Key Highlights

• RAKEZ offers the widest range of approved business activities in the UAE, covering everything from trading and manufacturing to e-commerce, media, and emerging tech sectors.
• Your chosen business activity determines your license type, visa quota, office requirements, and—critically—how smoothly your bank account application proceeds.
• Commercial licenses allow up to 5 same-category activities, while mixing commercial and service activities typically requires separate licenses—proper planning prevents costly amendments later.
• RAKEZ’s dual license option lets you operate in both the free zone and RAK mainland, giving you 100% ownership while accessing local UAE customers legally.

Choosing the right business activity can make or break your RAKEZ company setup.

It impacts everything from your license type to banking approvals, visa quotas, and operational costs. Yet many entrepreneurs rush this decision without fully understanding how business activities work in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone.

RAKEZ stands out among UAE free zones by supporting over 4,000 approved business activities across more than 50 sectors. This massive selection gives you unmatched flexibility. However, it also means you need clarity on which activities align with your business goals.

This guide walks you through the complete RAKEZ business activities list. You’ll discover activity categories, licensing requirements, compliance rules, and selection strategies that help you launch successfully.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about RAKEZ business activities. Regulations, activity classifications, and requirements are subject to change by UAE authorities. Always verify specific details with RAKEZ official sources or consult JSB Incorporation experts before proceeding with your business setup to ensure compliance with current regulations.

Understanding RAKEZ Business Activities: The Basics

1. What Are RAKEZ Business Activities?

A business activity defines what your company can legally do within RAKEZ. Think of it as your operational permission slip.

Your chosen activity determines multiple critical factors. These include your license type, required approvals, office space requirements, visa eligibility, and banking compliance. Consequently, getting this right from the start saves you time, money, and regulatory headaches.

Moreover, RAKEZ operates under two activity frameworks: free zone and non-free zone activities. Free zone activities let you trade internationally and within the free zone. On the other hand, non-free zone activities, available through RAKEZ’s dual license structure, enable you to operate in RAK mainland markets as well.

2. RAKEZ Activity Code System Explained

Every RAKEZ business activity comes with a unique code. However, these codes aren’t random strings of numbers.

Instead, each code identifies the specific activity category, license group, and regulatory classification. For example, commercial activities carry different codes than service activities.

So why do these codes matter? Because banks scrutinize them during account opening. In fact, certain activity codes trigger additional compliance checks or documentation requirements. Similarly, immigration authorities use these codes to determine your company’s visa allocation.

Therefore, understanding your activity code helps you navigate approvals more smoothly. It also ensures your license accurately reflects what you plan to do.

3. Key Statistics

RAKEZ’s activity portfolio is genuinely impressive. The free zone supports more than 4,000 distinct business activities. These span both free zone and non-free zone operations.

Additionally, you can choose from 10 major license categories. These include commercial, service, industrial, educational, e-commerce, media, freelance permits, general trading, professional, and business investment licenses.

Furthermore, the activities cover 50+ industries. From manufacturing and logistics to technology and creative services, RAKEZ accommodates diverse business models.

Complete RAKEZ Business Activities List by Category

1. Commercial/Trading Activities

Commercial licenses cover businesses that buy, sell, import, or export goods. This category attracts entrepreneurs looking to tap into the UAE’s strategic trade position.

Popular activities include general trading, import and export operations, building materials trading, and food and beverage trading. You’ll also find electronics and technology trading, medical equipment trading, fashion and apparel trading, and automotive parts trading.

Jewelry trading and raw materials trading round out this category. Each activity requires a commercial license issued by RAKEZ.

Key Compliance Requirements: Trading activities need trade permits and customs approvals. Specifically, you must register with the RAK Customs Department and obtain an importer code. This registration allows your company to handle customs declarations and duty payments legally.

2. Service/Consultancy Activities

Service licenses suit professionals offering expertise rather than physical products. Notably, this category has grown rapidly as more consultants and agencies choose RAKEZ.

