"Ras Al Khaimah is a gateway for Chinese companies, not only to set up regional headquarters, but also to use it as a springboard to grow further in the Global South," said Raheel Ahmed, Group CEO of RAKBANK.
Ahmed made these remarks during a landmark visit to China from October 17 to 23, accompanying a high-level delegation led by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The trip was designed to deepen economic ties between the Middle East and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The momentum is already clear. Today, more than 400 Chinese companies operate in Ras Al Khaimah, drawn by its strategic location and pro-business environment. On a national level, overall UAE-China non-oil trade reached $111.5 billion in 2025, up nearly 25 percent year on year.
For Ahmed, the GBA is central to this growing partnership. "It is really amazing to see how Greater Bay Area companies are creating such a big impact, not only locally in China, but now also really looking for global expansion," he said. "We try to be the bridge between China and the UAE."
RAKBANK has spent over two decades building that bridge. It established a dedicated Chinese department 22 years ago and now has 17 Chinese-speaking relationship managers serving about 2,500 Chinese clients, including more than 2,400 companies.
To support the fast-paced needs of Chinese entrepreneurs, the bank is fully integrated with Ras Al Khaimah's licensing authority and free zone. "Within one hour, maximum one day, you get your company account," Ahmed noted. Payment infrastructure is also seamless: "We are directly connected with Alipay and WeChat. If you're sending money back home, within one second, you send from our banking app, and you can get the money here."
Beyond retail banking, RAKBANK provides comprehensive corporate solutions, including trade finance, working capital, and project financing for manufacturers.
"Very good banking facilities make Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE an excellent place for Greater Bay Area companies to not only invest in the UAE, but also use it as a springboard for going global," Ahmed added.
With land, sea, and air access to the wider region, alongside these robust financial tools, Ras Al Khaimah is firmly positioning itself as the ideal forward office for Chinese enterprises ready to expand beyond Asia.
Reporter | Guo Zedong
Video, photos & cover | Guo Hongda
