to improve the transportation support logistics, Saqr Port has undertaken an ambitious expansion programme over the last four years, involving a total investment of Dh221 million to facilitate efficient handling of containers, bulk and general cargo. As part of this, the port commissioned four newlyconstructed berths, which have a total length of 795 metres and would increase the cargo handling capacity of the port substantially. The port also added a brand new container terminal with a capacity to handle 350,000 TEUs developed by the Kuwait- based KGL Ports International (KGLPI). With the four new berths, Saqr Port now has 12 berths with KGLPI operating its container terminal in four berths and the rest operated by the Saqr Port Authority. Similarly, a hi-tech container scanning system has been set up at the port. With all these measures, the port has been recording an impressive annual growth of over 30 per cent consistently over the past four to five years. These facilities were further boosted by the opening of the RAK Global Logistics Park and Inland Container Depot set up by RAK Global Logistics LLC, a joint venture between RAK Ceramics and Global Cargo System Ltd. The ultra- modern Logistics Park, located in the heart of the fastgrowing industrial zone in RAK, has a warehousing capacity of 2,500 square metres, plus a 12-metre high, fully racked warehouse, capable of storing and distributing around 10,000 cubic metre of cargo. The

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INITIATIVES

Inroads to development

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Conquering the mountains

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new Inland Container Depot is spread over 20,000 square metres, and is

gas from the West Bukha field, located offshore the Musandam Peninsula

equipped to handle 1,500 TEUs.

in Oman, would be brought to the emirate and processed. Dolphin

Another major initiative to improve energy supplies in the emirate was

Energy has been supplying natural gas at an average of 40 million cubic

the establishment of the RAK Gas Commission, which has tied up with a new

feet daily via a tie-in near Qidfa between Dolphin’s dedicated Al Ain -

gas supply facility that is expected to meet the energy demands of RAK’s

Fujairah pipeline and the Emarat gas pipeline network, which serves the

growing industrial sector. Under the deal, signed with Novus Oman Limited,

UAE’s Northern Emirates.

Sheikh Saud speaking at a conference on `The Impact of Information and Integrated Statistical Systems on Socio- Economical Development’, in November 2008

Education in RAK gets a major push 30

HIGHLIGHTS

The emirate has been leading the rest of the nation in the field of education and research, thanks largely to the vision of Sheikh Saud

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as Al Khaimah’s reputation as an emirate proactive in the field of education was strengthened this year with the establishment of two new world-renowned institutions and the

announcement of grants for research in materials sciences at an international workshop in February. The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University and Ras Al Khaimah Education Company (EDRAK) jointly announced the opening of the first class of students to begin their study towards a Master of Nutrition degree. The announcement was made by Dr Eileen T. Kennedy, Dean of the Friedman School and Dr Raj Parikh, CEO of EDRAK on March 24. Dr Kennedy stated that the new programme had been created with an emphasis on the needs of people in the Gulf region, and to standards identical to those at the school’s Boston campus. The partnership between Tufts and EDRAK is the result of the vision of Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, who wanted the emirate to become a regional hub for education and healthcare. The one-year programme in RAK is taught by the

Sheikh Saud opening the Career Exhibition 2009, on January 21

same faculty in the US. Instruction is provided through a ‘hybrid’ learning model -- a combination of ten-day residency sessions held three times over the course of one

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year, along with computer-facilitated lectures and student participation from home in between the residencies. The programme has attracted students from several countries, including Egypt, Morocco and Qatar. Tufts University’s Dr Lynne Ausman, the Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Professor in International Nutrition, is teaching the new students. She said graduating students will have the option to pursue the Doctorate degree in the US. Dr Parikh added RAK’s partnership with Tufts will also see the launch of several short courses and certificate programmes for healthcare professionals in areas of concern to the region. The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy is the only independent school of nutrition in the United States. The school’s centres -Sheikh Saud inaugurating an exhibition organised by the RAK Education Zone in March 2008

which focus on questions relating to famine, hunger, poverty, and communications -- are renowned for the application of scientific research to national and international policy.

Technology edge Another prestigious institution, the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), will also be set up in the emirate, under a partnership between EPFL and the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA). H.H. Sheikh Saud laid the foundation stone for the new campus of the renowned European technology institute on May 14. The announcement of the partnership was made by Sheikh Saud at a press conference in the presence of Pascal Couchepin, Minister of the FedSheikh Saud at the foundation stone laying ceremony for Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) campus in May

eral Department of Home Affairs, Switzerland, Dr. Fritz Schiesser, President of the ETH Board, Wolfgang Amadeus, Swiss Ambassador to the UAE, top EPFL officials, Sheikhs and dignitaries.

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Sheikh Saud meeting people during a visit to Al Jazeerah

The mission of the new university campus is to develop cutting-edge research programmes, graduate and post-graduate educational programmes (Master’s, PhD, and Continuing Education), and practical and innovative

states will face in areas such as energy, environment, construction, and IT. Announcing the new partnership, Sheikh Saud said, “We are intensifying

technology transfer interfaces with the industry. The new campus will have

efforts to improve our infrastructure and utilities to maintain our status as

state-of-the-art infrastructure, including five advanced laboratories.

one of the Middle East’s most attractive business and investment destina-

EPFL is one of Europe’s leading institutions of science and technology and was ranked 26th by the American magazine Newsweek among the top 100 universities in the world. The project will provide high-level research

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and teaching resources necessary for taking on the daunting challenges Gulf

tions. Strategic ventures with prominent institutions such as EPFL are vital for us to maintain our development goals.” The project also involves collaboration with EPFL’s more than 250 labs

HIGHLIGHTS

and research groups in its Switzerland campus. The institute will start offering Master’s programmes in 2010 and the new campus is expected to be ready by 2011-2012.

Research fellowship In a major push to education and research in the emirate, H.H. Sheikh Saud, on February 24, announced expansion of the Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi Research Fellowship programme to encourage scientific research in UAE universities and to position the emirate as a global cen-

Sheikh Saud meeting people during a tour to Al Rams

tre of excellence in materials science research. Under the new initiative, the Ras Al Khaimah Centre for Advanced Materials (RAK- CAM) -- one of the

The one-year programme in RAK is taught by the same faculty in the US.

most sophisticated research facili-

Instruction is provided through a ‘hybrid’ learning model -- a combination

ties of its kind in the region -- will

of ten-day residency sessions held three times over the course of one

provide about half a dozen new

year, along with computer-facilitated lectures and student participation

research grants to those involved in

from home in between the residencies

material sciences research in UAE’s universities and countries in the

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region. Sheikh Saud made the announcement at the Al Dhait Palace during a reception accorded to scientists and researchers who attended the 1st International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM). “We are doubling the budget for the Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi Research Fellowship programme in order to encourage more local students to take up research projects in UAE universities and across the region”, Sheikh Saud said. Sheikh Saud also announced the appointment of eminent chemical physicist, Prof Mostafa A. El-Sayed as the first Sheikh Saqr Visiting Professor at RAK-CAM. Prof Mostafa is the winner of the 2007 National Medal of Science, United States’ highest scientific honour, and is currently the Julius

Sheikh Saud with leading scientists attending the IWAM 2009 conference

Brown Chair and Regents Professor at Georgia Tech University, Atlanta. The new research grants would expand the scope of the prestigious fellowship programme, which currently supports material science research in the universities of Pennsylvania, Cambridge, and Virginia Commonwealth, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in Bangalore, India. Sheikh Saud said RAK-CAM is envisioned as a flagship for advanced research in the Middle East, and will provide educational and training opportunities for new scientists and engineers at the regional and international levels, conduct research in support of local industries, develop new business opportunities, and produce new options to ensure energy security and sustainable development. Sheikh Saud receiving National Day greetings from students last year

