RAK FTZ TEAMs TAKE To ThE sTREETs - Ras Al Khaimah Free ...

Tourismus Im Aufschwung
Booming Tourism Destination
Travel Tip Muscat
Karibische Träume am Golf
Caribbean Dreams on the Gulf
Desert Island
Golfen am Golf
Golfing on the Gulf
Die besten Plätze im Nahen Osten
The Best Places in the Middle East
Hotels & Restaurants
Empfehlungen für den Ramadan in den VAE
Recommendations for Ramadan in the UAE
Jetzt gewinnen!
Discover ME Special Raffle
Zehn Jahre „Dubai Summer Surprise“
Ten Years of “Dubai Summer Surprise”
Das Shoppingfestival im Jubiläumsjahr
Numerous highlights during its 10 th Anniversary
A �ousand
and One
Nights
Traumhaftes Wochenende im Danat Resort in Jebel Dhanna
Win a Luxurious Weekend at Danat Resort in Jebel Dhanna
Dubai-Hamburg Business Forum 2007
Erste gemeinsame Wirtschaftskonferenz in Dubai
First Joint Economics Conference in Dubai
Tausendundeine Tausendundeine Nacht Nacht
No. 6 SEPTEMBER · OKTOBER 2007 SEPTEMBER · OCTOBER
Dubais junge Elite
Dubai’s Young Elite
Cover_0507_01.indd Cover_0507_01.indd 13 22.08.2007 22.08.2007 3:11:50 3:12:06 Uhr Uhr
September · October 2007 Dubais junge Elite Dubai‘s Young Elite
Scheich Hamdan auf dem Weg an die Spitze
Sheikh Hamdan on the Way to the Top
r a k f r e e t r a d e z o n e b i - m o n t h ly n e w s l e t t e r MAR/APR 2010 NO4
RAK Half Marathon
RAK FTZ TEAMs
TAKE To ThE sTREETs
results and photos inside
Macom International | 4 RAK FTZ 2009 Results | 6
Tracking the Emirates | 18 Desert Protection Campaign | 20
www.rakftz.com

Issue: Mar / Apr 2010, No 4
Designed and produced on behalf of Ras Al Khaimah
Free Trade Zone Authority Government of Ras Al
Khaimah, P.O. Box 10055, RAK, UAE
oussama el omari
CEO and Director General
maryam al murshedi al shehi
Deputy Director General
Editorial Team
Cleo Eleazar
Reuben Keeling
Kjellyn Peterson
Rebecka Korn
Contributors
Johnson Modayil
Jas Sekhon
Luca Gorlero
Marketing
Marwa Ibrahim
Aaesha Suwaid
Design and Production
RAK FTZ Creative Section
Shant Tengerian
Kim Marc Krüger
Wassim Swaidan
free spirit
Newsletter
Administrative Support
Asma Hamad Fares
Aamna Al Dehhi
Send your comments about Free Spirit to newsletter@rakftz.com
All rights reserved. For private circulation only. The options and views expressed in
this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are requested
to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication,
which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular
circumstances. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and correctness. The
publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for any error or omissions contained
in this publication.
Contents
CEO’s Welcome
In Focus
Macom Intl. Page 4 GianLuca Page 16 Banyan Tree Page 27
Zoning In
Money Matters
Trade Zone
Life Designer
Art and Culture
Partner News
Environment
Special Feature
Cover Story
In the News
Beyond the Zone
Happenings
Exploring RAK
RAK International Offices
Calendar
3
4
6
9
11
13
15
19
20
21
23
25
27
30
31
33
37
2

3
CEO’s Welcome Note
According to an old proverb, ‘No matter how long the Winter,
Spring is sure to follow.’ And we surely have had a great
Spring so far – the weather is heavenly, allowing us to enjoy
more outdoor activities. This season is undeniably the ideal
time to explore; so if you feel like it, go ahead and jump to
‘Exploring RAK’, where we will introduce you to the delights
of Sheba’s Palace. If you’re looking for a relaxed weekend
getaway, check out ‘Beyond the Zone’, which features the
new Banyan Tree Al Wadih Hotel, and discover the new
adventure-filled RAK Waterpark.
Oussama El Omari
RAK FTZ CEO
Oussama El Omari (RAK FTZ CEO)
Taking a quantum leap from literal meanings, we know how hard 2009 has been, but that
winter is over as well. Every day, we see fresh growth and new buds slowly replacing last year’s
bleak and barren financial landscape. These new beginnings hold promise and inspire a
fresh hope that will fuel our enthusiasm to reach new heights.
