Ramy Jallad

How was RAKEZ able to display resilience in the face of the pandemic?

We faced several challenges to which we have proved resilient. One was much more aggressive competition, especially from the online channel, unlike before the pandemic. To overcome this, we focused on delivering greater value to our clients, namely more services and incentives to support their business in challenging times. We also swiftly adapted to necessary innovation, and we are fortunate enough to have tremendous talents within our organization, which has allowed us to be quick on our feet and implement new strategies, innovations, and contingency plans. We went heavy on digital transformation, quickly introducing new technology to our processes. There is a consistent high demand from investors due to the comprehensive yet cost-effective packages we recently launched to help them turn uncertainties into opportunities. We also continuously enhance our services and construct new facilities.

What is your perspective on the role RAKEZ will play in the post-pandemic economic recovery?

RAKEZ has always been one of the contributors to Ras Al Khaimah’s economy. The Emirate is an ideal business destination in the region. In particular, we focus on attracting businesses from all over the world to set up shop here. We encourage foreign businesses to take advantage of its work, live, and play environment. We do this by launching packages that are not only cost effective, but also supportive of our clients’ journey. For instance, we have the RAKEZ BusinessWomen Package, a first-of-its-kind product in the UAE designed to empower women to chase their entrepreneurial dreams, with license, facility, option for zero balance account, and eligibility for UAE residence visa. We have also launched My Business Package, which includes a business license and visa. Meanwhile, the E-commerce Package is packed with a variety of discounts and benefits to support investors in launching an e-commerce business with ease. We also offer Virtual Educational Packages for education professionals who wish to tutor individuals online; SME Packages offering up to 40% discount guaranteed for life; and Make, Manage, Move Your Products, the most cost-effective industrial setup packages in the UAE that target manufacturers, traders, and logistics and supply chain providers. As with the rest of the country, we are also focusing on digital transformation to enhance the ease of doing business. Technology is crucial to the adaptability of any business in today’s digitally driven society. We were quick to adapt as we have already been utilizing different digital strategies. We transformed our business setup procedures, allowing investors to register their company online, from submitting applications to issuing the license. All our existing services have also been made available online through RAKEZ Portal 360. We are going all digital and paperless, not only for business continuity but also to provide a seamless journey to our clients.

What are your strategies to help SMEs succeed and attract investment into the SME economy?

We work to provide comprehensive solutions for SMEs. RAKEZ offers wide-ranging license types spanning thousands of activities. We also have SME-friendly facilities, such as co-working spaces, which are low-risk options providing them with an opportunity to test the market. We offer quick and easy setup with a one-stop shop for all requirements: two in Ras Al Khaimah, one in Abu Dhabi, and one office in Dubai, where clients can accomplish everything in one go, from registration and licensing, leasing, and visa issues to a range of support services. Setting up a business is achieved in three easy steps with complete guidance from our expert business development consultants. We tailor our packages according to individual needs. These include customized products targeted at women and aspiring young entrepreneurs. Moreover, we have specialized zones that help businesses thrive with a business zone comprising first-class business centers that cater to the service sector, as well as an academic zone, a space for qualified international educational institutions and service providers, and also the Al Hulaila, Al Hamra, and Al Ghail Industrial Zones for traders and manufacturers.