"I see many areas where there can be tremendous cooperation. The low-hanging fruit is in contractors—getting Chinese contractors to build for us," said Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, during the emirate's high-level delegation visit to Guangdong from October 17 to 23.
As a publicly traded company on the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, RAK Properties is a major developer specializing in master-planned communities. To date, the company has handed over 4,000 homes, has 5,000 currently under construction, and boasts a pipeline of 20,000 more homes set to be developed over the next five years.
This massive scale presents a direct opening for Chinese suppliers of furniture, interior fittings, and electromechanical modularity.
Beyond construction, Muhtadi is looking to break new ground in the hospitality sector. "We also would love to interact with Chinese hospitality firms. That's an area that nobody has done yet," he noted. With two major resorts already operating, a Nikki Beach hotel about to start construction, and a new Four Seasons resort in the works, RAK Properties is eager to explore wellness, longevity solutions, and even herbal medicine with Chinese partners. "We invite joint venture partnerships and investments along with us," he added.
The delegation's trip to the Greater Bay Area has been highly productive. "I've personally had close to 20-25 meetings with various robotics companies, engineering companies, contractors, and interested investors," Muhtadi said. The company is also exploring retail, looking to introduce Chinese brands into its malls in Ras Al Khaimah.
"We are here to learn what has been done, what is successful, and also to develop these relationships," Muhtadi concluded, noting that these promising introductions will hopefully be taken to the next step.
Reporter | Guo Zedong
Video & cover | Guo Hongda
