Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Welcomes British Delegation Over Trade, Economic Cooperation

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Supreme Council Member welcomed a British delegation on Thursday to discuss trade and economic cooperation between the United Kingdom and the emirate.

The delegation comprised representatives from the British Embassy, including Gareth Johnson, the British Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to the UAE, along with board members of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD), led by Chairman Andrew Mortimer and CEO Katy Holmes.

Central government office in Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ's Managing Director Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi and BCCD Chairman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create support for existing British investors in the city as well as those who want to enter the emirate.

With the help of this MoU, Ras Al Khaimah and the United Kingdom will be able to increase their international business activities.

During the visit, RAKEZ officials helped the British delegation to understand how to set up a business in RAKEZ alongside the extensive support and services provided to international businesses, wanting to start a venture in the city.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad expressed how proud he feels regarding this collaboration, noting that this is a crucial step in further solidifying the economic bonds between the UK and Ras Al Khaimah as the city has been chosen by more than 1,700 British SMEs and industrial players.

He explained that the MoU underscores both entities' "shared dedication to sustainable development and international collaboration, supporting British investors to expand their footprints in the Middle East through Ras Al Khaimah," WAM reported.

Country Director for the Department of Business and Trade of the British Embassy in UAE Rob Bricker said, "Our team at the Department for Business and Trade are working to increase opportunities for UK companies across all emirates."

He added, "The partnership between BCCD and RAKEZ has our full support. We look forward to continuing our collaborative work with the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and UK businesses to deliver mutual growth and prosperity."

Holmes, on the other hand, stressed that RAKEZ has been an active member of the BCCD, adding that "we have been aware of the great support that the team provides to so many British companies."

"As part of our commitment to UK/UAE bilateral trade and our strong working relationship with the Department for Business and Trade, this MoU with RAKEZ will support the BCCD's capacity and reach to meet an accelerating demand and opportunity for British business and expats in Ras Al Khaimah, from Dubai," she said.

Many British businesses such as global tea producer Ahmad Tea, the world's leading laptop remanufacturer A2C and aircraft cabin simulator manufacturer Spatial Composite operate from RAKEZ alongside many manufacturers like Manchester Paperbags and JRL Fabrications.