RAKEZ Free Zone vs. Other UAE Free Zones: Which is Best?

Selecting the appropriate free zone in the UAE can be overwhelming. There are over 40 free zones, and each of them has something unique to offer. How, then, do you determine the right one for your company? Fear not—this guide shall assist you in making it simpler. We shall discuss the key distinctions among the free zones and assist you in making a choice depending on your company’s requirements. Our attention will be given to the RAKEZ free zone vs other UAE free zones so you can notice what is unique about RAKEZ. We’ll also compare RAKEZ to the most sought-after zones, such as DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC, and others.

Whether you are a small business, expanding company, or large business, this article will assist you in selecting the ideal place to establish and grow your business in the UAE.

About the RAKEZ Free Zone

RAKEZ, short for Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, is one of the top locations to set up a business in the UAE, particularly if you have something easy, low-cost, and flexible in mind. It’s in the north of the UAE, in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Most people opt for RAKEZ as it is cheaper compared to other free zones but provides excellent services and assistance.

Currently, over 18,000 businesses from more than 100 nations are operating out of RAKEZ. These businesses are from numerous sectors, such as trading, production, education, media, and services.

Why People Like RAKEZ (RAKEZ Advantages):

1. 100% Foreign Ownership

In RAKEZ, you can be the sole owner of your business. You don’t require a local sponsor or partner, as in certain mainland enterprises.

2. 0% Corporate and Personal Tax

You do not have to pay a single penny of tax on your company profits or your earnings. So, it allows you to save and expand at a faster rate.

3. Simple Business Setup

RAKEZ makes business establishment very easy for you. You can obtain your license in no time, often within a couple of days. They also assist online.

4. Proximity to Local and Global Markets

RAKEZ is within proximity to principal highways, ports, and airports. Therefore, you can reach customers and suppliers within the UAE and globally with ease.

5. Six Special Zones

Six specialized zones: Media, Academic, Industrial, Business Park, Aviation, and Free Zone

RAKEZ is suitable for startups, SMEs, manufacturers, and service providers. It also caters to large companies seeking warehouses or industrial facilities.

About Other UAE Free Zones

A lot of other UAE-free zones have similar advantages. Some specialize in finance, others in trade, and others in media or tech. Most of them provide:

1. No Personal or Corporate Tax

You do not pay tax on your earnings or profits of your business, meaning you get to retain more of your income.

2. 100% Profit Repatriation

You can repatriate all your money (profits) to your country without any limit.

3. Full Foreign Ownership

You can fully own your company without requiring a local partner.

4. Visa Support

The free zones allow easy acquisition of business visas for you, your staff, and your dependents.

5. Modern Facilities

The majority of the free zones have high-quality offices, warehouses, meeting rooms, and other business facilities to facilitate easy work.

Popular UAE free zones:

• DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre): Good for gold, diamonds, crypto, and international trade.
• JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai): Perfect for large trading and logistics companies near Jebel Ali Port.
• DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre): A global finance hub with its legal system.
• ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market): Another top zone for banking and financial services.
• SHAMS (Sharjah Media City): Focused on media, advertising, and content creators.
• UAQ FTZ (Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone): Suitable for small enterprises and budget-friendly startups.
• AFZ (Ajman Free Zone): Ideal for e-commerce, manufacturing, and trading companies.
• FFZ (Fujairah Free Zone): Suitable for shipping and logistics due to its proximity to a large port.
• DIC (Dubai Internet City): Suits technology companies, IT startups, and online businesses

Every zone has its area of focus. For instance, DIFC is optimum for finance, DMCC for commodities, and SHAMS for media.

Types of Free Zones in the UAE

There are numerous types of free zones in the UAE, and every single one of them is created to be suitable for different kinds of businesses. That is, you can select a free zone according to what your company does. Let’s discuss the principal types:

1. General-Purpose Free Zones

They host a variety of business types. For instance, RAKEZ is a general free zone that is suitable for trading, services, manufacturing, and so on. It provides you with options, so it’s perfect if your business provides various services or plans to expand into new fields in the future.

