The Department of Economic Development (RAK DED) in Ras Al Khaimah reported a 14.5% increase in the total licensed capital of active business licences during the first half of 2025. As a result, the figure rose to AED10.2 billion, marking a strong indicator of sustained investment activity in the emirate.
Additionally, the total number of active licences saw a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth underscores the emirate’s improving business environment and its ability to attract and retain investors.
Among licence categories, industrial licences led with a 14.3% rise. This was followed by a 6% growth in professional licences and a 5% increase in commercial licences, reflecting diversified sectoral development.
Strategic Reforms Drive Investor Confidence
Amina Qahtan, Director of the Department of Commercial Affairs, emphasised that the results demonstrate continued economic momentum in Ras Al Khaimah. According to her, “These results reflect the sustained economic momentum witnessed in the emirate.”
She credited the strong performance to leadership support and a set of facilitative policies that have bolstered investor confidence and improved business resilience.
New business registrations also surged. The number of new licences issued in H1 2025 rose by 17.6%. Industrial licences showed the sharpest increase, climbing by 111%. Commercial licences followed with a 12.6% jump, while professional licences went up by around 20%.
Sharp Increases in New Capital Investment
The total licensed capital of new businesses reached AED495 million in H1 2025, up 7.5% from AED460 million in the same period last year. Notably, professional licence capital grew by 40%. Meanwhile, capital linked to industrial licences expanded significantly—multiplying 6.7 times to reach AED47.5 million.
These figures highlight not only increased registration but also a deeper financial commitment from new business entrants, particularly in industrial sectors.
Ras Al Khaimah’s latest performance indicators reveal an encouraging trajectory across key economic metrics. With strong policy backing and sector-led expansion, the emirate is positioning itself as an increasingly dynamic hub for investment and enterprise.