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Sheikh Saud with Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, UAE Minister of Labour, at the launch of Saud bin Saqr Programme for Young Business Leaders in May 2008

Al Ghail Power Plant

Power plants The emirate has also empowered itself with two new power plants – the 84-megawatt Al Ghail Power Plant; and the 45-megawatt open cycle gas-fired power plant, Al Hamra-1. Both the plants started commercial production in mid-April. The plants were set up with a total investment of around $130 million. While the Al Ghail power plant serves the Industrial Park, Al Hamra-1 supplies power to Al Hamra Industrial Zone, RAKIA Free Zone, and new residential projects in Al Hamra Village. RAKIA has been fast-tracking the implementation of four new power projects it announced last year to meet the emirate’s surging energy needs. Sheikh Saud with children during a school visit in May 2008

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HIGHLIGHTS

Sheikh Saud with a US congressional delegation in November 2008

Sheikh Saud wth Raila Odinga, Prime Minister of Kenya in November 2008

Sheikh Saud with winners of the RAK Half Marathon 2009

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RAKIA: A Milestone 40

INITIATIVES

One of Sheikh Saud’s master strokes in the pursuit of his new vision for Ras Al Khaimah was the setting up of RAK Investment Authority to attract foreign investments and to

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accelerate the development process

AKIA - Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority - was expected

financial and managerial independence. Dr Khater Massaad, Advisor to

to use RAK’s strategic location, liberal policies and low costs

RAK Crown Prince, was appointed the CEO of the new body. Specifically,

to make the emirate a global manufacturing hub. The new

the new authority was meant to propose investment policies and supervise

institution was charged with the responsibility of reinforcing

their implementation, assess economic feasibility studies pertaining

the investment climate in the emirate and promoting its various economic

to investment and promote developmental projects and investment

sectors. The semi-government body has statutory powers and enjoys

opportunities across various economic sectors within RAK. RAKIA was

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Power plants and industries set up base in RAK

also expected to put in place world class infrastructure facilities in the

power, infrastructure and industrial sectors. The surge of investments

emirate and modernise the legal environment to transform RAK into one

through RAKIA owed much to the emirate’s pragmatic leadership and

of the most attractive destinations for local, regional and international

the investor- friendly policy drawn up by RAKIA, based on its own

investments.

experiences worldwide. According to Dr Khater Massaad, the success

A major part of RAKIA’s activity is handled through free zones

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of RAKIA may be attributed to the fact that a transparent and proactive

established under its umbrella. RAKIA was expecting to channelise inward

business culture promoted by Sheikh Saud has captured the attention of

investments worth $15 billion across various sectors in the next five years.

big-ticket global investors, who are now queuing up to make RAK their

The authority attracted Dh2.5 billion in industrial investments in its first

manufacturing base. The project costs for setting up a new factory in

year of operations. Within two years, the institution attracted over 800

RAK has been about 20 per cent to 25 per cent less compared to other

companies, including a host of Fortune 500 companies. A plethora of

destinations on account of better logistics, no incidence of duties and

investment opportunities are available in the emirate in real estate, tourism,

overheads or costs incurred in bureaucratic delays, he points out.

INITIATIVES

So do shopping malls

Dr Massaad explains that the project development, regulatory

Productivity related labour costs in the UAE have been comparable

compliance and start-up costs have been less than two per cent n Ras Al

to lower wage rate locations such as China, India and Bangladesh where

Khaimah, whereas it varied between 5-15 per cent in other destinations.

skilled and unskilled labour productivity has been 60-65 per cent of that

Besides, RAKIA offers one-stop-shop benefits to investors like easy

measured in the UAE. “Our project development, regulatory compliance

licencing procedures, world class infrastructure facilities and availability of

and start-up costs have been less than two percent in Ras Al Khaimah. In all

land, alongside other facilities.

other destinations, they have varied from about 5-15 percent. The energy

“Our time to complete a project from zero date to a fully operating

costs in RAK at 5.4 cents per kilowatt hour are the lowest compared to

factory has been around 8 to 12 months in RAK. In all other countries, it

China, India and Bangaladesh, where they have been above 7.0 cents”, said

has taken at least 14 to 16 months for construction alone, not including

Dr Massaad. The major projects launched through the efforts of RAKIA

time to go through the torturous process to get possession of land,” Dr

include the Guardian RAK float glass plant, Ashok Leyland assembly unit,

Massaad said.

Pioneer Steel Industries, RAK Ghani Glass plant etc.

43

Inspiring Success “I am but a loyal soldier in Sheikh Saud’s army,” says Dr Khater Massaad, CEO RAKIA and Advisor to the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler – a statement that quite sums up his role in executing the vision and foresight of a man he admires and reveres By Manju Ramanan

“W

hen Sheikh Saud took over as the Crown Prince, Ras Al Khaimah wasn’t financially sound. But today, in a span of six years, the emirate has won several accolades across the

world for its business-friendly policies and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Apart from the success of RAK Ceramics, that is globally renowned, we have been rated well by world-renowned agencies like Standard and Poor’s, voted the Middle East’s most promising investment destination etc. It sounds incredible, but it is true, that all this has been achieved in a short span of time,” he adds. A geology student from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, who was working on his doctorate, Dr Massaad arrived in Fujairah from Electro Watt of Switzerland to conduct geophysical investigation in that Dr Khater Massaad

44

area. “Since I had the benefit of having a western education and spoke

GOVERNMENT

Arabic, my professor sent me there. I came for several missions and finally completed my doctorate and started managing a ceramic factory in Fujairah,” he says. Dr Massaad arrived in Ras Al Khaimah in January 1989, though he had met Sheikh Saud through a common Swedish friend, “on 26th of March, 1988,” states Dr Massaad, a date that was going to change his

“A customer is the most important visitor on our

life forever. “His brilliance is striking and so are his thoughtfulness and

premises. He is not dependent on us. We are

honesty. I wanted to work for him, because he exuded great energy

dependent on him. He is not an interruption in

that motivated me, and still does,” he states. Dr Massaad surveyed RAK

our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an

for its mineral deposits and discovered clay – that could be used for

outsider in our business. He is a part of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us an opportunity to do so.”

making ceramics, though there were other mineral deposits too, like magnesite, chromite and dolomite. A feasibility study was carried out and thus was formed what would later become a legendary successRAK Ceramics. Initially, Dr Massaad and his brother were appointed as consultants, but later he was named General Manager. Ask him how the company rose to success in a short spell of time,

Mahatma Gandhi

and Dr Massaad credits it all to Sheikh Saud. “Sheikh Saud is a very encouraging man. He always sees the positive aspect of things and strives to do better. His policy is simple: ‘Be 100 per cent professional in what you do and never employ anyone to do a favour’, a maxim that he strictly practises. All these years, he has never called me asking to appoint someone. So, we could hire a group of people here, who were appointed purely on the basis of their own merit,” he states. “Even when

45

he built his house, he called me up and asked me to submit the bills

“This for me is a very big achievement,” he states. RAKIA has issued

for the ceramic tiles. It is his company, he owns it. Yet he told me: ‘Give

about 3,600 licences in the last four years. “It is a keynote from Sheikh

me the tiles at the distributor’s price’. That is his sense of integrity and

Saud: Simplify and help people. Make sure people don’t lose money”.

