RAKEZ Reports Record Precious Metals Membership as Ras Al Khaimah Expands Commodities Sector

For Immediate Release

RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE — The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone has reported a record number of precious metals companies registered within its jurisdiction, reflecting the growing recognition of Ras Al Khaimah as a significant and distinct destination for gold and precious metals sector businesses within the UAE's broader commodities ecosystem.

The record membership reflects an increase in inbound interest from companies seeking a well-regulated, cost-competitive base within the UAE's legal and commercial framework. RAKEZ offers businesses the advantages of UAE jurisdiction — stable governance, international connectivity, and proximity to Dubai's established precious metals infrastructure — combined with a more accessible cost base that suits smaller and mid-sized operators entering or expanding within the Gulf market.

Precious metals companies registered with RAKEZ are active across the full range of sector activities including gold aggregation and export facilitation, precious metals testing and assaying, jewellery manufacturing, bullion storage, and supply chain compliance services. The diversity of business types reflects the breadth of commercial opportunity that the sector presents within a well-structured regulatory environment.

Ras Al Khaimah's proximity to Dubai's DMCC ecosystem — approximately 45 minutes by road — enables RAKEZ-registered precious metals companies to access the full depth of Dubai's market infrastructure while benefiting from Ras Al Khaimah's operational advantages. This geographic relationship makes the two emirates complementary rather than competitive within the UAE's precious metals landscape.

"RAKEZ's record precious metals membership is a clear signal that Ras Al Khaimah is establishing a genuine and distinct role within the UAE's gold sector. The emirate offers a compelling combination of UAE regulatory quality, geographic proximity to Dubai's market infrastructure, and a cost environment that is particularly attractive for the mid-market operators who form the backbone of the global precious metals supply chain." Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director, Icon Gold

African operators have been among the fastest-growing segment of RAKEZ's precious metals membership, with companies from Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, and other producing nations establishing RAKEZ presences to manage their Gulf commercial relationships and access the UAE market. Icon Gold maintains a presence within the UAE's precious metals ecosystem and has engaged with RAKEZ's Africa-focused business facilitation programme.

"For African gold operators establishing their first UAE commercial presence, RAKEZ offers a genuinely accessible entry point into the Gulf market. The regulatory framework is robust, the facilitation support is strong, and the proximity to Dubai's deeper market means that growth within the UAE ecosystem is straightforward once the initial establishment is complete. The record membership figures suggest that more African operators are recognising these advantages." Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director, Icon Gold

RAKEZ has indicated plans to further develop its precious metals offering in 2026, including the introduction of dedicated precious metals compliance support services, expanded vault and storage infrastructure, and enhanced business facilitation for operators from African producing nations seeking to establish UAE commercial bases.

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