Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a federal initiative launched by the UAE Ministry of Finance, to strengthen support for innovators, startups, and growth-stage businesses across its ecosystem.
The collaboration aims to expand access to funding opportunities, mentorship, and strategic growth resources, helping innovative companies scale their operations, accelerate market expansion, and enhance their long-term competitiveness.
The agreement was signed at Compass Coworking Centre by MBRIF Head Shaker Zainal and RAKEZ Chief Government & Corporate Relations Officer Yaser Abdulla Al Ahmed.
The partnership aims to enhance access to funding, ecosystem connections, and growth opportunities to help innovative businesses scale and expand into new markets.
Under the collaboration, RAKEZ customers will gain access to a wider range of business support services, including financing pathways and funding opportunities through MBRIF. The initiative will also offer structured mentorship, expert advisory services, and joint workshops focused on growth strategy, financial planning, and market expansion.
The support package will be complemented by RAKEZ’s business setup, licensing, and operational services, alongside access to a broader network of investors, partners, and industry stakeholders.
The combined offering is designed to help businesses launch, grow, and expand while contributing to sustainable economic development.
Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi Head – Strategy & Future Department – UAE Ministry of Finance
“The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund continues to play an important role in advancing the UAE’s innovation ecosystem and supporting the country’s vision for a competitive, knowledge-based economy. Partnerships of this kind help expand the support available to high-potential businesses by strengthening access to financing, strategic guidance, and growth opportunities. Continued collaboration across the ecosystem is essential to creating the conditions in which innovation can scale, diversify the economy, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s long-term development.”
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said that, “Innovation plays a critical role in shaping resilient and future-ready economies. Through our partnership with MBRIF, we are creating stronger pathways for startups and growth-stage businesses within our ecosystem to access specialized support, funding opportunities, and strategic networks that can help accelerate their growth journeys. This collaboration reflects our continued focus on building an environment where innovative businesses can scale with confidence from Ras Al Khaimah.”
RAKEZ and MBRIF stated that they will continue working closely to combine funding, mentorship, innovation support, and a streamlined business environment to help startups and SMEs scale confidently and capitalize on opportunities within the UAE’s evolving innovation landscape.
