Direct answer: RAKEZ’s 28 October 2026 partnership with the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry creates a new channel for South Indian companies to explore trade, manufacturing and regional expansion through Ras Al Khaimah. A business should still choose its activity, licence, premises, visas and tax position according to its own operating plan before applying.

What did RAKEZ announce on 28 October 2026?

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) announced on 28 October 2026 that it had concluded a business roadshow in Chennai and entered a partnership with the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). According to the official RAKEZ announcement, the cooperation is intended to facilitate trade, investor referrals and business-expansion opportunities for South Indian companies.

The announcement followed a roundtable titled “Discover Your UAE Expansion Pathway” and company meetings covering food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, automotive components, natural stone and mining, electric-vehicle batteries, speciality chemicals, petrochemicals, and oil and gas. RAKEZ also stated that it hosts more than 15,000 India-linked businesses.

This was a commercial partnership announcement rather than a new law or tax decision, so no separate regulatory effective date was stated. Company applications, licences and approvals remain subject to the relevant authority’s current requirements.

What does the partnership mean for an Indian business?

The practical value is a closer connection between SICCI’s South Indian business network and the Ras Al Khaimah business ecosystem. Companies considering the UAE can use the development as a reason to assess Ras Al Khaimah alongside other locations, particularly where manufacturing, warehousing, logistics or regional distribution are central to the plan.

The announcement does not create automatic eligibility, reduced government fees or guaranteed approval. Each company still needs a workable operating model and the correct approvals for its activity. Founders should compare the expected customer base, supply chain, premises, staffing and banking needs before choosing a setup.

Which setup decisions should be made before applying?

• Business activity: define exactly what the UAE entity will manufacture, trade or provide. Regulated activities may require additional approvals.
• Legal structure and ownership: decide who will own the company, sign documents and manage the UAE operation.
• Premises: identify whether the operation needs a desk, office, warehouse, industrial unit or land, and check that the proposed activity fits the premises.
• Visas and staffing: estimate investor and employee visa needs and assign responsibility for payroll and employment administration.
• Imports and distribution: map where goods will enter, how they will be stored and whether UAE mainland sales or cross-border movements affect the operating workflow.
• Finance and banking: prepare ownership, source-of-funds and business-plan documents that a bank or authority may request.

Rasif Accountants can help founders compare these points through its RAKEZ business setup support. RAKEZ remains the licensing authority, and the final licence, activity and facility decisions depend on its requirements and approval.

What accounting and tax work should start after incorporation?

New companies should organise their records from the first transaction. Open separate business bank and accounting records, keep supplier and customer documents, record owner funding correctly, and reconcile cash, bank and card activity. Agree who will issue invoices, approve expenses and retain customs and shipping evidence.

A free-zone licence does not make every transaction tax-free. The business should assess Corporate Tax, VAT and customs treatment using its actual activities, customers and movement of goods. Rasif provides accounting and bookkeeping, Corporate Tax support and VAT support after setup.

Frequently asked questions

Does the RAKEZ–SICCI partnership guarantee a licence?

No. It creates a channel for cooperation and investor referrals. Licence applications remain subject to the relevant activity, documents, facilities and authority approvals.

Can a company begin planning from India?

Yes. Founders can prepare the ownership structure, activity description, visa requirements and premises needs before travelling. Any attendance, document-attestation or banking requirements should be confirmed for the chosen route.

Is every RAKEZ company eligible for 0% Corporate Tax?

No. Free-zone Corporate Tax treatment depends on statutory conditions and the company’s income and activities. The position should be reviewed separately from the licensing decision.

Plan your Ras Al Khaimah expansion

Book a free initial consultation with Rasif Accountants FZ-LLC to discuss your proposed activity, owners, premises, visa needs and expected start date. We can then outline the setup and post-incorporation accounting work relevant to your plan.

Call +971 55 770 9776 or +971 7 204 1565, email info@rasifaccountants.com, or visit Office 10, Floor 10, Tower 2, RAKEZ Explorer Business Hub, Al Hamra Industrial, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Official source: RAKEZ, “RAKEZ partners with SICCI to support South Indian businesses’ UAE expansion,” published 28 October 2026. Source and website details checked on 30 October 2026. This article provides general information; requirements depend on the proposed business and current authority rules.