Available activities include business and management consultancy, IT services and software development, and marketing and advertising. Additionally, HR and recruitment services, accounting and bookkeeping, and engineering consultancy are also permitted.

Legal advisory services have restrictions, so check specific requirements with RAKEZ. Meanwhile, financial advisory, project management, and real estate consultancy complete this category.

License Type: Service or professional license, depending on your specific activity.

Key Compliance: Professional qualifications and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) may be required for certain activities.

3. Industrial/Manufacturing Activities

Industrial licenses enable you to manufacture products within RAKEZ’s specialized industrial zones. The free zone provides dedicated facilities for production operations.

Food production and processing lead this category. Following closely, furniture manufacturing, packaging and assembly operations, and textile and garment production are well-established. Plastic and rubber manufacturing, printing and publishing, and electronics assembly are also prevalent.

Metal fabrication and cosmetics manufacturing round out the mainstream options. However, chemical processing requires special approvals due to safety and environmental considerations.

License Type: Industrial license.

Key Compliance: Industrial activities demand rigorous approvals. First, you need clearances from the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA-RAK). Additionally, Civil Defence approval is mandatory for fire safety.

Furthermore, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) compliance certificates are required before operations begin. Technical Support Service (TSS) approvals may apply depending on your manufacturing type. Finally, warehouses need ISO compliance for quality management.

4. E-Commerce Activities

E-commerce licenses cater to online businesses operating without physical storefronts. Notably, this category has exploded as digital commerce reshapes retail.

Activities include online retail trading, marketplace platforms, and dropshipping. Moreover, digital services delivery, e-commerce consultancy, and online education platforms all qualify under this license type.

License Type: E-commerce license.

Key Compliance: Consumer protection regulations and data privacy standards apply to online businesses. Accordingly, you must maintain secure technology infrastructure to support your operations.

As an added advantage, RAKEZ partners with major platforms like Amazon to help e-commerce businesses scale quickly.

5. Educational Activities

Educational licenses allow you to establish training institutes, academies, or consultancy services in the education sector. In addition, RAKEZ offers purpose-built facilities through its Academic Zone.

Approved activities include training institutes, educational consultancy, and e-learning services. Language schools, vocational training programs, and professional development courses are permitted. Furthermore, early learning centers are also available for businesses targeting younger students.

License Type: Educational license.

Key Compliance: Educational businesses face thorough scrutiny. First, you must submit a detailed business plan outlining your educational objectives. Additionally, curriculum approval from relevant authorities is mandatory.

Facility standards must meet RAKEZ Academic Zone regulations. Qualified staff requirements ensure educational quality. Finally, minimum capital requirements may apply depending on your institution type.

6. Media Activities

Media licenses enable creative professionals and production companies to operate legally in RAKEZ Media Zone. This dedicated zone supports over 20 media segments.

Activities span advertising agencies, digital media production, and publishing. Photography and videography services, content creation, and social media management are included. Event management rounds out this category.

License Type: Media license.

Key Compliance: Content regulations and media permits govern this sector. Additionally, RAKEZ Media Zone provides B2B collaboration opportunities and networking events.

7. Freelancer Permit Activities

Freelancer permits offer independent professionals an affordable entry into the UAE market. Importantly, this option requires no physical office space and minimal paperwork.

Media professions dominate with many approved activities. Educational professions include activities for trainers and educators. Similarly, IT and technology services cover developers and designers.

Design and creative services attract graphic designers and content creators. Consulting and coaching activities round out the freelancer categories.

License Type: Freelancer permit.

Key Compliance: You need a portfolio or proof of qualifications. Furthermore, UAE residency or an NOC from your current sponsor is required. However, freelancers cannot sponsor employees or obtain additional visas under this permit.

8. Research & Development Activities

R&D activities support innovation-driven businesses. Scientific research, product development, and lab testing fall under this category.

Innovation centers focused on emerging technologies also qualify.

License Type: Service license.

Key Compliance: Lab certifications and safety standards apply to research facilities.

