Ras Al Khaimah leverages its profound maritime sector to fuel robust economic growth. Positioned strategically near the Strait of Hormuz, RAK serves as a pivotal hub for maritime trade, solidifying its status as an essential player in both regional and global shipping sectors.

The emirate's forward-thinking initiatives underscore its commitment to the maritime sector. These advancements open up a wealth of investment opportunities, inviting stakeholders to be part of RAK's dynamic maritime future. RAK Maritime City (RAKMC), for instance, which was launched in 2009, epitomizes RAK's commitment to providing high-quality maritime infrastructure that adheres to international standards and best practices. This free trade zone combines state-of-the-art port facilities with a plethora of business advantages, making it an attractive destination for companies seeking cost-efficient, secure, and transparent business solutions. The zone offers significant tax benefits, reinforcing its appeal to international businesses.

RAKMC covers an expansive area of 800 hectares, including a dedicated port, berths for loading and unloading, and facilities for boat and yacht services. Its strategic proximity to the Strait of Hormuz ensures excellent sea access, positioning it as a critical node in the global shipping network. The city is designed to support various maritime services and industries, from ship repairs and warehousing to industrial production and general trading.

Likewise, the establishment of RAK Ports, which comprises a network of five ports, also contribute significantly in uplifting the emirate's economic landscape. These ports are instrumental in facilitating efficient cargo operations, marine services, cruise tourism, and ship repairs. RAK Ports support a diverse range of local and international trade activities, from quarries and cement industries to manufacturing and supply chain companies. The recent investments exceeding $250 million in deep-water berths and modern equipment underscore the ports' capacity to handle increased cargo volumes and cater to the growing demands of global trade.

With the ongoing development and modernization of Ras Al Khaimah's maritime infrastructure, industry giants are increasingly interested in exploring investment opportunities in RAK’s maritime sector. Last year, Sunreef Yachts Middle East partnered with RAK Maritime City to develop a new facility in Ras Al Khaimah. Spanning 65,000 square meters, this state-of-the-art facility will incorporate the latest technologies in luxury yacht building, adhering to the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency.

As part of this collaboration, Sunreef Yachts and RAK Maritime City will jointly oversee the development of the facility, which will offer a comprehensive approach to yacht manufacturing. The facility will feature advanced workshops for painting, carpentry, upholstery, and stainless-steel work, all equipped with cutting-edge machinery and robotics.

In an interview with Construction Week, Francis Lapp, Founder and President of Sunreef Yachts, said that RAK is the best place to pursue their journey in shaping a greener future for yachting. “The yachts produced in Ras Al Khaimah will elevate eco-responsible yachting to a new level and showcase industry-first technology. I would like to thank the RAK Government and RMC management for their invaluable support in making this dream possible and I look forward to building a better future for yachting here,” he told Construction Week.

Likewise, Kleindienst Group, headquartered in Dubai and known for its diverse portfolio, has also signed an MoU with RAK Ports recently to establish a giga yacht manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah. This state-of-the-art shipyard will include four sections: a) the "Viking" section will design and construct a 144-meter giga-yacht, the first of its kind outside Europe, making Ras Al Khaimah the fourth region globally and the first in the GCC capable of building giga-yachts, b) the "Coral Garden'' section will focus on the Heart of Europe's underwater living experiences and coral gardens, part of a $6 billion project off Dubai's coast, c) the "Tug" section will build barges, supply, and transportation vessels, expanding Kleindienst's fleet, d) the "Ferry" section will cater to passenger transportation, fishing boats, and diving boats.

Driven by the RAK government's strategic focus on enhancing maritime trade, the emirate has seen substantial growth in its market share, bolstered by the development of robust infrastructure. This growth has unlocked numerous investment opportunities across diverse sectors such as port facilities and services, industrial and commercial plots, logistics and supply chain management, and cruise tourism. To delve deeper into these opportunities, the Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Trade Summit provides an excellent platform to discuss and capitalize on the potential within the emirate's maritime landscape.