RAKEZ showcases industrial capabilities during strategic business trip to Russia
A major highlight of the trip was the participation of RAKEZ Chief Commercial Officer Anas Hijjawi in the prestigious Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025. He served as a panellist in the session titled 'Effective Non-Financial Support Measures for Industry', where he shared Ras Al Khaimah's journey to becoming an industrial powerhouse and the role RAKEZ plays in empowering manufacturers and exporters with a future-ready ecosystem.
Speaking at the panel, Hijjawi shed light on RAKEZ's tailored industrial zones, streamlined business set-up processes, integrated support services, and commitment to sustainability—all of which contribute to Ras Al Khaimah's appeal to global investors. He also emphasised RAKEZ's alignment with national strategies such as Operation 300bn, underscoring the UAE's push towards industrial diversification and economic resilience.
Beyond the forum, RAKEZ held a series of B2B meetings with companies from various sectors including manufacturing, logistics, transportation, technology, F&B, machinery and equipment, and chemicals. The team also engaged with delegations from industrial hubs in Russia – the Ulyanovsk region and the Republic of Udmurtia.
Additionally, the RAKEZ team met with Aleksandr Kalinin, President of OPORA, a national organisation dedicated to supporting and developing small and medium-sized enterprises across Russia, to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in empowering Russian entrepreneurs. This was followed by their participation in the Russian SME dinner hosted by the organisation, bringing together key stakeholders from the country's SME ecosystem.
Commenting on the trip, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, 'Russia continues to be an important partner in our global network, and this visit was a strong step forward in deepening our industrial ties. The UAE today stands as Russia's primary foreign economic partner in the Arab world, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 10 billion in 2024 reflecting the growing ties and business potential between the two nations. Against this backdrop, RAKEZ is playing a key role in strengthening these relations, particularly for industrial and logistical players. Through our tailor-made ecosystem, we are ready to support Russian companies that are looking to scale and expand into the UAE and beyond from Ras Al Khaimah.'
Around 1,200 Russian enterprises—including prominent names such as law firm EPAM; metal repairer and fabricator and welding equipment, transformers, and control panel supplier WGS Middle East; autonomous vehicle converter BaseTrack; and wire manufacturer Aeris Stream Copper—all operate successfully under the RAKEZ business community and have flourished in the region with the economic zone's support.
This strategic roadshow reflects RAKEZ's ongoing efforts to attract global industrial players and foster cross-border collaboration while offering international investors access to a cost-effective, well-connected, and growth-focused business environment in Ras Al Khaimah.
For more information, please contact:
Cleo Eleazar, Public Relations & Events Manager, RAKEZ
Email: c.eleazar@rakez.com
About Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ):
RAKEZ is a powerhouse business and industrial hub established by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. It currently hosts over 30,000 companies coming from over 100+ countries and operating in more than 50 industries.
RAKEZ offers entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and manufacturers a wide-range of solutions, including free zone and non-free zone licences, customisable facilities, and first-class services provided in a one-stop shop. Furthermore, RAKEZ has specialised zones that are tailored to specific needs of investors: Al Nakheel and Al Hamra Business Zones for commercial and service companies; Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila Industrial Zones for manufacturers and industrialists; and an Academic Zone for educational providers.
A leading economic zone, RAKEZ aims to continue attracting diversified investment opportunities that will contribute to the economic growth of Ras Al Khaimah.
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