9. Hospitality & Tourism Activities

Hospitality businesses benefit from RAK’s growing tourism sector. Hotel management, travel agencies, restaurant services, and catering operations are permitted.

Event planning completes this category.

License Type: Service license.

Key Compliance: Tourism authority approvals and food safety certifications are mandatory.

10. Specialized & Emerging Activities

RAKEZ actively supports cutting-edge sectors. For instance, renewable energy and sustainability businesses align with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals.

Fintech services, health and wellness providers, and logistics and warehousing companies thrive here. Moreover, AI and technology startups find dedicated support through RAKEZ initiatives.

Also Read: Your Guide to Business Setup in RAKEZ – Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone

How to Choose the Right Business Activity in RAKEZ

Step 1: Define Your Business Model

Start by clarifying what you actually plan to do. Are you selling products or providing services? Will you focus on B2B clients or B2C customers?

Consider whether you’ll operate locally or internationally. Digital businesses have different needs than physical operations. Therefore, being precise about your business model narrows down suitable activities quickly.

Step 2: Understand License Type Requirements

Next, match your activities to the appropriate license type. Each RAKEZ license category has specific rules.

Commercial licenses suit trading businesses. Service licenses work for consultancies and agencies. Industrial licenses enable manufacturing. Meanwhile, educational licenses cover training and academic institutions.

Also consider your growth plans. Will you expand into new activities later? Some license types offer more flexibility for future additions.

Step 3: Check Activity Combination Rules

RAKEZ allows multiple activities under certain conditions. However, strict rules govern which activities can combine.

Free zone commercial licenses permit up to five activities from the same group or two from different groups. In contrast, free zone service licenses allow two activities from any group, offering greater flexibility.

Industrial licenses permit two activities within the same group. Crucially, commercial and service activities cannot combine under one license. You need separate licenses if your business spans both categories.

Step 4: Assess Banking and Compliance Impact

Your activity selection directly affects bank account opening. UAE banks scrutinize business activities carefully during their due diligence process.

Certain activities require special approvals before licensing. Restricted and prohibited activities won’t receive RAKEZ approval at all.

Therefore, choose activities with clear regulatory pathways. This speeds up your banking process and reduces rejection risk.

Step 5: Consider Visa and Office Requirements

Activities determine your visa quota. Commercial and service businesses typically receive different allocations.

Office space requirements also vary by activity type. For instance, industrial activities need warehouses or manufacturing facilities in designated zones. Conversely, service businesses can often start with flexi-desk arrangements.

Plan your space and visa needs early. This prevents costly upgrades later.

Step 6: Plan for Future Growth

Business needs evolve. RAKEZ allows activity amendments after licensing.

However, amendments cost money and take time. Consider which activities you might add within two to three years. Choose initial activities that provide flexibility for logical expansions.

Additionally, RAKEZ’s dual license option lets you operate in both the free zone and RAK mainland markets. This structure suits businesses planning local UAE sales alongside international operations.

Step 7: Verify the Official Activity List

Always confirm your chosen activity appears on RAKEZ’s official list. Download the current business activity PDF from RAKEZ’s website.

Search for your specific activity by keyword or browse by category. Double-check the activity code and license type requirements.

Remember, RAKEZ updates its activity list periodically. Verifying against the latest version prevents surprises during application.

Activity-Specific Compliance Requirements

1. Industrial Activities

Manufacturing businesses face the most comprehensive compliance requirements. Environmental protection is paramount in RAK.

First, you need approval from EPDA-RAK for environmental impact. Additionally, Civil Defence clearance ensures fire safety standards. HSE compliance demonstrates your commitment to worker safety and environmental protection.

TSS approval applies to certain technical operations. Finally, ISO compliance for warehouse operations may be mandatory depending on your sector.

2. Educational Activities

Educational institutions undergo rigorous evaluation. Your business plan must detail curriculum, teaching methodology, and facility standards.

Curriculum accreditation from relevant authorities is non-negotiable. Facility standards cover classroom size, safety equipment, and accessibility.

