The third edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Business Summit (RAKIS 2026) concluded on a high at the RAK Exhibition Centre, following two days of intense and fruitful discussions, knowledge exchange and business engagement centred on the emirate’s growing investment potential and evolving economic landscape.
Held on 11 and 12 November under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the summit brought together government representatives, business leaders, investors, policymakers and industry experts to examine emerging opportunities, discuss investment priorities and explore avenues for cross-sector collaboration.
RAKIS 2026, organised by Valiant Market Services in collaboration with the RAK Chamber of Commerce, featured a comprehensive programme of keynote addresses, panel discussions and industry conversations spanning investment, real estate, construction, infrastructure, international trade, logistics, tourism, digital transformation and sustainable development.
The exhibition formed a central part of RAKIS 2026, bringing together government entities, property developers, financial institutions, engineering consultancies, infrastructure providers and emerging businesses.
Participating organisations showcased their projects, products and services while engaging visitors and exploring potential commercial relationships. Among the exhibitors were Marjan, BNW Developments, Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), Namou Properties, Khatib & Alami, the UAE Ministry of Investment, Shaam Group, RAK Properties, Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Gulf Cement Company.
The exhibition also attracted organisations from the technology, professional services, construction and infrastructure sectors, creating opportunities for businesses to connect with potential partners and investors.
The first day of the summit focused on the foundations of Ras Al Khaimah’s investment and development landscape, examining the emirate’s strategic growth priorities, industrial localisation, real estate opportunities and infrastructure ecosystem.
Speakers examined the emirate’s readiness for investment, the role of foreign capital in strengthening investor confidence and the importance of local supply chains and infrastructure in supporting economic growth.
The programme featured contributions from senior representatives across government and industry, including H.E. Ibtisam Ali AlSaadi of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Anas Hijjawi of RAKEZ, Phillipa Harrison of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Alison Grinnell of Marjan, Hassan Al Shaiba of Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development and Sameh Muhtadi of RAK Properties. The discussions continued with industry perspectives from representatives of RAK Bank, Knight Frank, Cushman & Wakefield, UAE-UK Business Council, British Embassy UAE, RAK International Corporate Centre and other organisations, highlighting the interconnected role of investment, infrastructure, trade and institutional collaboration in driving economic growth.
The second day shifted the attention towards future drivers of economic growth, including tourism and hospitality, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, technological innovation and sustainable development.
One of the key discussions examined Ras Al Khaimah’s roadmap to welcoming three million visitors, exploring opportunities in destination development, hospitality investment and sustainable tourism. Participants also examined the emirate’s potential as a base for international founders and its growing connections with overseas markets, including Europe.
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies featured heavily in discussions on the transformation of real estate, construction and hospitality. Other sessions explored Industry 4.0, clean technology, energy storage and the green economy.
RAKIS 2026 concluded its thematic programme with a strong focus on sustainable energy, clean technology, energy storage and the green economy, with speakers exploring how sustainable development, utilities infrastructure and environmentally responsible investment can contribute to long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.
Beyond the formal discussions, RAKIS 2026 provided a platform for businesses, investors and institutional stakeholders to exchange perspectives, explore potential partnerships and identify opportunities across Ras Al Khaimah’s key economic sectors.
The exhibition emerged as one of the key highlights of RAKIS 2026, with bustling exhibition booths and strong engagement among participating organisations, investors and visitors throughout the two-day summit. Bringing together prominent government entities, major developers, financial institutions, engineering consultancies, infrastructure providers and emerging businesses, the exhibition floor provided a platform for companies to showcase their projects, products, services and capabilities while exploring new commercial opportunities.
RAKIS 2026 forms part of Ras Al Khaimah’s broader efforts to strengthen its international business engagement and attract investment across key economic sectors. The summit provides a platform for local and international companies to explore market-entry opportunities, expand operations and establish commercial relationships within the emirate. The organisers also aim to attract more international trade delegations and strengthen connections between local businesses and overseas markets.
Looking ahead, Valiant Market Services and the RAK Chamber of Commerce reaffirmed their commitment to a fourth edition, with plans to place greater emphasis on business connections, international trade delegations, investor engagement and opportunities for market entry and expansion. RAKIS 2026 brought together stakeholders across government, finance, property, infrastructure, tourism and technology, reflecting the range of sectors shaping Ras Al Khaimah’s investment ambitions.
Africa Global News publication.