Nowadays starting a business in the UAE is not hard. Choosing the right free zone can be. In 2025, the UAE registered around 250,000 new companies. By the end of 2025, the total number of registered businesses in the country reached about 1.4 million. In 2026, startups and SMEs are looking for three things: transparent costs, faster setup, and a support team that provides continued support even after the license is issued. If you are wondering: is RAKEZ good for startups in UAE? Without a doubt, RAKEZ is launched to support startups, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and industrial businesses with flexible licensing and facilities.
This blog explains the key reasons why RAKEZ is a go-to free zone in 2026, and how Aurum can support your business setup in RAKEZ from its Dubai-based office.
Why Choose RAKEZ for Company Formation
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is an economic zone established by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. It supports a wide mix of companies, including service providers, traders, and manufacturers. RAKEZ also offers a range of facilities, from coworking and offices to warehouses and industrial areas.
With full business ownership, 100% profit repatriation and other benefits, the number of active business licenses climbed to 21,575 in Q3 2025. That is a 5.7% year-on-year increase. It shows the local business environment remains resilient and attractive.
Is RAKEZ the Best Free Zone for SMEs in UAE?
If you are starting small, you may not need a big office. You may not even need a visa in your first year. That is why many entrepreneurs look at RAKEZ for flexible, cost-friendly options. The table below highlights some common benefits of RAKEZ free zone for small businesses, from workspace choices and license types to support that makes setup easier.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Business activities | Choose from 4,000+ approved activities |
Women-focused packages | Special plans for women entrepreneurs |
Jurisdiction options | Setup available in free zones and non-free zones |
Specialized zones | Industrial, academic, and business-focused zones |
Profit repatriation | 100% repatriation of capital and profits |
Freelancer options | Dedicated freelancer licenses available |
Workspace choices | Flexi-desk, flexi-office, and dedicated office options |
Ownership & tax | 100% ownership and 0% personal income tax |
License Options for Startups and Scaling SMEs
Mostly, SMEs are interested in conducting more than one activity under a single entity. If you compare RAKEZ vs other UAE free zones for startups, remember, RAKEZ also offers a Dual License, which allows both commercial and professional activities under one license.
RAKEZ lists low-cost license option, including:
- Commercial License: Import, export, and trade goods.
- Educational License: Schools, training centers, and education consultancies.
- E-Commerce License: Online stores and digital service trading.
- General Trading License: Trade multiple product categories under one license.
- Professional / Individual License: Consultancy and specialist services (ideal for single owners).
- Industrial License: Manufacturing, packaging, and production-related activities.
- Media License: Advertising, publishing, and content creation.
- Service License: General services and advisory work across sectors.
- Freelancer Permit: Work independently in fields like media, education, IT, and analytics.
In short, RAKEZ is the best option whether you want a General Trading License, Industrial License or women-focused package.
RAKEZ Company Formation Cost for Startups
RAKEZ company formation cost for startups depends on:
- Your activity (and how many activities you need)
- Whether you need visas now or later
- The facility type
- Any add-on services you choose
RAKEZ also offers bundled SME-focused packages and optional upgrades for extra services. If you need any add-on services like bank account opening or accounting and auditing services, Aurum will facilitate your post-setup requirements.
So, if you are willing to set up in a low cost free zone in UAE for SMEs, RAKEZ can meet your requirements if you choose an appropriate setup with our assistance.
How Aurum Supports Your Business Setup in RAKEZ
If you want to benefit from RAKEZ business setup advantages in 2026, the Aurum team can help you with business setup in RAKEZ. If you want a cost estimate and a recommended license option based on your activity and visa plan, we can guide the process end-to-end from Dubai as the RAKEZ representative office.