"The business people, traders, and manufacturers here are very passionate about their work. They're very determined to go global," said Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). "That's what excites me about coming to Guangdong."
Jallad was in Guangzhou as part of a high-level delegation led by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The broader China trip from October 20 to 23 includes the Ras Al Khaimah-China Business Summit in Shenzhen and a cooperation agreement signed with Fujian Province.
The emirate Jallad represents is rapidly emerging as a premier global hub. Located at the northernmost tip of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a proven record of safety and stability, backed by renowned credit rating agencies such as Fitch Ratings and S&P. With logistical infrastructure including seaports, an international airport, and multi-lane superhighways, it provides seamless connectivity for trade flows between the East and the West.
The economic bond with Guangdong is already substantial. Today, more than 400 Chinese companies operate in the emirate, with the vast majority originating from Guangzhou and Guangdong Province. To support them, RAKEZ, situated in the heart of the emirate, has positioned itself as a powerhouse business hub. It uniquely offers tailored solutions for both free zone and non-free zone businesses—serving everyone from freelancers and startups to SMEs and industrialists across more than 50 industries.
"We are helping a lot of Chinese companies from Guangdong go global—exporting their services and products, and even manufacturing in Ras Al Khaimah," Jallad explained.
The industrial landscape is also evolving. While RAKEZ hosts over 3,500 different commercial activities, Jallad notes a clear shift toward advanced sectors. "We see a big focus on building materials, manufacturing, high tech, AI, and EV batteries. With AI going all over the world, we see that trend coming from Shenzhen as well."
But RAKEZ's ambitions go far beyond the UAE. "It's not only for the UAE market," Jallad noted. "It's about connecting Chinese companies so they can export to the GCC, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and even America."
To make this seamless, RAKEZ provides a comprehensive ecosystem—from logistics, warehousing and high-tech land for manufacturing to extensive matchmaking services. Jallad's team is currently on the ground in Guangdong, working with chambers of commerce to invite Chinese companies on roadshows.
"We understand what they need and then support them in going global and going international," he said.
Reporter | Guo Zedong
Video, photo & cover | Guo Hongda
