Ras Al Khaimah:Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Ann Arbor SPARK, a prominent economic development organization in Michigan, United States. This agreement marks a significant step in enhancing economic collaboration and expanding trade, investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship opportunities between the two regions.

According to Emirates News Agency, the LoI was signed by Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Ras Al Khaimah Chamber, and Phil Santer, Chief Operating Officer of Ann Arbor SPARK. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Carel Richter, Advisor for International Relations at the Office of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The cooperation aims to facilitate connections between companies and entrepreneurs from both areas. It seeks to encourage the exchange of knowledge and market information and explore opportunities for joint business development and innovation initiatives. The agreement will also support business delegation visits and direct engagement between companies, aiding them in identifying potential partners and expanding into new markets.

Dr. Al Nuaimi expressed that the partnership with Ann Arbor SPARK will provide new avenues for Ras Al Khaimah's business community to engage with the United States' established innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. He emphasized the importance of building international partnerships to connect businesses with new technologies, investment opportunities, and expertise to support their growth and international expansion.

Paul Krutko, President and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, highlighted that Ann Arbor's innovation economy has always had a global reach. He noted that the collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah strengthens international connections and creates new opportunities for companies in Ann Arbor to grow, collaborate, and compete on a global scale.

The signing of the Letter of Intent underscores Ras Al Khaimah Chamber's commitment to strengthening its international network and translating institutional partnerships into practical initiatives that contribute to economic diversification, business growth, and competitiveness in Ras Al Khaimah.

This cooperation builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ras Al Khaimah and Michigan in February 2025 during a visit by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, aimed at promoting exchange and cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest.