Driving Sustainable Industry in Ras Al Khaimah: RAKEZ's Role in Establishing Enduring Green Economy Pillars in UAE
In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is setting a new standard for sustainable industrial growth. The zone, which operates as an international franchise of a media brand, is not only attracting businesses but also fostering a culture of responsibility and eco-friendly practices.
One of the latest investments in RAKEZ is by Royal Gulf Industries, committing AED62.4 million to build the UAE's first automotive battery recycling centre. This centre, located in Ras Al Khaimah, is designed to recycle around 35,000 metric tonnes of used lead-acid batteries annually, a significant step towards a more sustainable future.
Another company, Ni Met Recycling, has invested AED 40 million in a stainless steel and non-ferrous scrap recycling facility in Al Ghail Industrial Zone. This investment supports the UAE's circular economy goals and provides a reliable export stream to global markets.
Green Rock Group, meanwhile, has opened a production site in Ras Al Khaimah to manufacture certified plastic-free paper cups and lids, responding to regional demand for sustainable alternatives to plastic-lined packaging.
RAKEZ's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its industrial developments. The zone's sustainable infrastructure includes advanced, chemical-free water treatment technologies in district cooling systems and retrofitting initiatives across lighting and HVAC systems. The zone requires features like greywater systems, solar water heating, and advanced HVAC and VRF technologies in its developments.
Many companies within RAKEZ hold ISO credentials for quality, environmental management, and energy efficiency, further demonstrating the zone's commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
Circular Computing, a global manufacturer, has expanded its facility in RAKEZ with an AED8 million investment, boosting its capacity to produce up to 50,000 remanufactured laptops per month, delivering significant environmental savings over the years.
RAKEZ's efforts are closely tied to both national and local priorities, ensuring its incentives, infrastructure, and regulations all work together as part of a unified green framework. The path forward for RAKEZ includes expanding onsite renewable energy, fostering collaboration, and sharing transparent ESG data, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in sustainable industrial growth and helping turn pilot projects into lasting pillars of the UAE’s green economy.
RAKEZ's sustainability journey is rooted in clear standards and strong policy alignment with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 agenda, Ras Al Khaimah’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040, and Barjeel green building standards.
Moreover, RAKEZ actively engages with the local community through partnerships with environmental organisations and initiatives such as beach clean-ups and recycling drives, fostering a culture of responsibility.
Sparklo, operating within RAKEZ, offers rewards for recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans through reverse vending machines, and assembles and deploys these machines across various locations in the UAE.
VIM Solar Robotics is launching its first GCC facility in RAKEZ to produce robotic cleaners for solar farms, reinforcing the UAE’s renewable energy ambitions.
Uterra Middle East Agro Industries will invest US $20 million over three years to build Ras Al Khaimah’s first organic fertiliser facility, producing high-efficiency, micro-biological organic fertilisers and conducting R&D on plant cultivation and valuable fungi.
RAKEZ provides business incentives and backing for circular economy practices, setting an example for sustainable industries in the UAE. With these initiatives, RAKEZ is not just a zone, but a catalyst for a greener, more sustainable future.
