If you think business trips are all about jet lag, back-to-back meetings, and bad coffee, think again. The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) just wrapped up a power-packed mission to Russia, and let’s just say—they didn’t just show up, they showed off. In the best way possible.
Making a Mark at SPIEF 2025
Teaming up with the official UAE delegation led by the Ministry of Economy (yes, the big leagues!), RAKEZ flew the Ras Al Khaimah flag high at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025. And no, this wasn’t just another sit-down-and-smile kind of gig. Their Chief Commercial Officer, Anas Hijjawi, took the stage as a panellist—yes, on that panel titled ‘Effective Non-Financial Support Measures for Industry’. Fancy? Absolutely. But also meaningful.
B2B Blitz and Real Conversations
Hijjawi didn’t just talk shop—he told a story. A story of how RAKEZ turned a sun-soaked slice of the UAE into an industrial and logistics haven. Think streamlined business setup, smart support services, industrial zones built like a dream, and a serious commitment to sustainability. Basically, it’s where ambition meets infrastructure—and then they shake hands over coffee in a sleek co-working space.
And RAKEZ isn’t doing this in isolation. It’s all in sync with national visions like Operation 300bn—because who doesn’t love a good plan with a bold number?
But hey, the panel was just the warm-up.
A Stronger UAE–Russia Business Bridge
The RAKEZ team hit the ground running (probably in very comfortable shoes) with a string of B2B meetings across manufacturing, logistics, tech, chemicals, and more. We’re talking real dealmaking with regional powerhouses like the Ulyanovsk region and the Republic of Udmurtia. And because SMEs are the heartbeat of any economy, they also met with Aleksandr Kalinin, President of OPORA, Russia’s champion of small and mid-sized businesses. Naturally, that was followed by dinner—because all great partnerships are forged over great food.
Back home, RAKEZ’s global appeal already speaks volumes. Over 1,200 Russian companies have found their home in Ras Al Khaimah. Big names like EPAM, BaseTrack, WGS Middle East, and Aeris Stream Copper are thriving under RAKEZ’s nurturing wings (or should we say, well-oiled industrial gears?).
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad summed it up best: “Russia is a vital link in our international network. With trade between the UAE and Russia crossing USD 10 billion, there’s immense potential. RAKEZ is ready to support Russian companies looking to expand from Ras Al Khaimah into the wider region—and beyond.”
So, was the Russia mission a success? Let’s just say RAKEZ didn’t just strengthen ties—they tied industrial-sized knots. This isn’t just about business cards and handshakes. It’s about building bridges between economies, and RAKEZ is already laying the foundation, brick by brick.
