Economy

Ras Al Khaimah stands out in the Gulf as one of the region’s most diversified economies. Investment spread across manufacturing, tourism, retail, high-tech industries and construction has been underpinned by improvements in infrastructure and connectivity. Quarrying, mining and manufacturing accounted for some 30% of GDP, followed by financial services, at 14.4%. In particular, the metal sector has seen rapid expansion in recent years, with several companies setting up factories in RAK’s industrial zones to process various metals. At the same time, tourism and related sectors such as real estate and retail are expected to grow, with plans to expand RAK International Airport in the pipeline. These include new arrivals and departures lounges, cargo facilities, parking and office space. New efforts are also being made to develop long-term growth drivers within the emirate. Several local research institutions have been set up in recent years, and over the long term this will facilitate the growth of high-tech industries by improving the pool of local engineering talent. This chapter includes an interview with Jim Stewart, the CEO of RAK Investment and Development Office.