The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recently hosted a working session in collaboration with the Joint German-Emirati Council for Industry and Commerce. This event, held in Ras Al Khaimah, aimed to strengthen communication and cooperation among German companies operating in the UAE, attracting over 50 senior executives, manufacturers, and decision-makers from the German business community at the RAKEZ Compass Business Center.
This gathering served as a platform to discuss the competitive advantages of Ras Al Khaimah as an ideal base for German manufacturers. It highlighted the region’s growing industrial ecosystem, robust logistical connections, and supportive business environment, all of which contribute to sustainable growth and enhance companies’ long-term competitiveness.
Rami Galad, CEO of RAKEZ, stated that Ras Al Khaimah continues to solidify its status as a preferred destination for German manufacturers looking to combine quality with efficiency while accessing regional markets. Through RAKEZ, businesses are provided with advanced infrastructure, streamlined procedures, and a flexible business environment that enable them to achieve operational excellence, drive innovation, develop resilient supply chains, and achieve sustainable growth from the UAE.
Dr. Martin Henkelmann, CEO of the Joint German-Emirati Council for Industry and Commerce, remarked that German companies have a strong presence in the UAE, propelled by its strategic location and robust economy. In recent years, Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as an attractive destination for German investors, who benefit from continuous investment in infrastructure and support services that facilitate business expansion, underscoring its potential as a major hub for future German investments.
The event featured a panel discussion titled “Made in Ras Al Khaimah: Accelerating Industrial Growth and Innovation,” offering participants strategic insights into how Ras Al Khaimah has transformed into a manufacturing base for German companies serving regional markets. Panelists included Imad Koukesh, Vice President of Clodin for the Middle East and Africa, and Paul Paton, CEO of Knauf GCC, along with Ian Hunt, Head of Customer Experience at RAKEZ.
During the discussion, speakers highlighted how their operations in Ras Al Khaimah have established German manufacturing standards, emphasizing quality control, operational discipline, and operational excellence. They also noted that working from the UAE allows manufacturers to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce delivery times, and minimize carbon footprints while serving customers across the region.
Speakers confirmed the competitive advantages Ras Al Khaimah provides in terms of supply chains, alongside the supportive role of the UAE government and RAKEZ in facilitating establishment processes and ensuring smooth operational procedures, thus encouraging continuous business expansion.
It is important to note that approximately 1,200 German companies are based in RAKEZ, operating across a wide range of industrial and commercial sectors, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a competitive center for international manufacturers due to its strong infrastructure, strategic market access, and tailored solutions designed to support business growth from the UAE.