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The Emirates News Agency reported that RAKEZ participated in the Future Food Summit 2026 to showcase the emirate’s capabilities in food production, processing and packaging. Officials engaged with global investors and industry leaders to outline the zone’s streamlined licensing, infrastructure support and logistics connectivity that enable competitive operations. Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location near key trade routes further strengthens its appeal for businesses targeting regional and international markets.
RAKEZ currently supports nearly 2,000 companies in the food and beverage sector, ranging from production and ingredients to sustainable packaging solutions. According to zone data, businesses benefit from operating cost reductions of up to 40 percent compared with other regional hubs, particularly in utilities, land leasing and manpower. Examples include Ahmad Tea, which utilises its Ras Al Khaimah base to produce 22 million tea bags daily for export across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Manufacturing represents about 27 percent of Ras Al Khaimah’s GDP, making it the largest economic contributor in the emirate. Khaleej Times reporting has noted that wholesale, retail trade and manufacturing together account for approximately 45 percent of real GDP, highlighting the focus on productive capacity. This industrial foundation includes major operations such as RAK Ceramics and Julphar Pharmaceuticals that demonstrate the emirate’s export-oriented manufacturing strength.
The economic zone welcomed nearly 19,000 new companies in 2025, a 44 percent increase from the prior year that brought total registrations above 40,000 entities from more than 100 countries. India led with 33 percent of new registrations, followed by Pakistan at 8 percent and the United Kingdom at 7 percent. Service-related licences formed the largest share at 40 percent, with commercial trading and e-commerce also showing strong momentum.
RAKEZ offers flexible facilities including warehouses, land plots and customised production spaces alongside dedicated client services that support scalability. The zone’s integrated ecosystem has proven effective for firms like Italfood, Swedinox International and Unikai Foods that have expanded within Ras Al Khaimah. These successes align with the UAE’s wider objectives to boost local production and enhance food security across the region.
A sector outlook from Mordor Intelligence has projected sustained growth in regional food processing and cold-chain markets, trends that match RAKEZ’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability. Participation in events such as the Future Food Summit allows the zone to connect directly with companies exploring expansion opportunities. RAKEZ continues to position Ras Al Khaimah as a competitive base for manufacturers aiming to serve both local demand and global supply chains.