honesty.” “Another reason for the success of RAK Ceramics is that we have

business, and many organisations are willing to invest here. But what is

always been choosing the right technology and equipment. Thirdly, we

a smooth sailing task today would have had its share of ups and downs.

have been listening to our clients. Mahatma Gandhi’s saying ‘Customer is

“If you have a leader at the helm, who is so proactive and steady about

God’ resounds in our philosophy. The products we create are what the

leading his emirate to success, it is a great example for everyone to

market demands.”

follow. Sheikh Saud is always encouraging, and that positive energy

The resounding success of RAK Ceramics, the largest ceramic tile manufacturer in the world, has prompted it being cited as a success

helps us.” As for the future, RAKIA will continue to build infrastructure and

story in college curricula and has since been rated Superbrand 2009.

attract investments. “Whatever income is generated will be invested

Replicating this record, Sheikh Saud wanted to create a vehicle to

in Ras Al Khaimah,” he states. RAKIA has successfully launched and

promote investments in the emirate and that led to the creation of

operated its own power plants in both Al Hamra and Al Ghail industrial

RAKIA in May 2005. “He advised me and my team to start contacting

areas. What about the rest of the areas? “The project is under study and

companies and people and duplicate the same model of RAK Ceramics.

with good cooperation with FEWA, we shall surely achieve that too,” he

I utilised all my contacts across the world, in the 126 countries we had

says.

been operating to get the investments coming in.”

Sheikh Saud has been keen to promote Ras Al Khaimah as a tourism

“In May 2005, we started to lease land for 10 million sq feet and

destination. “Ras Al Khaimah has great potential for tourism. It has a

today, we have a number of leading companies in our portfolio: for

65km coastline, 6,000 year-old tombs, canyons in its mountains, old

instance, Ashok Leyland, Arc International etc, and we have also

abandoned villages in its hills, deserts, gravel plains etc. RAK’s seas,

worked with world leaders. Sheikh Saud’s message was clear: Create an

that have an abundance of turtles, are protected too. Also, Sheikh

organisation that is proactive and we have tried to follow it,” he adds.

Saud has been active in restoring old historical sites. He believes that

Dr Massaad cites a message he received recently from an investor by way of illustration. The message stated that in 10 minutes, he was briefed, in half-an- hour he could visit the site, and in one hour, he got his licence.

46

Today, RAK has good legal systems, it is respected internationally for

development must be holistic.”

Investment Spotlight

48

RAKIA PROFILE

Ras Al Khaimah under the leadership of HH Sheikh Saud has successfully turned the course of its own history. While the formation of RAKIA accelerated its development ascent, the stirrings were already there, so was the climate for business entrepreneurship

Industrious RAK

R

AK has negligible deposits of hydrocarbons unlike some other emirates or countries in the GCC, and as a result has sought to diversify the economy over the course of the last decade by opening up to foreign investors and industries. Its aim was

to make the best use of its strategic geographical position by improving its infrastructure and creating the right incentives and liberal business environment to attract major industrial enterprises from around the world. The strategy is now paying dividends with RAK becoming one of the most popular destinations for Foreign Direct Investment in the GCC. The industrial sector now accounts for around 9% (2007) of the emirate’s GDP. The sector’s share of GDP is expected to grow even more rapidly. Although the drive to attract foreign companies has been a recent development, RAK has long been one of the industrial centres of the UAE. The industrial sector has been dominated by the three main industries

RAK Ceramics rated as Superbrand 2009

49

of Cement, Ceramics and Pharmaceuticals. These sectors however, have diversified in recent years since the creation of Free zones as well as partnerships between the Government and foreign investors. RAK has a natural advantage when it comes to the production of cement. The emirate has a large mountain range, the Hajjar mountains, which has long been a favourite source for quarried building materials. The same mountains have also supplied the cement industry with high quality lime stone. RAK remains at the forefront of the industry as the Hajjar range holds supplies of limestone which are nowhere near depletion. The pharmaceutical industry in RAK is about 30 years old and was one of the key focuses of government plans to develop the country’s industrial base following the formation of the UAE. The industry is dominated by one company, Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, known as Julphar; the company has grown into a pharmaceuticals giant by Middle East standards and now exports to over 80 countries. It is the biggest pharmaceuticals manufacturer in the UAE. RAK lacks in oil, but it is compensated, by its natural mineral water resources. RAK is the origin of Masafi water, the region’s leading mineral water brand, with its source lying in several rich underground springs in the mountainous city of Masafi. Masafi water, established in 1976, has developed into an international brand which exports bottled water and fruit juices to more than 20 countries. Under the direction of HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi the Crown

50

Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate perused the goal of

setting up RAK Ceramics in Ras Al Khaimah in 1991, which is presently

making Ras Al Khaimah a regional hub for industrial manufacturing, service

the largest, single, state-of-the-art, ceramic tile manufacturer in the entire

sector & tourism. With this vision in mind, a humble beginning was made by

world with its 12 plants spread across the UAE, India, Bangladesh, Sudan,

RAKIA PROFILE

RAK Cement factory

RAK Porcelain

Iran and China, producing over one hundred million square meter of tiles and 3 million pieces of sanitary ware annually, exporting to 135 countries. The UAE operations is the largest single location ceramic manufacturing facility in the world with more than 6,000 active models in the ceramic and porcelain tiles segment, and an exclusive range of more than 600 active models of sanitary ware with a wide choice in designer bathroom sets, wash basins, bathtubs and related items. RAK Ceramics has diversified by forming 41 joint ventures including Kludi RAK LLC, RAK Porcelain LLC and Laticrete RAK LLC in Ras Al Khaimah. From the learnings, came the creation of RAK investment Authority or RAKIA, to multiply the success experienced with Glassware from Arc International

RAK Ceramics and associate projects.

51

The Creation of RAKIA RAKIA transformed Ras Al Khaimah into an investment magnet with around 1900 local and foreign investors setting up operations within the emirate in a short period of time

R

as Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) was established in 2005 through Emiri Decree No (2)/ 2005 issued by HH Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. With a mandate to promote and

oversee the economic development of the Northern emirate, RAKIA has literally transformed Ras Al Khaimah into an investment magnet with around 1900 local and foreign investors setting up operations within the emirate in just a short period of time. Within just four years of its inception, RAKIA has attracted over USD 2.3 billion in industrial investments, powering an unprecedented economic surge that has made Ras Al Khaimah one of the fastest growing emirates in the UAE and the region. The licenses RAKIA has issued show a remarkable balance among key sectors – 28 per cent of licences went to commercial companies, 26 per cent to industrial firms, 22 per cent to consultancy & service companies and balance to trading and media companies. RAKIA has also made significant

52

The learning curve of success

trial ties K

Rakia Profile

RAK has negligible deposits of hydrocarbons unlike some other Emirates or other countries in GCC, and as a result has sought to diversify the economy over the course of the last decades by opening up to foreign investors and industries. The aim was to make the best use of the Emirates strategic positioning by improving its infrastructure and creating the right incentives and liberal business environment to attract major industrial enterprises from around the world. The strategy is now paying dividends with RAK becoming one of the most popular destinations for foreign Direct Investment in the GCC. The industrial sector now accounts for around 9% (2007) of the Emirate’s GDP. The sector’s share of GDP is expected to including free grow even more rapidly.

