Partnering for Growth: Strengthening UK Ties with Ras Al Khaimah’s Growing Economy

Date Posted:Fri, 25th Apr 2025

Partnering for Growth: Strengthening UK Ties with Ras Al Khaimah’s Growing Economy

Recognising Ras Al Khaimah’s growing momentum as an attractive destination for UK businesses and expats, the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD) recently convened industry leaders, policymakers, and British businesses for the Partnering for Growth in Ras Al Khaimah business briefing at the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island.

 

The session served as an opportunity to explore how British companies can align with RAK’s development vision and leverage the UK-UAE trade relationship for shared success.

The event welcomed over 70 BCCD members and guests from across Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai, as well as representatives from RAK-based government entities and stakeholders.

Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner and UK Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Sarah Mooney (pictured above), opened the session with a keynote address. Marking her first visit to Ras Al Khaimah, Mooney highlighted the growing strength of the UK-UAE trade relationship and reaffirmed the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) commitment to advancing cross-border collaboration.

“Through the growth partnership between the DBT and the Emirate, we have initiated a closer, more strategic relationship to co-create long-term solutions for growth,” she stated.

Mooney emphasised the UK’s support for British businesses entering the UAE market, noting that UK Export Finance (UKEF) offers financial guarantees and assurances to help companies confidently participate in local projects.

“This is a fantastic time to be involved in the UK-RAK growth partnership,” she added. “We encourage UK businesses to reach out and become part of Ras Al Khaimah’s dynamic growth story.”

The panel discussion, moderated by BCCD CEO Katy Holmes, brought together perspectives from Anas Hijjawi, Chief Commercial Officer of RAKEZ, and Simon Readshaw, Deputy Director for International Trade, UAE,

British Embassy Dubai. The panel explored how British businesses can tap into the opportunities presented by the UK-RAK growth partnership and benefit from the Emirate’s pro-business environment — including free zone advantages, sector-specific clusters, streamlined regulations, and government incentives.

“There are currently over 2,000 UK businesses registered with RAKEZ, and we have seen strong momentum since launching the partnership and its market activation” Hijjawi noted.

Readshaw outlined key sectors of focus for collaboration, including advanced manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and livability - encompassing healthcare, education, and other quality-of-life services. He also highlighted additional sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and agriculture, where UK expertise can provide significant long-term value.

“This list isn’t exhaustive,” he said. “We welcome interest from UK businesses exploring opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah, especially in areas where they can bring unique value.”

The session also gave businesses and attendees the opportunity to ask questions, share their thoughts and network directly with the speakers.

“We encourage British companies to explore the full spectrum of the UAE to appreciate the opportunities that each Emirate presents,” said BCCD CEO Katy Holmes. “The BCCD is proud to support trade dialogue and knowledge exchange between the business communities of the UK to the UAE and given the huge growth potential of Ras Al Khaimah, we look forward to supporting  more UK and international businesses interested in expanding in to Ras Al Khaimah, whether already established in Dubai or coming new from the UK.”