The number of new business licences issued in Ras Al Khaimah rose 17.6% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, reaching 1,219, according to data from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Industrial licences recorded the highest growth, up 111% compared to the same period last year. Professional licences increased by 20%, and commercial licences grew by 12.6%.
By sector, wholesale and retail trade accounted for 44.4% of all new licences issued. The construction sector followed at 18%, while accommodation and food services made up 13.2%. Manufacturing accounted for 11.1%, and other services comprised 8.6%.
The total registered capital during the period rose 7.5%. Capital invested in industrial licences increased more than sevenfold, while professional licence capital grew by 24.7%.
Al Dhait recorded the largest share of new licences by location at 8.7%, followed by Al Nakheel (8.4%), and Al Qusaidat and Julphar (7.7% each). When measured as a percentage of existing active licences in each area, Khalifa bin Zayed City ranked highest at 18.9%, followed by Dahan (13.4%) and Al Ghail (9.1%).
In terms of new capital investment, Al Jazirah Al Hamra attracted 33% of total registered capital, ahead of Al Dhait (13%) and Al Ghail (8.5%).
The DED attributed the growth to local economic policy aimed at easing business setup and attracting investment. Ras Al Khaimah is pursuing an economic diversification agenda focused on industry, trade, and services, as part of broader UAE-wide efforts to expand the non-oil economy.
