The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is one of the UAE’s most popular free zones, known for making business setup quick, flexible, and affordable. The freezone is situated in Ras Al Khaimah and has now grown into a thriving hub for more than 50 different industries. It’s not just about location or affordability; RAKEZ stands out because it offers flexible licensing, modern facilities, and a business-friendly environment that makes starting and running a company far smoother than many expect.
But before you set up your company in RAKEZ, you need to choose the right RAKEZ business activity. This decision affects the type of license you’ll get, the approvals required, the facilities you can use, and even how many visas you’re eligible for. Picking the wrong activity can lead to delays and extra costs.
That’s why we will take you through the type of business activities in RAKEZ, so you can make the right choice from the start.
What is RAKEZ?
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is one of the largest and fastest-growing free zones in the UAE. The free zone was established in 2017 through the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority. It has quickly become a strong business hub that attracts entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational companies from all over the world.
RAKEZ is strategically located in Ras Al Khaimah, which allows businesses easy access to key trade routes. The emirate is also known for its affordability compared to other parts of the UAE.
Types of Businesses in RAKEZ
Thanks to its diverse infrastructure and license options, RAKEZ supports a wide range of industries. Some of the businesses that thrive here include:
- Trading companies (import/export, general trading, e-commerce)
- Service providers (consultancies, IT firms, marketing agencies, professional services)
- Manufacturing and industrial units (light manufacturing, assembly, packaging, logistics)
- Educational institutions (training centres, consultancies, academies)
- Media companies (publishing, advertising, production, digital content)
Doesn't matter if you’re a freelancer, a growing SME, or a large-scale manufacturer, RAKEZ offers a business-friendly environment tailored to different needs
RAKEZ Business Activities List
RAKEZ offers a wide range of business activities to give investors the freedom to choose the model that best suits their goals. Below are the major categories and some popular activities under each:
1. Commercial/Trading Activities
These involve buying, selling, or distributing goods locally or internationally.
- General Trading
- Import & Export of Goods
- Building Materials Trading
- Food & Beverage Trading
- Electrical Equipment Trading
- Automotive Spare Parts Trading
- Medical Equipment Trading
- Fashion, Apparel & Accessories Trading
- Electronics & Gadgets Trading
- Jewellery & Watches Trading
- Beauty & Personal Care Products Trading
- Toys & Baby Products Trading
- Home Appliances Trading
- Chemicals & Laboratory Supplies Trading
- Raw Materials Trading
2. Service/Consultancy Activities
Professional services and expert solutions.
- Business Consultancy
- IT Services & Solutions
- Marketing & Advertising Consultancy
- HR & Recruitment Services
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Project Management Consultancy
- Legal Advisory Services
- Engineering & Technical Consultancy
- Financial & Investment Advisory
- Event Planning & Management
- Tourism & Travel Consultancy
- Facility Management Services
- Real Estate Consultancy
- Management & Strategy Consulting
- Translation & Language Services
3. Industrial/Manufacturing Activities
For production, assembly, or light manufacturing. Popular industrial/manufacturing activities include:
- Food & Beverage Production
- Furniture Manufacturing
- Packaging & Labeling
- Garments & Textile Production
- Plastic & Rubber Products Manufacturing
- Printing & Publishing
- Building Materials Manufacturing
- Assembly of Electronics / Light Equipment
- Metal Fabrication
- Paper & Stationery Products Manufacturing
- Leather Goods Manufacturing
- Chemical Processing
- Cosmetics & Personal Care Production
- Woodworking & Carpentry
- Automotive Components Assembly
4. Educational Activities
Businesses offering training, coaching, and educational services.
- Educational Consultancy
- Training Institutes & Coaching Centres
- E-Learning Services
- Professional Development Programs
- Skill Development & Vocational Training
- Tutoring & Test Preparation Services
- Language Schools
- IT & Technical Training
- Corporate Training Programs
- Art & Music Schools
- Sports & Fitness Training Centres
- Childcare & Early Learning Programs
5. Media Activities
For creative, publishing, and content-related businesses.