The UAE operations is the largest single location ceramic manufacturing f models in the ceramic and porcelain tiles segment, and an exclusive range to offer with a very wide choice in designer bathroom sets, wash basins, b diversified horizontally by forming 41 joint ventures including Kludi RAK LLC RAKIA PROFILE Ras Al Khaimah

From the learnings, came the creation of RAK investment Authority or RA RAK Investment RAK Ceramics and associate projects. Authority and free zonesInvestment in Al Hamra Authority area about(RAKIA) 15 kms away Rasnon Al Khaimah was from established in 2005 thro

Percent of economic sectors' share in RAK's GDP-

Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ru

Ras Al Khaimah City and in Al Ghail, 40 kms away from Ras Al Khaimah City.

With a mandate RAKIA to promote and economic development Operating as a one-stop-shop, proposes freeoversee zones tothe foreign

Government Services Sector

transformed Ras Al Khaimah into an investment magnet with around 1900 l

The financial Corporations Sector

within the emirate in just of a short period of time. investors who wish to avail full ownership their businesses and enjoy tax

Other Services Real Esate & Business Services

Transport, Storage &location Communications E operations is the largest single ceramic manufacturing facility in the world with more than 6,000 active & Hotels Total of licenses n the ceramic and porcelain tilesRestaurants segment, and an exclusive range of more than 600 active models of sanitaryware Totalnono of license Wholesale, Retail Trade & Repair Services with a very wide choice in designer bathroom sets, wash basins, bathtubs and related items. RAK Ceramics has Construction & Building 2000 ed horizontally by forming 41 joint Electricity ventures & Waterincluding Kludi RAK LLC, RAK Porcelain LLC and Laticrete RAK LLC in 1691 1800 Manufacturing Khaimah

1600 1400 Mining & Quarrying-Crude Oil he learnings, came the creation RAK investment Authority or RAKIA, to multiply the success experienced 1005 with 1200 Agriculture,of Livestock & Fishing 1000 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 ramics and associate projects. 800 Percent 600 Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) was established in 2005 through Emiri Decree No. (2)/ 2005 issued 287 by H.H. 400 Although the drive to attract foreign companies has been a recent development, RAK has long been one of the industrial Saqr Bincentres Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. investments in infrastructure to attract world-class knowledge based and of the UAE. The industrial sector has been dominated by the three main industries of Cement, Ceramics and 200 Pharmaceuticals. Although the sector has diversified in recent years especially since creation of Free zones as well as 0 partnerships between Government and foreign investors. technology companies.

1899

No of License

NO OF LICENSE

Mining & Quarrying-Others

mandate to promote and oversee the economic development of the Northern emirate, RAKIA up has to literally up to RAK a naturalRAKIA’ advantage when it comes tomagnet the production cement. industrial The emirates hasand a large mountain range, the setting up med Ras Alhas Khaimah into an investment with around 1900 local foreign investors operations 2006 2007 s core mission is to develop andofmanage estates Hazar mountains, which has long made the emirates a favourite source for quarried building materials. The same e emirate in just a short period of time. mountains have also supplied the cement industry with high quality of lime stone. RAK remains at the forefront of the

350

up to 2008

up to April 2009

287

300 250 200 150

184178

12

115 78

100 50

21

0 Industrial

Comme

industry as the Hajar range holds supplies of limestone which are nowhere near depletion,

The pharmaceutical industry in RAK is about 30 years old and was one of the key focuses of government plans to develop Total no of licenses TYPE OF LICENSE the country’s industrial base following the formation of the UAE. The industry is dominated by one company, Gulf

Type giant of License pharmaceuticals by Middle East

Pharmaceutical Industries, known as Julphar, The company has grown into a standards and now exports to1899 over 80 countries. it the biggest pharmaceuticals manufacturer in the UAE.

350

1005 Under the direction of H.H. Sheikh Saud

NO OF LICENSE

1691 What RAK lacks in oil is somewhat compensated for by its natural minerals water resources. RAK is the origin of Masafi 287 water, the region's leading mineral water brand, with its source lying in several rich underground springs in the mountainous 300 city of Masafi. Masafi water, established in 1976, has developed into an international brand which exports bottled water and fruit juices to more than 20 countries.

250 200

184178

167

Within just four years of its inception, RAKIA has attracted over USD 2.3 unprecedented economic surge that has made Ras Al Khaimah one of th region.

The licenses RAKIA has issued show a remarkable balance among ke commercial companies, 26 per cent to industrial firms, 22 per cent to con Trading and media companies. RAKIA has also made significant inves up to 2006 knowledge based and technology companies. 2007

Aerial view of RAK Ceramics Plant bin Saqr Al Qassimi the Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, we 129 129 2008 150 115 113 LICENSE perused the goal of making Ras Al 99 2009 87 78 Khaimah a regional hub for industrial 72 100 61 66 59 manufacturing, service sector & 46 36 Tourism. With this vision in mind, a 23 26 50 21 10 humble beginning was made by setting upup RAK Al Khaimah 0 p to to Ceramics up in toRas up to April in 1991, which is presently the largest, Media Industrial Commercial Consulting / Trading Media 006 2007 state-of-the-art, 2008 2009 tile single, ceramic 11% Service manufacturer in the entire world with its 12 plants spread across the UAE, India, Trading Bangladesh, Sudan, Iran and China, 13% producing over one hundred million of tiles and 3 million ust foursquare yearsmeter of its inception, RAKIA has attracted over USD 2.3 billion in industrial investments, powering an pieces of sanitary-wares annually, dented exporting economic surge that has made Ras Al Khaimah one of the fastest growing emirates in the UAE and the to 135 countries.

Consulting /

TYPE TREND

Industrial 26%

53

150 100

No

NO OF

NO

800 287 400 600 200 287 400 0 200 0up to

100 50

up to up to up to April 2006up to 2007up to 2008 up to 2009 up to April 2006 2007 2008 2009

78

115 21

050 0

21

Industrial Industrial

78

129 26

129 61

66

61

66

26

Commercial Commercial

72113 59 72 10 59 10

Consulting / Service / Consulting Service

Trading Trading

99 46 36 23 46 36 23

2009 2008 2009

Media Media

Within just four years of its inception, RAKIA has attracted over USD 2.3 billion in industrial investments, powering an Within just four years of its inception, RAKIARas has Al attracted over USD 2.3 fastest billion ingrowing industrial investments, unprecedented economic surge that has made Khaimah one of the emirates in the powering UAE andan the unprecedented economic surge that has made Ras Al Khaimah one of the fastest growing emirates in the UAE and the region. region. The licenses RAKIA has issued show a remarkable balance among key sectors – 28 per cent of licences went to The licenses RAKIA 26 hasper issued a remarkable balance among key sectors&–service 28 per companies cent of licences went toto commercial companies, cent show to industrial firms, 22 per cent to consultancy and balance commercial companies, 26 per cent to industrial firms, 22 per cent to consultancy & service companies and balance to Trading and media companies. RAKIA has also made significant investments in infrastructure to attract world-class Trading and media companies. RAKIA has also made significant investments in infrastructure to attract world-class knowledge based and technology companies. knowledge based and technology companies. LICENSE TYPE TREND LICENSE TYPE TREND