As you may have noticed, Free Spirit, your monthly guide to RAK FTZ, is growing. Launched
last year in October with only 26 pages, it has now expanded to 40 pages with the addition
of substantial editorial content, including Arts and Culture, RAK FTZ International Offices
and Special Features. In RAK FTZ International Offices, we will introduce you to our staff
and bring you the news from our offices abroad, including new services and events.
We also bring you the real life experience of Dave Crane. His insightful and witty survival
guide for entrepreneurs is a welcome addition to our features this month. A well-known
personality in the UAE, Dave is a top motivational speaker, a certified hypnotherapist, NLP
master practitioner, and a life designer, who will share with us his unique insights about
going into business within the United Arab Emirates.
In the field of Arts, we delve into the origins and development of musical forms, and
one musician’s wonderful discovery that the influence of Arabic musical traditions, on
international music, is much more than he realised. On another note, we have a treat
in store for all our Arabic readers; starting in our May/June issue, we will include Arabic
pages, for your reading pleasure.
Having started with the glorious weather that we have right now, let me finish with an
activity that will allow us to enjoy it and, at the same time, contribute to a better society.
This year, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown
Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate will host its very first Terry Fox
Run to help fund cancer research. The run will be held on Friday, March 5, 2010 and will
be held annually from here on. We invite you all to take your running shoes out and join
us for this worthwhile cause.
The times are changing, and at every turn, new opportunities open up. Don’t let these chances
pass you by - let Free Spirit be your guide. We hope to see you at the numerous activities we
have lined up for the next two months, especially our 10-year anniversary celebrations; and
remember, we are all free spirits in this great and wonderful world.
macom international -
The Audio-Visual Specialists
The room is packed. All your current and prospective clients are sitting
patiently, waiting for the program to begin. You will start with an
amazing audio-visual production (AVP) that encapsulates the values,
philosophies and services of your company. But you know that there’s a
slight risk in this gambit – some executive may come in late and sit at the
back, where he will not hear or see the AVP properly. He’s a busy man
and does not have the time or the patience to crane and strain to hear
about your services.
What happens next? You lose his interest and his business. It’s an
embarrassing situation, which does not have to happen and a challenge
that is entirely avoidable. Think about it, you don’t want to spend good
money on an AVP only to be ignored by a roomful of prospective clients
because the audio was not loud enough or the screen not big enough.
The answer is to find an AV specialist who will ensure that everything
runs smoothly; a specialist of the calibre of macom international
communications consulting engineers. They not only provide the knowhow
and technical details for the AV solutions but they also offer AV
productions tailored to your needs, whether it’s for conference rooms,
video conferences, ballrooms, business centres, hotels, shopping malls,
museums, galleries, convention halls, universities or wellness and spa
facilities.
a feather in the cap
The good news is that you don’t have to travel all the way to Germany to
avail their services. macom international recently registered with the Ras
Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and will base their Middle East
headquarters at the RAK FTZ Twin Towers Business Centre in Dubai. They
celebrated the launch of their regional office in the Middle East at the
Grand Hyatt Dubai on 24 January.
This certainly deserves celebration. macom international brings innovative
audio visual concepts into our fold. Now, their unique and practical
services are easily accessible to the RAK FTZ network, as well as to other
companies, within the UAE and the rest of the Gulf States.
macom international believes that every success begins with
communication. Rightly so, as seasoned businessmen can attest to the
power of a face-to-face meeting, the right message a firm handshake
brings, and the advantages of an AVP that is shot, directed and shown
with extreme professionalism.
IN FOCUS
It’s a business fact that corporate communication expresses the identity of
a company, highlights its distinguishing features, and creates an entirely
unique image. It needs to be tailor-made to each organisation’s individual
and highly-diverse concepts and requirements, and just as importantly,
these communication processes need to run as efficiently as possible to be
able to ensure their positive contribution to the success of the company.
When it comes to communication, macom international analyses, advises,
optimises, designs and creates AVPs according to each client’s individual
needs.
the navigator
At the helm of this forward-thinking company is AV specialist, Norbert
Hönig, Managing Director of macom international, who has been in the AV
industry since 1976. After his first 10 years in the industry, Hönig started
his own media plan company, which later went on to become a part of the
macom Group, Germany’s leading AV consultancy. The company has since
built up its reputation as the first choice for modern and user-oriented,
audio-visual communication solutions in Germany, Austria, Switzerland
and now, the Middle East. They list Ernst & Young, Porsche, Deutsche
Bank, Accenture, IBM, BMW, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental
Hotels Group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, among their high-profile
clientele.