- Advertising Agencies
- Publishing & Printing
- Digital Media Production
- TV, Radio, and Film Production
- Event Management Services
- Graphic Design & Creative Studios
- Social Media Management
- Photography & Videography Services
- Animation & Motion Graphics
- Content Writing & Copywriting
- PR & Communications Consultancy
- Influencer Marketing Services
- Media Buying & Planning
- Podcast & Audio Content Production
6. E-Commerce Activities
Businesses operating online platforms, digital sales, and services.
- Online Retail Trading
- Online Food & Grocery Delivery
- Marketplace Platform Operator
- E-Services & Digital Products
- Web & Mobile Application Development
- Dropshipping Business Models
- Subscription Box Services
- Online Fashion & Accessories Store
- Electronics & Gadget E-commerce
- Online Health & Wellness Products
- Digital Marketing & Advertising Services
- Online Bookstore or Publishing Platform
- Virtual Event & Workshop Platforms
- Online Educational Platforms & Courses
7. Research & Development/Innovation Activities
- Scientific Research Centres
- Tech & Product Development
- Lab & Prototype Testing
- Innovation & Technology Incubators
- Environmental & Sustainability Research
8. Hospitality & Tourism Activities
- Hotels & Resorts Management
- Travel Agencies & Tour Operators
- Restaurant & Catering Services
- Event Management & Planning
- Leisure & Entertainment Services
- Hospitality Consultancy
Note: RAKEZ also allows combining multiple activities under a single license in many cases, which makes it flexible for entrepreneurs who want to diversify their offerings.
How to Choose the Right RAKEZ Business Activity?
Choosing the right business activity in RAKEZ is crucial because it determines your license type, approvals, office requirements, and even visa eligibility. Follow these steps to make the right choice:
1. Define Your Business Purpose
First, clearly define what your business will do. Be specific. Are you providing a service, selling a physical product, manufacturing goods, or a combination? Your business activity should accurately reflect your core operations, both now and in the foreseeable future. RAKEZ offers an extensive list of over a thousand activities, so take the time to find the one (or up to five) that best matches your business model.
2. Understand the RAKEZ License Types
Once you have a clear idea of your business activity, you can identify the corresponding license type. RAKEZ issues licenses based on the nature of the business. The main types include:
- Commercial License: The license is suitable for businesses engaged in trading, such as import/export, retail, and wholesale of goods.
- Professional/Service License: This is for companies that offer professional services and consultancies, including marketing, IT, legal, and accounting services.
- Industrial License: The license is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, assembly, and packaging of products.
- General Trading License: A more flexible version of the commercial license that allows for a broader range of products to be traded under one license.
- Freelancer Permit: A cost-effective option for individuals working independently in specific fields like media, education, and technology.
3. Check for Multiple Activities and Future Plans
One of RAKEZ's key advantages is its flexibility. You can often include multiple business activities under a single license, which is great for a diversified business model. For example, if you plan to sell goods online and also offer marketing consultancy services, you might be able to combine these under a single license type or a special package.
4. Verify Approvals & Restrictions
Some activities may require special approvals from UAE authorities (e.g., medical, educational, or industrial activities). Confirm eligibility and necessary permits before finalising your activity.
5. Consult the Official RAKEZ Activity List
RAKEZ provides a comprehensive and detailed activity list of all approved business activities, often with specific codes. It is crucial to review this official list to ensure your intended activity is permitted and to find the exact classification.
6. Consult Experts for Guidance
RAKEZ setup rules can be detailed, and choosing the wrong activity may cause delays or extra costs. Work with business setup consultants like Shuraa India, who understand RAKEZ licensing and can guide you in selecting the right activity.
How Shuraa India Can Help
Picking the right business activity is one of the most important steps when choosing a business setup in RAKEZ. Your choice affects your license, the approvals you need, the kind of office or warehouse you can use, and even the visas you can get. Choosing correctly from the start can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle.
RAKEZ offers incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries. At Shuraa India, we make this process simple. We can help you choose the right RAKEZ business activity, guide you through license applications and paperwork, and provide ongoing support for compliance, renewals, and scaling your business.
Get started today! Contact Shuraa India for a free consultation.