License Type trend Media Media 11%11% Trading Trading 13%13%

Consulting Consulting / / Service Service 22%22%

Industrial Industrial 26% 26%

Commercial Commercial 28% 28%

LICENSE GEOGRAPHIC TREND LICENSE GEOGRAPHIC TREND

Licence Geographic Trend

RUS-CIS RUS-CIS 2% 2% MISC. MISC. 6% 6%

UAE UAE 15% 15%

REST OF OF REST MIDDLEEAST EAST MIDDLE 22% 22%

USA USA 3% 3%

INDIA INDIA 28% 28%

ASIA/ ASIA ASIA/SE SE ASIA 7% 7% EUROPE EUROPE 17% 17%

RAKIA's core mission is to develop and manage Industrial Estates including free and non free zones in Al Hamra area RAKIA's core mission is to develop and manage Industrial Estates including free and non free zones in Al Hamra area about 15 kms away from Ras Al Khaimah City and in Al Ghail, 40 kms away from Ras Al Khaimah City. about 15 kmsOther awaykey from Ras Al Khaimah and ininvestors Al Ghail, 40 kms away Ras Alinvestment KhaimahinCity. and duty exemptions. benefits being offeredCity to foreign RAKIA hasfrom substantial the infrastructure developments in

are 100 per cent corporate and personal tax exemption, 100% capital and

Saqr Sea Port. Being the engine of economic development in the emirate,

profit repatriation; easy availability of labour; easy licensing procedures;

Rakia is also piloting major investments in infrastructure, for instance

excellent port facilities; and absence of foreign exchange controls, trade

power, as the emirate has embarked on long term power generation and

barriers and quotas.

distribution projects geared at securing its companies and residents, reliable

RAKIA is also in partnership with investors who prefer to invest in

54

power supply. Besides managing Industrial Parks, RAKIA also delivers a wide

businesses based outside the free zones. It has also partnered with various

range of complementary services to ensure investors are able to maximise

international companies in strategic projects like DVD manufacturing,

their investment potential. RAKIA offers investment advisory service and

Chemicals, Diapers and Cements and Steel. RAKIA has attracted investment

equity participation on selected projects, a key move that reinforces

from all over the world in various industry segments. These industries are

investor trust and confidence. RAKIA’s investor friendly policies and

diverse and strategic and are in the areas of glass & table ware, float glass,

flexibility have certainly attracted an array of international brands including

vehicle assembly, steel products, building materials, electrical, rubber &

Guardian Glass, Arc International, Franke, Duscholux, Mitsui, Kludi, Becker

plastics and food processing.

Industries, Kempe and Ashok Leyland to name a few.

RUSSIA-CIS OTHERS 1% EUROPE 1% 6%

USA 1%

ASIA-SE ASIA 6%

UAE 35%

OTHERS EUROPE 2% 9% ASIA-SE ASIA 10%

UAE 35%

REST OF ME 20%

REST OF ME 13%

top-shop, RAKIA proposes free zones to foreign investors who wish to avail full ownership of their y tax and duty exemptions. Other key benefits being offeredINDIA to foreign investors are 100 per cent nal tax exemption, 100% capital and profit repatriation; easy31% availability of labour; easy licensing port facilities; and absence of foreign exchange controls, trade barriers and quotas.

INDIA 30%

RAKIA PROFILE

Operating as amanufacturing, one-stop-shop, RAKIA proposes has partnered based with various international companies in strategic projects like DVD Chemicals, Diapers free zones to foreign investors who wish artnership with investors who prefer toRAKIA invest in businesses outside the free zones. businesses enjoy tax and duty exemptions. and Cements and Steel factory. RAKIA has attracted investment from all over the and world, in various industry segments. Other key benefits being offered to forei andfloat personal exemption, 100% These industries are diverse and strategic and are in the areas of glass corporate & table ware, glass, tax vehicle assembly, steelcapital and profit repatriation; easy availab GEOGRAPHIC TREND-FREE ZONES MFG procedures; excellent port facilities; and absence of foreign exchange controls, trade barriers products, building materials, electrical, rubber & plastics and food processing. REND-INDUSTRIAL ZONES MFG

RUSSIA-CIS OTHERS 1% EUROPE 1% 6% ASIA-SE ASIA 6%

REST OF ME 20%

OTHERS

EUROPEZone Manufacturing SectorUSA Trend-2%Industrial 1%

9%

Manufacturing Sector Trend - Industrial Zone

Geographic Trend-Inustrial zone MFG GEOGRAPHIC TREND-INDUSTRIAL ZONES MFG

ASIA-SE ASIA 10%

UAE 35%

Metal Products 30%

RAKIA is also make partnership with investors who prefer to invest in businesses based outs Manufacturing Sector Trend- Free Zone

Food Wood Auto & processing products Related 2% 4% 2% REST OF ME Electricals 13% 7% Rubber & Plastics INDIA 7%

Auto & Re late d Food 4%

M e tal Products 36%

proce s s ing 2% UAE 35%

30%

INDIA 31%

GEOGRAPHIC TREND-

RUSSIA-CIS OTHERS 1% EUROPE 1% 6% Ele ctricals 4%

Wood products 6% Rubber & Plastics 6%

USA 1%

ASIA-SE ASIA 6%

OT

UAE 35%

REST OF ME 20%

Building m aterials 11%

Chemicals 9%

with various international companies in strategic projects like DVD manufacturing, Chemicals, Diapers INDIA eel factory. RAKIA has attracted investment from all over the world, in various industry segments. INDIA 30% Chem icals Building Others Operating as a one-stop-shop, RAKIA proposes foreign investors who wish to avail full ownership of their diverse and strategic and are in the areas of glass & table ware, float glass, vehicle assembly, steelfree zones to Othe 31% 11% rs materials businesses and enjoy17% tax and duty exemptions. Other key benefits being offered to foreign investors are 100 per cent erials, electrical, rubber & plastics and food processing. 20% 22% corporate and personal tax exemption, 100% capital and profit repatriation; easy availability of labour; easy licensing procedures; excellent port facilities; and absence of foreign exchange controls, trade barriers quotas. companies in strategic projects like DVD man RAKIA has partnered with variousand international ector Trend- Industrial Zone Manufacturing Sector Trend- Free Zone and Cements and Steel factory. RAKIA has attracted investment from all over the world, RAKIA is also make partnership with investors who prefer to These invest in businesses outside the free and zones. industries are based diverse and strategic are in the areas of glass & table ware, float Geographic Trend-Free zone MFG Manufacturing Sector Trend - Free zone products, building materials, electrical, rubber & plastics and food processing.

Food Wood o & processing products ted 2% 4% % Electricals 7% Rubber & Plastics 7% Chemicals 9%

Others 17%

GEOGRAPHIC TREND-FREE ZONES MFG

GEOGRAPHIC TREND-INDUSTRIAL ZONESdevelopments MFG RAKIA has substantial investment in the Infrastructure in Saqr Sea Port. Being the engine of economic Auto & development in the Emirate, Rakia isRUSSIA-CIS also piloting major investments in infrastructure, for instance power, as the Emirate Re late d Manufacturing Sector Trend- Industrial Zone OTHERS has embarked on long term power generation and distribution projects geared at securing its companies and residents Ele ctricals OTHERS 1% Food 4% EUROPE USA EUROPE 1% 4% reliable power supply. 2% proce s s ing 2%

Wood

1%

6%

Manufacturing Sector Tren

9%

ASIA-SEaASIA products Besides managing Industrial Parks, RAKIA also delivers wide range of complementary services to ensure investors are ASIA-SE ASIA Food M etal 6% investment advisory service and 6% RAKIA offers UAE able to maximise their investment potential. equity participation on selected Wood UAE 10% Auto &policies processing Rubbe r & trust and confidence. RAKIA’s investor 35% projects,Products a key move that reinforces the investors' friendly and flexibility productshas 35% 36% Plas tics Related certainly attracted an array of international brands including Guardian Glass, Arc International, Franke,2% Duscholux, 4%Mitsui, 6% 2% Kludi, Becker Industrie, Kempe, Ashok Leyland to name a few. Electricals Metal REST OF ME Building m ate rials 11%

