Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) — Complete Business Guide 2026
RAK Free Trade Zone (now part of the RAKEZ umbrella) was one of the original budget-friendly UAE free zones. Here is the complete 2026 business guide for RAK FTZ-type operations within RAKEZ.
In this guide:
RAKEZ Overview (Incorporating RAK FTZ)
- Authority: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ); established 2017 by merger of RAK FTZ and RAK Industrial Zone
- Location: RAK emirate; 45 min from Dubai International Airport
- Focus: Affordable incorporation for service, trading, and industrial companies
RAKEZ Business Zones
- Business Zone: Professional services and consultancies; virtual office options
- Industrial Zone: Manufacturing; warehousing; light and heavy industry
- Academic Zone: Education companies; research institutes
- Media Zone: Media and creative companies
RAKEZ Costs (2026)
- Trade licence (freelancer): AED 6,950/year
- Trade licence (company): AED 9,250-14,500/year
- Virtual office / flexi-desk: AED 5,000-8,000/year
- Visa: Standard UAE visa costs
RAKEZ Strengths
- Price: RAKEZ is one of the most affordable UAE free zones for professional service companies
- Industrial: RAK Industrial Zone is genuine heavy industrial land with warehousing and factory units
- Flexibility: Range of licence types and facility options
RAKEZ Weaknesses
- Prestige: Less internationally recognized than Dubai-based free zones
- Location: 45+ min from Dubai city centre; not ideal for frequent Dubai client meetings