Ras al khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recently concluded a series of business engagements in Germany and Finland, focusing on strengthening economic ties and fostering new partnerships. These initiatives showcased opportunities available to European companies aiming to establish or expand their operations into the UAE and broader regional markets through Ras Al Khaimah.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme's highlight was a business breakfast at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Dsseldorf, in collaboration with IHK Dsseldorf and the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK). The event convened representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Germany, business leaders, industry representatives, and investors. They discussed growth opportunities amid an evolving global economic landscape and explored the advantages of establishing and expanding operations in the UAE.
Discussions centered on areas of mutual interest, including UAE business laws, advanced manufacturing, industrial technologies, sustainability, logistics, and innovation. The UAE's status as a globally connected business hub and Ras Al Khaimah's role as a destination for companies seeking competitiveness and operational flexibility were highlighted. Germany remains a robust investor market within the RAKEZ business community, with over 1,100 German companies operating in various industries such as manufacturing, furnishings, industrial equipment, construction solutions, electronics, and specialized services.
As part of the broader European programme, the RAKEZ delegation visited Finland to explore opportunities for enhanced economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the UAE, Finland, and Estonia. During this visit, the delegation participated in "Match and Grow," a business networking event in Lahti organized in collaboration with LADEC. This event connected Finnish businesses and ecosystem partners to explore opportunities for international growth and collaboration, offering direct access to RAKEZ experts and insights into expanding into the UAE market.
A significant feature of both events was the participation of established RAKEZ investors who shared practical insights into conducting business in the UAE from a base in Ras Al Khaimah. In Germany, Harald Hotop, CEO of Kludi, discussed the company's experience operating from Ras Al Khaimah and serving regional markets. In Finland, Topi Paananen, CEO of Peikko Group, highlighted the company's growth journey in the UAE and the opportunities available for international manufacturers and industrial businesses. Both companies are among the many European businesses choosing RAKEZ as a base for their regional operations.
Ramy Jallad, RAKEZ Group CEO, stated, "Europe continues to be an important strategic market for Ras Al Khaimah, and our engagements in Germany and Finland reflect our commitment to building long-term economic partnerships that create value for businesses on both sides. Germany, in particular, remains one of our most established investor markets, and we continue to see strong interest from European companies seeking a competitive, well-connected, and future-focused environment from which to serve regional and global markets. Through initiatives such as these, we are strengthening the bridges between our business communities and creating new pathways for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth."
These engagements are part of RAKEZ's ongoing international outreach efforts to connect with key investor markets, strengthen global partnerships, and support companies seeking growth opportunities through Ras Al Khaimah's dynamic business ecosystem.