MEAM UAE Business Awards 2018

36 MEA MARKETS / 2018 UAE Business Awards , Best Regional Business Development Enterprise 2018 & Award for Excellence As one of the oldest Chambers of Commerce in the country, RAK Chamber of Commerce & Industry is the second Chamber of Commerce established in the UAE. We profile the Chamber as we look to explore more about its success. Established in 1967, RAK Chamber has overseen many major developments due to the comprehensive care which has been extended to the economic movement by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and thanks to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah, and the follow-up by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince of the Emirate, which was reflected on the upgraded work procedures in the Chamber’s departments and on the services provided to the Chamber’s members, stakeholders and economic partners. In 1996, the Ras Al-Khaimah Exhibitions Centre was established with the purpose of supporting trade and industry and revitalising all sectors through holding various exhibitions, which contributed to the economic development. This in turn contributed to increasing the economic development ratios and enhancing the Emirate’s economic status. Also, the Chamber was keen to open a new hall for exhibitions in 2010 to respond to the requirements of economic development in the Emirate. Placing a firm focus on education and healthcare, the team is doing whatever it takes to develop and sustain both as part of UA180083 UAE’s and Ras Al Khaimah’s economic vision. The team is preparing itself for a knowledge- based economy and doing its share in educating the business community by providing free training, workshops, seminars and economic events at its Chamber’s Trading and Business Centre. Looking to the future, the Chamber is empowering its Emirati youngsters through entrepreneurship and is giving them support through its affiliated program which hosts start-ups and incubators, and accompanying them throughout their business venture journey. Adapting to the daily advances which are arising in this increasingly technology dominated generation, RAK Chamber launched its first integrated service mobile applications, and this gives friendly and easy access to all of its services, including documents issuance, certification and ratification in 2016. Customers are now able to process transactions wherever they might be with just one click, and this is important if the team is to continue exceeding client expectations. Available on a daily basis, the chamber’s doors are always open, even during the holidays, and as such are able to serve its customers easily and at their convenience at any point in time. Thanks to its versatility, Ras Al Khaimah now boasts more than 45,000 companies, of which 33,000 are registered with RAK Chamber alone, including national and international super brands in various sectors. In the first quarter of 2017, the team oversaw a remarkable increase in international trade, as 30341 certificates of origin were issued by the Chamber. For decades, and specifically during H.H. Sheikh Saud’s time, immense changes have taken place in Ras Al Khaimah. While many destinations all over the world were and still are striving to strengthen and diversify their economies, Ras Al Khaimah has significantly capitalised on its core Tourism and Industry sectors, and is working on further acquiring expertise in many others. As a non-oil based economy, RAK has discovered opportunities and niches in vital sectors such as industry and manufacturing, in addition to excelling at tourism which all combines to make a unique and rare blend. Already boasting a sterling reputation in the field, RAK is living up to its reputation and is being recognised by experts all over the region. The transformation journey began by exploiting abundant economic alternatives for the depleting oil resources, namely; other plentiful resources, and its human capital and the advantageous and strategic geographic position RAK is blessed with. Ultimately, thanks to its excellent delivery of its services, international investors in Ras Al Khaimah receive a very good return on investment, and Ras Al Khaimah possessing everything that it takes for a successful business and great lifestyle. His Highness Sheikh Saud’s instructions and directives are to continue offering the best services and upgrading the quality of life in Ras Al Khaimah, and we as government and private institutions are mobilised to achieve that objective. There is widespread optimism throughout the area that the future bodes well for RAK Chamber and Ras Al Khaimah as a whole. Company: RAK Chamber of Commerce & Industry Contact: Imad Eddine Oubiri Address: Al Jazah Rd, North Ras Al Khaimah, UAE Phone: +971507074869 Website: www.rakchamber.ae