The Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced a notable economic performance in 2025, fueled by a surge in foreign trade activities and a broader investment base. The total value of goods exported by its members reached approximately 10.4 billion dirhams, marking an annual growth of 13.3% compared to 2024. This reflects an enhancement in the competitiveness of the emirate’s products and an expanded presence in regional and global markets.
Dr. Ahmed Al Shamili, Acting General Manager of the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber, indicated that the chamber issued around 36,473 certificates of origin in 2025, registering a growth of 12.5% compared to the previous year. July witnessed the highest issuance rate with 3,600 certificates, highlighting the increasing pace of trade and export activities among chamber members. These indicators demonstrate the growing confidence the emirate enjoys within the global business community. Al Shamili emphasized that the development of commercial service systems and a flexible investment environment has bolstered Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a key economic hub supporting sustainable growth and diversifying export markets.
Al Shamili noted that Saudi Arabia topped the list of countries importing from chamber members, with 12,722 certificates of origin valued at around 2.2 billion dirhams. Oman followed with 2,818 certificates valued at 273.2 million dirhams, while Kuwait contributed 1,737 certificates worth 404.3 million dirhams. Iraq ranked next with 1,283 certificates, with exports nearing 1.5 billion dirhams, followed by Qatar with 1,105 certificates amounting to 157.6 million dirhams, and Bahrain with 1,098 certificates valued at approximately 96.3 million dirhams. Overall, the total number of countries receiving exports from chamber members reached 153, reflecting the extensive network of commercial relationships of the emirate.
The chamber also issued 3,934 certificates of origin for free zone exports directed to the local market in the UAE, valued at around 692 million dirhams.
Regarding the composition of exports, plant products led the list of exported goods with a total of 17,204 certificates of origin, accounting for 45% of the total certificates issued. Food products, beverages, tobacco, and their derivatives followed with 8,127 certificates, representing 22%. Live animals and animal products ranked third with 6,414 certificates, making up 17%, while fats and oils, both animal and vegetable, accounted for 6,141 certificates or 16% of the total certificates issued during the year.
Investment Growth
Al Shamili further explained that the number of newly registered enterprises in the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber saw significant growth, with an estimated workforce of about 2,803 workers during 2025, indicating the continued expansion of economic activities and attraction of new projects. The estimated planned capital influx for new investments reached around 2.29 billion dirhams, excluding the capital of 317 enterprises in free zones and 126 branches of local and foreign establishments, suggesting that the actual investment size exceeds the reported figures and reflects a rising economic momentum.
The statistics on new memberships revealed a diverse range of investment nationalities, encompassing 88 different nationalities worldwide. India led the list with a total of 650 new enterprises, followed by Bangladesh with 311 enterprises and Pakistan with 233. Egypt came next with 158 enterprises, followed by Syria with 64. Additionally, there was growing investment presence from nationalities including Jordan, China, the United Kingdom, Lebanon, Sudan, Afghanistan, the United States, Ethiopia, and Morocco.
The total number of new investors registered in 2025 reached approximately 3,611, reflecting the expanding business base and increasing attractiveness of the emirate for multinational investments.
Al Shamili asserted that the growth in exports and the expansion of targeted markets represent the development of productive capacities and competitiveness in Ras Al Khaimah’s business sector, supported by advanced infrastructure and trade and investment services, enhancing the emirate’s position as a growing economic and commercial center regionally and globally.