Others 20%

20%

Che m icals 11% INDIA 31%

7%REST OF ME Rubber13% & Plastics 7%

Products 30%

INDIA 30%

dustrial Parks, RAKIA also delivers a wide range of complementary services to ensure investors are r investment potential. RAKIA offers investment advisory service and equity participation on selected

proce s s ing 2% M e tal Products 36%

Chemicals 9%

RAKIA has partnered with various international companies in strategicBuilding projects like DVD manufacturing, Chemicals, Diapers Others and Cements and Steel factory. RAKIA has attracted investment from all over the world, in17% various industry segments. materials These industries are diverse and strategic and are in the areas of glass & table ware, float glass, vehicle assembly, steel 22% al investment in the Infrastructure developmentsproducts, in Saqr Sea Port. Being the engine rubber of economic building materials, electrical, & plastics and food processing. mirate, Rakia is also piloting major investments in infrastructure, for instance power, as the Emirate ng term power generation and distribution projects geared at securing its companies and residents Manufacturing Sector Trend- Industrial Zone

Auto & Re late d Food 4%

Othe rs 20%

55

Manufacturing Sector Trend- Free Zone RAKIA has substantial investment in the Infrastructure developments in Saqr Sea Port.

financial houses, consultancies and several other new business ventures. Other RAKIA projects that have been designed to enhance the business environment within Ras Al Khaimah include a 65 MW power plant in Al Ghail and another 45 MW power plant in Al Hamra which have just been commissioned and put in operation. Apart from warehouses at Khorport, RAKIA furthermore is developing a warehousing complex of nine units in the free zone and ten within the non free zone in Al Hamra, with each unit having area of approx 10,000 sqm. The commercial centre, studio flats and labour accommodations are already in place.

Long term leases on land and other facilities are offered by RAKIA at the most competitive rates in the Emirates and the region. It is the combination

RAKIA has also formed RAKOFFSHORE, another innovative initiative that

of this price advantage and the quality of infrastructure and services that

establishes a true offshore facility and regularity body providing complete

led FDI magazine of the FT Group to award RAKIA the 2009 ‘Best FDI

offshore non-resident business registration and financial services. Through

destination in the Middle East’.

registered agents, mainly well known law firms and chartered accountants

Recently, RAKIA signed a memorandum of co-operation with The Bank of

or auditing companies, RAKOFFSHORE sets up International Business

Baroda in a move that is greatly beneficial to investors in the emirate. Under

Companies that want to invest their funds in Ras Al Khaimah. More than 50

the agreement, the bank will provide financing to firms for their projects

such agents are on board with 2500 companies.

within RAKIA’s free zone areas. RAKIA also has a rapidly growing portfolio of property projects that have

To make Ras Al Khaimah a truly lifestyle destination in the Gulf, a number of leisure and recreational facilities are now mushrooming across the

been commissioned to provide complementary facilities and provide more

emirate, including water-theme parks, amusement centres, flying clubs, golf

lifestyle options to investors.

courses and shopping centres – all of which complement Ras Al Khaimah’s

The state-of-the-art RAKIA Business Towers that have just been

56

RAK Offshore

plethora of natural attractions such as a captivating mountain range, sparkling

completed in the Al Hamra region is a multi-storey complex that will

beaches, unspoilt desert plain and even the pleasantly surprising stretch of

house corporate offices for a wide array of clients, including IT firms,

greenery in the south.

RAKIA PROFILE

Major Companies in RAK Arc International Based in France, Arc International arrived in RAK to establish a production facility in the region for easier access to the surging Middle Eastern markets. It is one of the world’s top producers of glassware and stemware.

Pioneer Cement Industries The Pioneer Cement plant has a one million ton per annum capacity and is a joint venture between RAKIA and the Indian company Penna Cement Industries Limited. The state-of-the art cement plant with latest technology and machinery to maintain high operational safety levels and high product quality with low energy consumption, has been set up in a record time of 16 RAK offers total economic and personal freedom and is one of the

months.

safest places to do business. It is strategically located with state of the art infrastructure and logistics support. The conversion costs of manufacturing are one of the lowest globally, which makes it highly competitive for manufacturing. Driven by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud of transforming RAK into an ideal place to live and work, the master plan offers a quality of life and environment to tourists and business people alike. RAKIA’s ongoing success largely reflects the Ras Al Khaimah Government’s own success in establishing reforms, instituting new laws and regulations and enforcing policies that are hospitable to local, regional or international investors. Ultimately, the government’s proactive support and involvement in the ongoing new economic development approach is aimed at raising the standard of living of both citizens and residents of the

JBF RAK factory

emirate, while ensuring long-term socioeconomic sustainability. 57

Resin Packaging chips plant in RAKIA. The cost of the plant would be around $84 million.

RAK Steel A joint venture of RAKIA, is a new energy efficient and environment friendly steel rolling mill. The mill produces 5,00,000 tonnes per annum 8mm to 40 mm diameter ‘steel deformed reinforcement bars (REBARS) of international British and American standards.

Ashok Leyland One of the biggest names in India, the company has set up their integrated assembly plant in RAK. The plant is to build 1000 buses per year in RAK is expected to start operation shortly. This will help ease demand for buses RAKIA power plant

Zamil Steel

throughout the UAE. RAK has seen expansion into areas like industry, real estate, construction

Zamil Steel of Saudi Arabia is an example of a company based in the Middle

and tourism in recent years and to enhance it all, the government has been

East that has established a strong presence in RAK. One of the largest

pursuing a strategy of promoting technological innovation.

industrial groups in the Middle East, Zamil registered with RAKIA in 2005 and began production in 2006. The company manufactures pre-engineered buildings and galvanized steel for electricity towers. The pre-engineered structures are mainly used for construction projects’ show rooms, military bases, factories and temporary or semi-temporary structures.

Guardian Glass This US based company established Guardian RAK with a production capacity of 700 tons of glass per day for use in automotive and construction applications, including high-performance coated glass.

JBF Industries This Indian company has teamed up with RAKIA to set up Polyester PET Ashok Leyland assembling plant

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RAKIA PROFILE

CSEM

Investments, and a large group of UAE investors. FTI is currently the only

The CSEM-UAE innovation centre based in RAK, since 2005 is a joint

digital data storage production facility in the Middle East.

venture between the government and the Swiss Research Centre, based in Neuchatel. CSEM-UAE is known for its works in renewable energy, with the

EPLF Tech Park

centre displaying great expertise in solar power technologies and systems.

Recently RAKIA and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) have

The centre’s expertise now reaching well out of the emirate and even into

signed an agreement for the creation of a technology campus and to carry

outer space. The centre is involved in US’s Multi- Object Spectrometer for

out applied research. This long-term agreement will begin a new era in

Infrared Exploration (MOSFIRE) project. This project is a highly specialised

this region undergoing rapid economic and scientific development. The

one and acts as a testimony to the centre’s international standing. It works

project will create a university campus of the EPFL to provide educational

primarily in the area of Renewable Energy, i.e. Solar Energy Applications,

opportunities at the university level and to develop advanced research

Solar Cooling and Environmental Applications (water etc.)

programmes, especially for research in the environment and energy field.

