New RAKEZ Partnership Fuels Startup Growth

10x Industry

Mokshita P.
10x Industry
Published:

New RAKEZ Partnership Fuels Startup Growth

Collaboration gives RAKEZ businesses access to funding, mentorship, advisory services, workshops, and strategic networks, helping startups and SMEs scale, expand markets, and support the UAE’s knowledge-based economy vision.

Access to funding remains one of the biggest challenges for many startups and growing businesses. To help address this, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has partnered with the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a federal initiative launched by the UAE Ministry of Finance, to provide greater support to innovators, startups, and growth-stage companies operating within its ecosystem.

The partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony held at Compass Coworking Centre, where MBRIF Head Shaker Zainal and RAKEZ Chief Government & Corporate Relations Officer Yaser Abdulla Al Ahmed signed the agreement.

The collaboration aims to make it easier for businesses to access the resources they need to grow. Through the partnership, RAKEZ customers will be able to explore funding opportunities and financing support available through MBRIF. They will also gain access to mentorship programmes, expert advisory services, and workshops focused on key business areas such as growth planning, financial management, and market expansion.

These offerings will be supported by RAKEZ's business set-up, licensing, and operational services, alongside access to a wider network of investors, partners, and industry connections. Together, the two organisations hope to create a stronger support system for businesses looking to scale their operations in the UAE.

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the UAE Ministry of Finance and the Ministry's representative at MBRIF, said the fund continues to play an important role in supporting the country's innovation ecosystem and its goal of building a competitive, knowledge-based economy.

She noted that partnerships such as this help innovative businesses gain better access to financing, strategic guidance, and growth opportunities, while also strengthening collaboration across the wider business ecosystem.

Commenting on the partnership, Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, said innovation remains an important driver of economic growth and resilience. He added that the agreement will create additional pathways for startups and growth-stage businesses to access specialised support, funding opportunities, and strategic networks that can help them expand their operations.

By combining funding access, mentorship, and innovation-focused programmes with a business-friendly operating environment, the partnership is designed to support startups and SMEs at different stages of their growth journey. Going forward, both organisations plan to work closely together to help innovative businesses explore new opportunities and scale their operations within the UAE market.