From the CEO’s desk: Xpro India’s first global manufacturing unit, collaboration with FedEx, Re: Sustainable IT Summit, and more.

Welcome to the newest installment of 'From the CEO's Desk'! With August behind us, let's reflect on the highlights of the month.

On August 16th, RAKEZ signed a landmark agreement with China’s world-leading Shandong Timber and Wood Products Association (STWPA) to establish the Zhong A Shandong Industrial Park in Ras Al Khaimah, marking a significant development for the emirate’s industrial sector expansion. We are honored to have had the official lease signing ceremony hosted by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

With an investment of USD 360 million, the first phase of the new industrial park will span over 450,000 m2 across Al Ghail and Al Hulaila in RAKEZ. It will undergo further expansion to encompass over 1 million m2 of land in Al Ghail over the next three years. Upon completion, the project will bring in over 60 new companies, specialising in the wood and food and beverage sectors, and create more than 3,500 new jobs in the next five years.

In Ras Al Khaimah, the industrial park will provide ready infrastructure to Chinese investors, while RAKEZ and its partners will facilitate their business set-up. We have already welcomed F&B and plywood manufacturers.

The UAE plays a crucial role in China’s global trade strategy, serving as China’s largest trade partner in the Arab region. RAKEZ plays an active role in regularly hosting Chinese entrepreneurs, government officials, and media representatives, and engaging in strategic meetings and roadshows across Chinese cities. So far, these efforts in cultivating a thriving environment for business and investment have attracted more than 200 Chinese companies to RAKEZ.

Xpro India’s First Global Manufacturing Unit?

Earlier this month, we welcomed another manufacturing powerhouse venturing into the global market at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) .

Xpro India Limited, a producer of dielectric films used in capacitors, is establishing its first global manufacturing unit in Ras Al Khaimah called “Xpro Dielectric Films”.

The greenfield project underway in Al Ghail Industrial Zone in RAKEZ represents an approximate initial investment of over AED 100 million. As a result, this commitment will account for 33% of the total capacity under Xpro’s umbrella and create around 80 new jobs in the emirate.?

In the second quarter of 2025, this new facility will produce 4,500 tons of dielectric films annually to supply to markets in the US, Europe, and the Far East, ultimately demonstrating the robust international connectivity of Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE.?

Xpro India Limited’s decision to establish its manufacturing unit in Ras Al Khaimah highlights the strategic advantages our emirate offers global manufacturers.?

We look forward to seeing the positive contributions Xpro India will make to our dynamic business ecosystem.

RAKEZ’s Collaboration with FedEx

RAKEZ is always willing to go an extra mile to empower and support local businesses.

We collaborated with FedEx, the world’s largest express transportation company, to host an inaugural strategic breakfast meeting to educate and share insights with over 50 companies in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) about the logistical innovations that will help businesses expand into global markets.

The event highlighted the significance of “Taking Your Business Global”, where attendees explored the latest FedEx products, services, and solutions that can help them expand their operations to reach new international markets and territories.?

Speaking at the event, Sammy Bousaba, the Managing Director of Sales for FedEx, emphasizes the crucial role of efficient logistics in unlocking global expansion for UAE businesses.?

Our collaboration with FedEx highlights our dedication to empowering businesses in Ras Al Khaimah. By offering access to world-class logistics solutions and expert guidance, we are equipping our members to navigate the complexities of international trade and achieve substantial growth. This collaboration also aligns with the UAE Economic Vision 2030, as it adopts sustainable economic diversification and enhances the global competitiveness of our industrial sector.

Re: Sustainable IT Summit

Glad to have witnessed the gathering of global tech industry leaders in Ras Al Khaimah for the ‘Re: Sustainable IT Summit’. The summit was organized by Circular Computing— a British remanufacturer of used laptops based in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). The summit saw participation from around 65 global companies, including giants like Microsoft, Dell, HP, Atos, Lenovo, Google, HSBC, Sharaf DG, DHL, Acer, Jacky’s, and Canon.

One of the key highlights of the event was a survey conducted among IT leaders, which shed light on the importance of sustainable hardware practices in businesses worldwide which explored avenues to circularity in the IT sector. I am a big believer in the circular economy model, as it’s a powerful method for combating climate change and the waste crisis, and a way to conduct business sustainably over the long-term. To see these values actively explored in the IT sector is a step in the right direction for this industry.

I resonated with this statement made at the event by Rod Neale, the founder, and CEO of Circular Computing: “The consensus is clear: pre-used tech will be the future.”

We at RAKEZ congratulate Circular Computing for orchestrating such an impactful event. It’s an honor to be a starting point for business success and growth and for companies to elevate their sustainable development and align with global environmental goals.

RAKEZ Event on Harnessing AI for Marketing and Sales Success

With 82% of companies worldwide incorporating AI into their operations, we at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recognize the urgent need for businesses in our freezone to be up to speed on this rising technology.

Recently, we hosted an exclusive session for our clients dedicated to exploring the applications of AI in sales and marketing as a practical tool that businesses, especially SMEs, can leverage to boost their growth.?

We hosted industry experts and leaders who demonstrated real-world and actionable AI strategies to enhance customer understanding, personalize marketing campaigns, and optimize sales processes. These insights offered a clear roadmap for integrating AI into business operations, empowering startups and SMEs to transform their businesses.

By offering a clear roadmap for startups and SMEs to transform their operations, businesses in the RAKEZ ecosystem stay competitive and relevant regardless of the rapidly evolving global marketplace.