Qualified staff requirements ensure instructors hold appropriate certifications. RAKEZ Academic Zone regulations provide the framework for educational operations.

3. Healthcare Activities

Healthcare professionals in Ras Al Khaimah would need licensing from:

• Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOH) for UAE-wide practice

4. Food & Beverage

Food-related businesses require food safety certifications. Municipality approvals from RAK authorities are necessary.

HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) compliance demonstrates proper food handling processes.

Also Read: Choose the Right Free Zone: IFZA vs Meydan vs RAKEZ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many activities can I include under one RAKEZ license?

The number depends on your license type. Free zone commercial licenses allow up to five activities from the same group or two from different groups. Service licenses permit two activities from any group. Industrial licenses allow two activities within the same group.

2. What’s the difference between a commercial and a general trading license?

A commercial license focuses on specific trading categories like electronics or textiles. In contrast, general trading licenses offer a broader scope, allowing trade across multiple product categories. General trading provides more flexibility but may face stricter banking scrutiny.

3. Can I combine service and commercial activities?

No. Commercial and service activities require separate licenses. If you need both, apply for two distinct licenses. This ensures regulatory clarity and proper compliance.

4. How do I find my specific activity code?

Download the official RAKEZ business activity list PDF from the RAKEZ website. Search by keyword or browse categories. Each activity includes its unique code, description, and license type.

5. What activities require special approvals?

Industrial activities, educational services, healthcare businesses, food production, chemical processing, and certain financial services require NOCs from relevant authorities. RAKEZ provides guidance on specific approval requirements during your application.

6. What is the RAKEZ dual license, and who needs it?

The dual license structure allows businesses to operate in both the RAKEZ free zone and RAK mainland. You receive a free zone license from RAKEZ and a branch license from the RAK Department of Economic Development. This suits businesses wanting to distribute products or offer services locally while maintaining free zone benefits.

7. Free zone vs. non-free zone activities: what’s the difference?

Free zone activities allow international trade and operations within the free zone. Non-free zone activities permit mainland market access within the RAK emirate. The dual license bridges both, offering maximum market reach.

8. How much does an activity amendment cost?

Amendment fees vary based on the type of change. Activity additions, replacements, or removals require application forms, owner declarations, and RAKEZ fees. Contact RAKEZ directly for current fee schedules, as they tend to be adjusted periodically.

9. What are the most profitable RAKEZ activities in 2025?

E-commerce and online services, IT services and software development, and management and business consultancy top the list. Creative marketing and digital media agencies, import/export trading, and manufacturing also show strong profit potential. Health and wellness, educational services, logistics and warehousing, and renewable energy solutions round out the top opportunities.

10. Can I operate on the mainland with a RAKEZ free zone license?

Not directly. However, RAKEZ’s dual license structure enables mainland operations through a branch license issued by RAK DED. This maintains your 100% foreign ownership while allowing local market access.

11. What documents do I need for activity-specific approvals?

Requirements vary by activity. Industrial activities need environmental assessments and safety plans. Educational businesses submit business plans, curriculum details, and staff qualifications. Healthcare providers need professional licenses and facility specifications. RAKEZ provides detailed checklists during application.

Conclusion and Final Action 

Selecting the right business activity isn’t just about getting a license. It shapes your entire RAKEZ journey.

Your activity choice influences licensing costs, approval timelines, banking relationships, and operational flexibility. It affects how many visas you can sponsor and what facilities you need.

Take time to research thoroughly. Review the official RAKEZ activity list. Match your business model to appropriate categories. Consider compliance requirements and future growth.

Most importantly, plan strategically. The right activity selection sets your foundation for sustainable success in RAKEZ. It streamlines approvals, simplifies banking, and positions you for profitable operations.

Whether you’re launching a trading company, opening a consultancy, starting manufacturing, or building a digital business, RAKEZ’s 4,000+ activities offer the flexibility you need. Just make sure you choose wisely from the start.

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to set up your business in the RAKEZ free zone.