2. Industry-Specific Free Zones

These are constructed specifically for one industry type. That means these free zones are ideal if your company belongs to a specific sector. Below are some examples:

• Finance: Areas such as DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) are best suited for banks, fintech, and investment firms.
• Technology: Tech, IT, or digital services professionals should consider Dubai Internet City (DIC) or Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).
• Media: Content creators, advertisers, or publishers should prefer SHAMS and twofour54.
• Manufacturing: For production units or factories, RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) are designed to assist.
• Trading and Logistics: If your company involves shipping or import/export, JAFZA and UAQ FTZ are close to ports for convenient access.

3. Creative Zones

They are ideal for freelancers, single entrepreneurs, and new startups. They have reasonable packages, flexible office spaces, and assistance for small creative businesses. For example, SHAMS and RAKEZ Media Zone accept photographers, designers, writers, and even YouTubers.

Compare RAKEZ with Other Free Zones

Now, let’s make a thorough UAE free zone comparison. That way, you can see which one suits you.

RAKEZ vs. SPC UAE

SPC (Sharjah Publishing City) is tailored for media, publishing, and content creation. RAKEZ Media accommodates them as well, but with extra advantages:

• RAKEZ offers more zone choices.
• Lower initial setup fees.
• Greater visa flexibility.

If you wish to publish books or material, both are fine. But if you require more business assistance and less expense, RAKEZ vs SPC UAE, RAKEZ is the winner.

RAKEZ vs DMCC

DMCC is Dubai-based and renowned for gold, diamonds, cryptocurrency, and trade. It’s elite and costlier.

RAKEZ, however:

• Has a lower setup cost
• It is fine for manufacturing and SMEs

RAKEZ vs Dubai free zones, such as DMCC, boils down to the business. For importing and exporting luxury items, DMCC is suitable. For typical business and production, RAKEZ is cheaper.

RAKEZ vs JAFZA

JAFZA is near Jebel Ali Port. It’s a trade and logistics center.

Major differences:

• JAFZA is suitable for big import-export companies.
• RAKEZ is ideal for SMEs and medium-sized producers.

Compare RAKEZ with other free zones, and you’ll see that RAKEZ offers simpler, more flexible setup options.

RAKEZ vs DIFC

DIFC is the financial center of the UAE. It has its legal system based on English law.

RAKEZ vs DIFC:

• DIFC is best for banks, financial firms, and fintech.
• RAKEZ is better for manufacturers, consultants, and e-commerce.

DIFC is premium. RAKEZ is budget-friendly.

RAKEZ vs DIC

DIC (Dubai Internet City) is the tech hub of Dubai.

• It’s home to big tech firms like Microsoft and Oracle.
• Offers licenses for IT, software, and digital businesses.

RAKEZ also offers support for IT companies, but at lower costs. So, in the battle of RAKEZ vs Dubai free zones RAKEZ wins on affordability.

RAKEZ vs ADGM

ADGM is Abu Dhabi’s answer to DIFC. It’s another finance and fintech-free zone.

RAKEZ vs ADGM:

• ADGM is good for investment firms.
• RAKEZ is more versatile and caters to a broader industry base.

RAKEZ vs. Shams

SHAMS is Sharjah’s creative space. It’s favored by influencers, designers, and media startups.

RAKEZ benefits:

• More business sectors
• Larger facilities (such as warehouses)
• More visa options

SHAMS costs less, but RAKEZ offers more room to expand.

RAKEZ vs FFZ

Fujairah Free Zone is ideal for trading and logistics.

• Near the port of Fujairah
• Lower costs

RAKEZ vs RAKIA free zone (RAKIA is now integrated into RAKEZ):

• RAKEZ has modern facilities and updated services.
• RAKEZ has improved investor support and more supported industries.

RAKEZ vs. UAQ FTZ

UAQ FTZ is extremely cost-effective.

• Perfect for micro businesses and one-person shows
• Provides flexible-desk alternatives

RAKEZ has similar cost savings, only with more industry selection and infrastructure.

RAKEZ vs AFZ

Ajman Free Zone is best suited for trading and e-commerce.

