Ras Al Khaimah:The third edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Business Summit (RAKIS 2026) concluded yesterday at the RAK Exhibition Centre. The event, spanning two days, focused on discussions, knowledge exchange, and business engagement, emphasizing the emirate's growing investment potential and evolving economic landscape.
According to Emirates News Agency, the summit, held on November 11-12 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, brought together government representatives, business leaders, investors, policymakers, and industry experts. The discussions aimed to examine emerging opportunities, discuss investment priorities, and explore avenues for cross-sector collaboration.
Organized by Valiant Market Services in collaboration with the RAK Chamber of Commerce, RAKIS 2026 featured a comprehensive program of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and industry conversations. These sessions covered topics such as investment, real estate, construction, infrastructure, international trade, logistics, tourism, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
The first day of the summit focused on Ras Al Khaimah's investment and development landscape, exploring strategic growth priorities, industrial localization, and infrastructure ecosystems. Discussions highlighted the emirate's readiness for investment and the role of foreign capital, alongside the importance of local supply chains and construction capabilities.
Sessions included contributions from senior representatives across government and industry, including officials from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Marjan, and RAK Properties. Industry perspectives also came from RAK Bank, Knight Frank, and others, emphasizing the interconnected role of investment, infrastructure, trade, and institutional collaboration in economic growth.
The second day shifted focus towards future economic growth enablers, including government-led investment facilitation, tourism, technological innovation, and sustainability. A key highlight was the roadmap discussion on welcoming three million visitors, with emphasis on destination development and sustainable tourism growth.
Technology and innovation were prominent, with discussions on artificial intelligence and digital tools transforming various sectors. The summit concluded with a focus on sustainable energy, clean technology, and the green economy, exploring long-term economic resilience and competitiveness through sustainable development.
Prominent speakers on the second day included representatives from Innovation City, the European Union, EtihadWE, and others. Beyond discussions, RAKIS 2026 provided a platform for business networking, leading to the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The summit's exhibition attracted major developers, financial institutions, and emerging businesses, showcasing projects and exploring commercial opportunities. The event facilitated new partnerships and commercial collaborations, highlighting Ras Al Khaimah's aim to strengthen international business engagement.
Looking ahead, organizers committed to continuing the summit with its fourth edition, focusing on business connections, attracting international trade delegations, and fostering cross-border collaboration.