Falcon Technology International (FTI) FTI is a joint venture investment between Swiss-based PrimusTech

59

List of Conferences, Meets, Forums, Exhibitions Participated/Attended Events in 2009 (up to May) • Forum for Swiss Foreign Trade & Investment – 2-3 April,2009 – Switzerland – organised by OSEC • Global Business Forum,2009 (20-24 April,2009) – Hanover, Germany – Organised by German BDI & Messee Hanover during the Industrial Fair of Hanover • MEDEF-RAKIA Forum, Paris, France, in May • Hanover Business Meet, Ras Al Khaimah in May

Events in 2008 • MEED Conference, Ras Al Khaimah in January

• RAKIA- Economic Times Seminar, India, October

• Singapore Business Council meet in Dubai in February

• Russia Road Show, Dubai, November

• Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) in March in Dubai

• EU- GCC Summit, London, November

• Investor’s Meet with The Economist (UK) In London in March

• MEMEX, Abu Dhabi, , November

• Meet in Oslo, organised by Oslo Chamber of Commerce, Norway, in May

• BIG 5, Dubai, November

• Composites Europe ,Germany, in September • FARO , Spain, in October

60

• India Road Show in Kolkata, India • European Business Council • Indian Investor’s Meet in Ras Al Khaimah

EVENTS

Events in 2007 • CII Partnership Summit, Bangalore, India, on 18-19 January • UAE-Japan Business Forum, Tokyo on 24-26 April • Business Leaders Meet, along with Morison Menon, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 25 June • Business Promotion in Indonesia in August • 1001 Arabian Nights, Berne, Switzerland, on 2nd October • World Business Forum, Milano, Italy, on 23-24 October • Road Show in Germany, Munich, Stuttgart & Düsseldorf along with Elite Management Services in cooperation with the local Chamber of Commerce of the region, on 19-20 November. • UAE –France Partnership Forum, Paris, France, 21-24 November. • Investor’s Meet with The Economist (UK) in Paris, 23 November • World Economic Forum, New Delhi, 2nd December • Business Leaders and CEO’s Meet along with Indian Business & Professional Council and Morison Menon, Sharjah, UAE, 8 December

61 3

Eventful Years The emirate has been abuzz with activity. From business events to factory openings and sporting events, Ras Al Khaimah has been steadily stealing the limelight Euro Golf Cup, May 7, 2009: The Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), the government body

Club in Ras Al Khaimah. The friendly golfing competition brought together companies and

responsible for the socio-economic growth of the emirate, successfully held

business personalities for a leisurely day of sport, networking, and

the RAKIA Euro Golf Cup 2009 tournament on May 7 at the Al Hamra Golf

business transactions. Its sponsors included HSBC, African & Eastern, UAE Exchange Centre, JBF RAK, Ginox Food Systems, Pioneer Cements, Kempe Engineering, RAK Steel, RAK Media City and Al Hamra Real Estate. “Euro Golf provided a relaxed venue for members of the business community to interact and discuss potential deals that they would otherwise not consider in more formal settings. The tournament also promotes a friendly spirit of competition which reminds participants that although they represent various organisations, they share the same goals and contribute to the overall development of Ras Al Khaimah. It’s very important that we foster this kind of harmonious relationship among the emirate’s business organisations,” said Serge Guillaume, Executive Director, RAKIA. The games were played in a “Texas Scramble” format, with 64 players from all over the UAE displaying their golfing skills.

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EVENTS

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63

HH Sheikh Saud inaugurating the Guardian Glass factory

Sheikh Saud inaugurating the $50 million RAK Steel factory

Guardian Glass factory inaugurated, June 27, 2008:

to 40mm diameter in variable lengths of 6 to 18 metres to both British and

Guardian Glass of USA established Guardian RAK with a production

American standards. The company uses superior process for manufacturing

capacity of 700 tonnes of glass per day for use in automotive and

the re-bars.

construction applications, including high-performance coated glass.

Ras Al Khaimah (MEED) Conference January 27-28, $50m Steel Factory Opened , March 23, 2008

2008

Sheikh Saud inaugurated the $50 million RAK Steel factory in Al Ghail.

Organised by RAKIA in association with the Middle East Economic Digest

RAK Steel, a joint venture with RAKIA, is an energy-efficient, environment-

(MEED), the conference witnessed the participation of distinguished

friendly mill that targets to manufacture 500,000 tonnes of deformed

decision makers, government officials, leading industry and influential

steel reinforcement bars per year. The establishment of RAK Steel comes

investors from UAE and beyond, on one platform, to define the future

at a time when the demand for steel is at an all-time high, thanks to the

landscape of the RAK economy.

continued construction boom in the UAE and the Middle East region. The value of projects under construction in the UAE alone is estimated at

leading companies like RAK Ceramics, Rakeen, Al Hamra Village and Real

$220 billion, while it is in excess of $800 billion in the GCC as a whole. A

Estate, Amana Contracting & Building and KGL Ports International.

significant amount of this value will be for steel.

64

The conference, held at Al Hamra Fort Hotel, RAK was sponsored by

The two day conference followed by a half-day workshop on ‘How to

Moreover, the Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (GOIC)

set up business ventures in RAK’ was attended by over 100 delegates. The

recently estimated that the UAE would use 44-66 million tonnes of rebar

conference explored the developments and involved an exchange of ideas

products over the next 15 years. RAK Steel produces re-bars from 8mm

on Emirate’s growth sectors e.g. Manufacturing, Leisure and Tourism, Real

Sheikh Saud wih Dr. Khater Massaad and other dignitaries as part of audience at the Meed Conference

Estate, Infrastructure, Ports and Logistics, Energy, Banking and Finance and Aviation. Delivering the opening address at the conference, Sheikh Saud said that during the last four years, Ras Al Khaimah was trying to implement a new vision of governance where the government acts and performs as a business unit. Sheikh Saud said that the RAK government has, during the last four years, successfully implemented this new model of governance which has transformed the emirate, which five years ago was in debt, into a smoothrunning enterprise. “We have run a government that now has no external debt and has been running consistent budget surpluses over the past five years. In doing so, we have been able to invest in other sectors of the economy such as education, health and physical infrastructure”. He also noted that RAK’s GDP has been

65

Audience at the Sharjah meet

Dr Khater Massaad CEO of Rakia and Advisor to Sheikh Saud, unveiling foundation stone for Naturelle LLC

growing on average at 12 per cent in the past four years. Last year alone saw

sponsors at Radisson SAS Hotel in Sharjah. The one-day event was attended

GDP growth at 18 per cent.

by over 100 top Indian businessmen and CEO`s mainly from Sharjah. The

In his keynote address on ‘Development of RAK from Economic to Social

objective was to share the success and business opportunities available to

Prosperity’ Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of RAKIA emphasised on the role of

investors in Ras Al Khaimah. Ras Al Khaimah is fast emerging as the ideal

the private sector in the socio-economic prosperity of the emirate.

investment destination in the Gulf region, with the government providing an

He said, “Our government encourages development of the private sector and we believe that the role of the government is primarily to create

investor- friendly policy to business entrepreneurs, with particular emphasis on the industrial sector.

the optimum environment for enterprise, planning and providing enabling infrastructures, utilities and services, and making sure that the government is

Dabur International Subsidiary , June 26, 2007

an efficient and effective partner - supporting and empowering the private

The foundation stone for Naturelle LLC, the subsidiary of Dabur

sector”. RAKIA had put up a stall to showcase the potential and advantages

International LLC was unveiled by Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of RAKIA .

of Ras Al Khaimah and disseminate relevant information to facilitate

Various local dignitaries, including senior officials of RAKIA, were present

investments.

on this occasion. The brief event at the site was followed by a presentation on the history and strategic growths of Dabur India Ltd., the promoter

