Selecting the right business activity is the foundational step when forming a company in the United Arab Emirates. Your chosen activity determines your corporate legal structure, license type, workspace requirements, banking options, and whether you need external government approvals.
RAKEZ is recognised as one of the most diverse and cost-effective economic zones within the UAE and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), offers over 4,000 covered business activities and serves digital startups, trading firms, freelancers, media agencies, and major manufacturing companies.
This article explains all you need to know about business activities: options of RAKEZ business licenses and rules of activity grouping, external approval required, procedures for setting up your business activity, fees, and a simple way to choose an appropriate business scope for future business development.
What Are RAKEZ Business Activities?
RAKEZ business activities refer to the set of regulated commercial, professional, and industrial operation codes approved by Ras Al Khaimah Government. Each RAKEZ company is obligated to choose one or more authorized activity codes indicating the main source of income.
The Role of Business Activities in UAE Company Registration
Your business activity code dictates:
- The specific license category issued to your company.
- The type of workspace facility you must lease (flexi-desk, office, or industrial warehouse).
- Which external government authorities must review your application.
- How local and digital corporate banks assess your risk profile during account opening.
Free Zone vs. Non-Free Zone Activity Classifications
RAKEZ offers dual-jurisdiction flexibility:
- Free Zone Activities: Designed for businesses trading internationally, offering services globally, or operating within designated economic zones with 100% foreign ownership.
- Non-Free Zone (Mainland) Activities: Structured for companies that need to trade directly with consumers in the local Ras Al Khaimah and wider UAE market without intermediaries.
RAKEZ Business Activities and License Types
RAKEZ organizes its extensive activity list into distinct license categories tailored to specific business models:
Commercial License (Trading & Distribution)
Enables a business to import, export, store, and distribute a certain physical product. For instance, this is applicable to a business involved in the trading of building supplies, trading in food and drink, trading in electronics, selling clothes and the distribution of auto spares.
General Trading License
A flexible commercial permit that allows you to trade multiple, unrelated product lines (e.g., importing electronics, textiles, and home appliances simultaneously) under a single master license.
Service & Consultancy License
From consultants with specific skills, or technical or professional expertise. Examples include business consulting, information technology and services design, marketing, public relations, architectural design and many others.
Industrial License (Manufacturing, Assembly & Packaging)
This applies to companies engaged in manufacturing processing packaging, light, or Heavy Machinery Assembly, Raw Material Processing, chemical production. Industrial operations necessitate the lease of a physical warehouse location or land lot within the RAKEZ industrial zones.
E-Commerce License
Enables entrepreneurs to operate digital stores, online marketplaces, dropshipping models, and mobile service applications, allowing seamless online trading of goods and digital services.
Media & Creative License
Tailored for creative professionals, production houses, advertising agencies, event organizers, graphics studios, and digital content creators.
Educational & Training License
Applies to entities opening vocational institutes, professional development centers, executive coaching firms, or educational consultancy practices.
Freelancer Permit
A cost-effective option for solo professionals operating independently in technology, media, analysis, or education, allowing individuals to live and work legally in the UAE.
Detailed RAKEZ Business Activities List by Industry
To give you a practical view of the RAKEZ business activities list, here are common activity examples across key sectors:
Trading & Retail Activity Examples
- Import & Export of General Cargo
- Electronics & Mobile Gadgets Trading
- Medical Equipment & Supplies Trading
- Foodstuff & Beverage Trading
- Fashion Apparel, Textiles & Footwear Trading
- Cosmetics & Personal Care Products Trading
Professional Services & IT Activity Examples
- Management & Strategy Consultancy
- Software Development & Web Architecture
- Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Advisory
- Human Resources & Recruitment Consultancy
- Digital Marketing & Search Engine Advisory
- Cyber Security Risk Auditing
Manufacturing & Industrial Activity Examples
- Food & Beverage Processing & Packaging
- Metal Fabrication & Structural Assembly
- Plastics & Polymer Products Manufacturing
- Chemical Processing & Auxiliary Preparations
- Furniture & Woodworking Manufacturing
- Garments & Commercial Textile Production
Media, Marketing & Digital Activity Examples
- Advertising Agency Operations
- Digital Media Production & Editing
- Event Management & Corporate Exhibition Organizing
- Public Relations & Corporate Communications
- Social Media Management & Content Strategy
How to Choose the Right RAKEZ Business Activity
Selecting your activity requires balancing current operational needs with long-term expansion goals.
Activity Grouping Rules (Combining Multiple Activities)
Once you start off with the RAKEZ, you could bundle a maximum of 5 activity businesses under the commercial or service license, as long as the activities are from the same group. Dual-license from different categories: if you want to bundle activities from different categories (like commercial trading and technical consultancy), you can apply for a dual license.
Matching Activities to Banking and Compliance Profiles
Local UAE banks assess your business risk based on your activity codes. Simple activities like management consulting, software development, and IT consulting are fast-tracked via digital bank account opening with Wio Bank. And, more complicated activities like crypto trading, precious metals, and financial brokerage require a more detailed AML process.
