The second day of the Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Business Summit (RAKIS 2024) continued to spotlight the emirate’s ambitious economic future, featuring in-depth discussions and key takeaways from policymakers and industry leaders. Focusing on pivotal themes such as public-private partnerships, sustainable energy, and technological innovations in sectors like maritime and aviation, Day 2 underlined Ras Al Khaimah’s bold vision for growth.
The day kicked off with the Official Keynotes, where speakers set the stage for the summit’s discussions on economic transformation. Dr. Ahmed Rashed Al Shemeili, Acting Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber, delivered an inspiring welcome address, outlining the region’s strategic growth trajectory. Christoph Koster, CEO of Ruya Community Islamic Bank, shared groundbreaking insights into digital Islamic banking, highlighting its transformative potential for businesses by creating new avenues for financing and enhancing digital financial services. Meanwhile, Abdulla Alnuaimi, Acting Director of Government Communication at the Ajman Chamber, addressed the importance of public-private partnerships as vital catalysts for national economic progress, stressing how these collaborations can accelerate growth and lead to sustainable long-term development.
A key highlight of the day was the Make It in the Emirates session, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which focused on Ras Al Khaimah’s drive to bolster industrial growth. Experts discussed the “Make It in the Emirates” initiative, aimed at promoting local manufacturing, encouraging innovation, and enhancing the global competitiveness of UAE industries. The initiative’s role in driving economic diversification and its impact on local and international businesses interested in the UAE’s industrial sector was also examined.
The session on Education and Healthcare Fusion offered fascinating insights into the synergies between education and healthcare. Experts emphasized how the integration of advanced education systems with progressive healthcare initiatives could stimulate innovation and create transformative economic opportunities. The panel highlighted the need for 21st-century skills to equip the future workforce with the tools needed to meet growing demands in both education and healthcare sectors.
Sustainability took centre stage in the session titled Energising Ras Al Khaimah, where experts discussed the emirate’s strategies for renewable energy and its broader role in the UAE Investment Ecosystem. H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh outlined key milestones that have supported the UAE’s economic diversification and growth, while also showcasing opportunities for both local and international investors. The session also covered Ras Al Khaimah’s progress in reducing carbon emissions and adopting energy-efficient technologies, contributing to its long-term sustainability goals.
The Maritime and Aviation Innovations session followed, with Roy Cummins, CEO of RAK Ports, showcasing the significant technological advancements transforming Ras Al Khaimah’s port operations. The presentation highlighted the emirate’s strategic location as a key player in global trade, reinforcing its role in maritime and aviation sectors with advanced logistics and trade connectivity.
As Day 2 of the summit drew to a close, the booming real estate sector of Ras Al Khaimah took centre stage. Experts shared insights on the current market trends, offering predictions on the future demand and supply dynamics within the sector. They discussed how investor confidence, government initiatives, and strategic developments are collectively shaping the future of Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate market, making it an attractive destination for both local and international investment.
As the event continues, Ras Al Khaimah is positioning itself as a global leader in investment and innovation, with bold strategies and forward-thinking initiatives setting the tone for the future. The summit promises to strengthen dialogues across various sectors and unlock new opportunities, both regionally and globally.