66

Business Leaders and CEO’s meet,

company, by Raghunandan, CEO Dabur International Ltd., and a brief

Sharjah, December 8, 2007

Project Plan by Subba Rao, the Project Manager. Dabur India Limited is

A CEO`s meet was organized by RAKIA with Indian Business Council,

one of the leading FMCG companies in India, with interests in health care,

Sharjah and Morison Menon Chartered Accountants (MMCA) as the

personal care and food products. The company registered a sales turnover

Dr Khater Massaad at the Business Leader and CEO’s meet

Shaikh Saud at the inauguration of the RAK Half Marathon.

of over $530 million in the year 2006-07. Naturelle LLC manufactures

event of its kind in the country. It’s a great honour and we look forward to

cosmetics like hair oils, creams, shampoos and toothpastes.

seeing the world’s best compete at the RAK International Half Marathon.” Highlighting the role of the sponsors and partners, he added: “The

Business Leader and CEO’s meet

support that you have accorded to the race will go a long way in promoting

at RAK, June 25, 2007:

RAK as a unique and exciting sporting destination, complementing the

A high level Business Leaders and CEO’s Meet was organized by RAKIA

resurgence of the tourism andthe property growth currently witnessed in

with Morison Menon Chartered Accountants (MMCA) and Khaleej

the emirate.

Times as the co-sponsors. The Business Leaders and CEO’s meet was held at Al Hamra Fort and Beach Resort Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. This

Zamil Steel sets base, April 2007

one- day event was attended by over 100 top businessmen and CEO’s

Dammam-based Zamil Steel, a global leader in the design and manufacture

from UAE and abroad. The objective was to share the success and business

of pre-engineered steel buildings (PEBs) commissioned their plant in RAKIA

opportunities available to investors in Ras Al Khaimah. As part of the event,

Free Zone. Sheikh Saud inaugurated the new factory, which has a capacity of

the participants paid a courtesy visit to the Palace, where they had a royal

40,000 metric tonnes per annum of pre-engineered steel buildings, open

audience with Sheikh Saud. The event ended with a visit of the investors to

web steel joists and floor decking. The second phase of the factory adds an

the Al Ghayl Industrial area.

additional 12,000 metric tonnes per year of steel lattice towers. Sheikh Saud said, “The Government of Ras Al Khaimah is being led by

RAK Half Marathon 2007

the vision to put in place a simplified and hassle-free business environment

Sheikh Saud inaugurated the RAK Half Marathon in which 668 male runners

that would help entrepreneurs realise their full potential in the emirate.”

and 347 female runners participated and celebrated the spirit of Ras Al

The new facility, set up on 250,000 square meters of land leased by the

Khaimah and its support for social and charitable causes. Welcoming the

company in the RAKIA Free Zone, is equipped with the latest and most

international athletes to Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud said: “Ras Al Khaimah

advanced technology available.

is privileged to host world-class athletes at the first international sporting

Dr Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al Zamil, Chairman, Zamil Industrial

67

The ultra-modern Logistics Park located at the heart of the fast-growing industrial zone has a warehousing space of 2,500 square metres plus a 12-metre-high fully racked warehouse which is capable of storing and distributing around 10,000 cubic metres of cargo. The new Inland Container Depot is spread over 20,000 square metres and is equipped to handle 1,500 TEUs. Sheikh Saud said that the new facility would considerably enhance the logistics infrastructure of Ras Al Sheikh Saud during the inaugural ceremony of ZamIl Steel at the RAKIA Free Zone

Khaimah, thereby adding to its competitive advantages on the industrial and

Investment Company (ZIIC) said that setting up of the RAK plant was an

manufacturing front.

important step in Zamil Steel’s ongoing global expansion initiative. “Ras Al Khaimah was chosen specifically due to its strategic location to some of our

“RAK today has a state-of-the-art container terminal and boasts the best bulk handling port in the region. We are also going ahead with the

important markets and to assist our Saudi Arabian factories on meeting the increasing demand in the UAE and surrounding markets,” he added. “We are proud that today this factory joins Zamil Steel’s global chain of factories including six in Saudi Arabia, two in Vietnam and one each in Egypt, India and China,” he said. Zamil Steel manufactures a total 250,000 metric tonnes of fabricated steel per year of low rise and high-rise steel buildings and structures for industrial, commercial, agriculture, aviation, entertainment and military applications and support of infrastructure and development projects. Its products are sold in more than 80 countries through a network of sales and representative offices.

development of the RAK Port and the Al Jazeera Port,” he said, adding that these developments would boost the logistics infrastructure of the emirate

RAK Global Logistics opens units, April 2007

tremendously. In its less than three years of operations, RAK Global Logistics

Shaikh Saud inaugurated the RAK Global Logistics Park and Inland Container

(RGL) has been able to establish itself as a leading player in the logistics

Depot set up by RAK Global Logistics LLC, a joint venture between RAK

industry.

Ceramics PSC and Global Cargo System Ltd. in RAKIA Industrial Zone.

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INITIATIVES

Vision of Success HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi has a clear vision of the future, the mission to excel and the will to conquer newer horizons, all of which has led to Ras Al Khaimah’s success

R

Mohammed A Al Mehrizi,

as Al Khaimah has undergone a transformation after H H Sheikh

has an area of about 742 mts of area and receives ships with a capacity of

Saud took over as Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of the emir-

5000 livestock each. It has about 40 warehouses of medium size and even

ate. The changes occurred at various stages, be it policy, gov-

has a testing laboratory for animals. The livestock includes sheep, goats

ernance, legal reform, infrastructure, strengthening the existing

and cows primarily for meat and come from Iran and Somalia. “We have

capacity of various government departments, adding to the current status

plans to make RAK a livestock auction market that will serve as a link to the

of ports etc. Mohammed A Al Mehrizi, General Director, Customs and

hospitality industry of the UAE. We want that RAK should be recognised

Ports Department, Government of Ras Al Khaimah, states that the proactive

for quarantine,” he says.

government has been responsible for the development of the emirate and

While the expansion on RAK Port is complete, Khor Khuwair Port has a

in that way inspiring several of the other government departments to excel

5kms harbour that will be 2/1/2 kms on each side and it will serve compa-

in their respective areas of expertise.

nies located on either side.

The latest addition to the list of ports is the Al Jeer Port that is exclusive

Each of these seaports has its own features, capabilities and potential. Al

to livestock. “The Customs and Ports Department is investing in the Al Jeer

Jazeera Port is a multi purpose port and could be extended for container

Port that will specialise in livestock. The Al Jeer Port takes its name from

handling if need be, while Mina Saqr has eight deep water berths, each

the Al Jeer area that is located in the UAE – Oman border, 100 mts away

200m long, and is dredged to 12.2m. Mina Saqr’s geographical position

from Oman and has the capacity to deal with 30,000 livestock at a time. It

makes it an ideal port for transshipment operations.

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Spreading its wings

RAKEEN

RAKEEN

Flooring The World

Freight Forward

Integrated Growth

Spinning its Web

Moving out of the comfort zone

VENTURES

Powered For Success

VENTURES

Steely Resolve

Glued to Innovation

VENTURES

Engineering Success

On a Firm Footing

Rock On

RAKIA VENTURES PROFILE

Energy Resources

EDUCATION

Superior Scholastics

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Healthy Living

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Iconising Lifestyle

LIFESTYLE

Al Hamra Village

LIFESTYLE

Al Hamra Golf Course

Al Hamra Mall

It’s boomtime in RAK

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

From nature to culture

TOURISM

TOURISM

TOURISM

TOURISM