Economic Overview

Based on Government Plans, the economy of Ras Al Khaimah is anticipated to compliment and follow the Dubai model in its economic growth strategy. Future plans in the real estate sector, infrastructure and tourism have been identified for development in order to boost Ras Al Khaimah's economy. This was inferred from the master plan of H.H Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, which focuses on developing the tourism industry to attract investments and developing the necessary rules and regulations needed to encourage and sustain the economic growth.

In Ras Al Khaimah, the private sector plays a major and leading role in the local economy and is characterized by its specialization and success in specific business activities, particularly the industrial field. The main exports of Ras Al Khaimah include ceramic tiles, medicines, cement, crushed rocks and fish. The main imports include clinker, live sheep, cars and gold.

Key Economic Indicators for Ras Al Khaimah

 Indicator 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
 Population (000s) 159 165 172 181 187 195 208 197
 GDP (m; AED) 5,218 5,636 5,940 6,225 6,622 6,963 7,834 9,253
 Growth   3.8% 4.2% 5.2% 3.3% 4.3% 6.7% -5.0%
 Imports (m; AED) 848 740 627 747 1,205 1,172 5752 3180
 Exports (m; AED) 281 489 259 258 1,856 1,242 606 876
Source: Economic Department of Ras Al Khaimah

Non-Oil Foreign Trade

 Year Imports Exports Re-Exports Total
Value Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity
 2001 747.40 2385.50 257.54 5704.11 2426.60 245.96 3431.54 8225.57
 2002 1204.98 14534.40 1855.67 1689.11 3814.79 5552.11 6874.44 21776.62
 2003 1171.69 16143.64 1242.02 36746.03 3779.24 29287.57 6192.95 82177.24
 2004 5751.87 13809.56 606.60 4176.45 1699.74 902.84 8058.21 18888.85
 2005 3179.41 10576.29 876.43 14359.31 895.58 115.86 4951.41 25051.46
Source: Department of Customs and Ports

 
Latest News
 4th, May, 2008

Ras Al Khaimah Government appoints Standard Chartered Bank to arrange its Sukuk Programme and lead manage the inaugural issuance

 28th, January, 2008

S&P and Fitch assigned credit ratings to RAK

 29th, April, 2007

Ras Al Khaimah announces regional “Super Hub” for hospitality industry