• It’s simple to register
• Flexible for solo entrepreneurs

But RAKEZ provides:

• More warehouse space
• More variety of sectors
• Longer-term value

Best Free Zone UAE: Who Wins?

Selecting the best free zone in the UAE varies depending on what your business requires. Different free zones specialize in something. But if you’re looking for an easy, inexpensive, and flexible area where you can start or expand your company, RAKEZ is a good choice.

RAKEZ suits you best if you desire:

• A low-cost setup with minimal license and office fees
• Facilities to accommodate numerous business types, such as trading, services, media, and manufacturing
• Space for big warehouses or industrial plots
• The ability to expand with less regulation and more autonomy

Alternatively, you might select some other free zone if your company requires something specific.

For instance:

• If you want to be close to a port for export, JAFZA or FFZ are ideal.
• If your business is financial or banking in nature, then DIFC or ADGM is perfect.
• And if you’re starting a tech or software business, DIC (Dubai Internet City) may be the way to go.

In brief, comparing RAKEZ free zone vs other UAE free zones, RAKEZ is the one that’s low-cost, versatile, and highly supportive. It’s particularly wonderful for startups, small businesses, or anyone who needs to grow steadily but not expensively at the onset.

PRO is Here to Help

Opening a business in the UAE can seem complicated, particularly if it is your first time. But don’t worry—there are pro service providers who can assist you. They simplify the entire process by doing the tough parts, such as paperwork, licensing, and obtaining visas. A PRO services company in UAE can even assist you in selecting the most suitable free zone, such as RAKEZ or others. Not just that, they help in license applications, office or warehouse locations, and even in obtaining all necessary approvals. 

For instance, if you’re a business setup in Dubai, they take you through every step of the way. Plus, they save you time and stress by doing it all correctly. It’s having your buddy expert by your side throughout the entire process. 

FAQs

Q1: What is the RAKEZ free zone?

RAKEZ is a unique business zone in Ras Al Khaimah. It facilitates you to establish companies easily and provides numerous zones for various sectors.

Q2: Why do I prefer RAKEZ to other free zones?

To start with, RAKEZ is more affordable. It provides more options in licenses, business premises, and sectors than many other UAE-free zones.

Q3: Is RAKEZ suitable for new ventures?

Yes, absolutely! It’s extremely favorable for startups. With minimal costs, flexi-desks, and rapid setup, RAKEZ facilitates your growth step by step.

Q4: How is RAKEZ different from Dubai free zones?

Dubai zones are well-liked but expensive. In contrast, RAKEZ offers you the same advantages, but at affordable costs and with greater business facilitation.

Q5: What types of businesses can be initiated in RAKEZ

RAKEZ accommodates a lot of industries such as media, trading, services, manufacturing, education, and even aviation. It is suitable for small and large businesses.

Q6: Can I 100% own my company in RAKEZ?

Yes! Like other free zones in the UAE, RAKEZ allows you to own 100% of your company without having a local partner whatsoever.

Q7: Does RAKEZ provide visas for employees and owners?

Of course. RAKEZ provides visas for business owners, employees, and family members. Additionally, it facilitates the visa process step by step.

Q8: Who can assist me in establishing RAKEZ?

Fortunately, most PRO services in Dubai and the UAE will aid you. They take care of paperwork, approvals, and setup for an easy beginning.

Conclusion

When comparing the RAKEZ free zone vs other UAE free zones, one can easily see that RAKEZ is a wise decision for most businesses. From manufacturers to startups, it provides unmatched value, flexibility, and room to expand. No matter if you are comparing RAKEZ vs. SPC, RAKEZ vs. DMCC, or RAKEZ vs. RAKEIA free zone, the fact remains the same: RAKEZ provides more with less. It’s an excellent destination to initiate your business venture in the UAE.

And don’t forget — if you do need assistance, a Pro Services in Dubai or a Pro Services company in UAE can lead you through the process step by step. Ready to leap? Check out your choices and get your business off and running in the UAE free zone, which is best for your sector and budget.