Aligning Activities with Office & Warehouse Space Rules
- Consultancy & Digital Activities: Qualify for cost-effective flexi-desk or co-working space allocations.
- Commercial Trading Activities: Allow flexible virtual or physical office selection based on visa quota needs.
- Industrial & Manufacturing Activities: Mandatory physical warehouse or land plot lease within RAKEZ Al Hamra, Al Zait, or Al Ghail Industrial Zones.
Setting Up Your Business in RAKEZ
Forming a company in RAKEZ follows a structured process:
Step 1: Select Activity Codes & License Structure
Review the official RAKEZ business activities list and pick up to 5 activity codes that match your planned services or products.
Step 2: Choose Free Zone or Non-Free Zone Entity Type
Decide whether a Free Zone entity (for 100% foreign ownership and international trade) or a Non-Free Zone entity best fits your market focus.
Step 3: Reserve Trade Name & Submit Initial KYC Dossier
Submit three proposed business names along with shareholder passport copies, proof of address, and passport photos for identity verification.
Step 4: Select Workspace, Flexi-Desk, or Industrial Plot
Choose a workspace facility matching your visa requirements—from budget flexi-desks to custom industrial warehouses.
Step 5: Secure External Approvals (If Applicable)
If your activities involve regulated sectors, your setup team submits your file to relevant government authorities for approvals.
Step 6: Pay Government Licensing Voucher & Receive License
Upon document verification, pay the official RAKEZ government fee voucher to receive your digital Trade License and Certificate of Formation.
Step 7: Complete Visas, Emirates ID & Corporate Bank Account Setup
Register your firm with immigration, obtain your company Establishment Card, complete medical exams and Emirates ID biometrics, and open your corporate bank account.
What Does RAKEZ Business Setup Include? Cost & Facility Breakdown
RAKEZ is recognized for providing clear, cost-effective pricing structures:
- Basic Flexi-Desk Setup (Zero-Visa): AED 5,500 to AED 8,500 per year. Covers trade license issuance, activity registration, and flexi-desk allocation.
- Standard Package (1 Investor Visa Included): AED 11,500 to AED 16,500 per year. Includes trade license, flexi-desk agreement, Establishment Card, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
- Multi-Visa Team Package (3–6 Visas): AED 18,000 to AED 26,000 per year on a co-working space setup.
- Industrial Warehouse License: AED 25,000 to AED 65,000+ per year, depending on warehouse footprint and utility capacity.
Want an itemized price quote for your exact activity list? Contact the corporate team at Emifast for a complete breakdown with zero hidden fees.
Benefits of Setting Up in RAKEZ
Setting up your company in RAKEZ offers distinct financial and operational advantages:
- Unmatched Cost Savings: Save up to 40% to 50% on initial setup and annual renewal costs compared to central Dubai free zones.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Maintain full foreign ownership of your business capital, equity, and dividends.
- 0% Corporate Tax Eligibility: Qualify for a 0% Corporate Tax rate under the UAE’s Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) rules for eligible wholesale trading, manufacturing, and international service activities.
- Strategic Location & Logistics: Position your business near Saqr Port, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and major UAE highways connecting to Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Get Help Choosing Your RAKEZ Business Activity
Selecting activities correctly during incorporation prevents future license amendment fees and banking delays.
How Emifast Simplifies Activity Selection & Licensing
At Emifast, our corporate advisors analyze your business operations, select the exact RAKEZ activity codes that match your goals, organize external government clearances, and guide your corporate bank account onboarding from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many business activities can I add to one RAKEZ license?
RAKEZ allows you to include up to 5 business activities under a single license, provided the activities belong to the same activity category (e.g. combining multiple consultancy or trading codes). Adding activities across different categories may require an additional fee or a secondary license tier.
Can I combine trading and service activities under one RAKEZ license?
In general, both trading (business) and service (professional) activities are in distinct license groups in RAKEZ. You may allow several trading (business) activities or services (professional) activities on one license. Commercial trading activities can be combined with professional consultancy services on one license. Yet, you will need to opt for a dual license or specific package.
What is the difference between a RAKEZ Commercial License and General Trading License?
You will have a Commercial License with RAKEZ that you are permitted to trade with in up to 5 designated product categories (e.g. Clothing, office furniture, or computer hardware). A General Trading License enables you to import, export, and store commercial goods with one master license.
How do I check if my business activity requires external government approval in RAKEZ?
Most activities like management consultancy, software service, and small trades of retail trade will not require any approvals. For some regulated activities like food processing, trading of medical, educational training, heavy chemical manufacturing require approvals from relevant UAE government authorities like RAK Municipality MOHRE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI).
Can a RAKEZ Free Zone company trade directly with mainland UAE clients?
A RAKEZ Free Zone company can provide services directly to UAE mainland business clients (B2B). For physical commercial goods, trading directly with local retail consumers on the mainland requires distributing through a licensed UAE mainland distributor or establishing a RAKEZ Non-Free Zone (Mainland) branch.