Norbert Hönig, Managing
Director of macom international
4

IN FOCUS ZONING IN
With the steady popularity of AV productions (complete AV solutions) –
macom international rises up to the challenges of the current market. In
his 30 years of AV production (design and consultancy) experience, Hönig
easily admits that clients now are more demanding – they know what
they want and are not afraid to ask for it.
“They educate themselves and are aware of the latest trends and
possibilities in the AV sector. Expectations are very high and clients take
it seriously now that AV consultants are able to provide complete, high
-standard, service packages to realise their visions. Since we are offering
manufacturer independent consulting services, we have the freedom to
provide our clients with the best possible solution, no matter if we are
talking about a small or a large budget,” he shares in an interview with
Men & Architecture magazine.
“Our own expertise and our neutral consulting service put us in a
unique position within the AV industry. We are not committed to certain
manufacturers; we select the products based on the performance and
quality that best fit into our client’s project and budget. We also particularly
focus on close collaboration with architects and interior designers during
the whole time of a project. Therefore, costly readjustments belong to the
past – that saves our clients precious time and money,” he adds.
With over 45 of the highest rated engineers and consultants in the
German AV market, macom international assures its clients that they will
receive premium AV consulting and planning services. In short, macom
provides the best service that you can get to meet your specific AVP needs.
“The diversity of our AV specialists is very impressive: audiovisual and
system engineers, IT and telecommunications specialists, CAD and graphic
designers, communication designers, marketing and business consultants
– and all of them under one roof.
MACOM INTERNATIONAL SERVICES
• Intelligent Network Infrastructure
• Conference and Meeting Rooms
• Video Conferencing Solutions
• AV Standards
• Acoustic Services
• Video Surveillance
• AV-Management Technology Green Building
• Digital Signage Indoor Outdoor Façade
• Guidance Room/Allocation Systems
• Education
Another unique feature is the intelligent combination of AV
communications and marketing communications. macom provides the
necessary AV technology and the right content,” Hönig explains.
middle east market
From as early as 1997, Hönig has been travelling between Europe and
the Middle East to work on AV projects with different establishments,
such as luxury hotels and spa facilities, and counts the Grand Hyatt Hotel
Dubai as one of macom’s premiere clients. The company’s teams are also
currently working on a number of projects in Doha. The steady increase
in the number of Middle East customers drew their attention to the
growing demand in the region, hence their decision to open a regional
headquarters at the RAK FTZ.
“We want to establish the office with the infrastructure in Dubai, finish
our current projects, and for sure, close a few new deals,” he expounds.
With further plans to open additional offices in Abu Dhabi and then Qatar
in the future, it quite obvious that Hönig sees big potential in the Middle
East market, but it is, by no means, the final destination. macom is also
currently monitoring the rest of Asia, especially with enquiries from the
sector.
For now, however, they are settling down in their new offices and directly
tackling the challenges this market presents. It is a challenge that Hönig
and his team address with pleasure – as they gear up to satisfy their
regional clients and add a notch or two to their creative belts.
RAK FTZ Grows Revenue in 2009
with 11 per cent Increase
In the face of 2009’s financial adversity, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone forged on and emerged
ahead of its game, joining the ranks of top-performing free zones around the world in rebuilding
confidence in the world economy.
RAK FTZ kept its eye on the ball, and as a reward, it was able to
accomplish more than it set out to do. From the time RAK FTZ was first
established, in 2000, it has enjoyed a steady increase in new company
registrations. This was made clear in the 2009 reports reflecting a total of
1,935 new company registrations, a 10 per cent increase since 2008. It
also recorded growth in revenue, with an 11 per cent increase compared
to 2008 figures.
India led the way, with 37 per cent new companies registered, followed
by the UK, with 12 per cent. In the Middle East, Egypt tops the list of new
registrations, with 6 per cent. The companies that are doing business in
the free zone are broken down into the following sectors: 64 per cent
trading companies with warehousing facilities, 26 per cent consulting and
services, 3 per cent industrial, and 7 per cent general trading.
Topping the list of RAK FTZ’s new registrations are: Ueims School of
Medicine & Dentistry FZE, London American City College FZC, Dolphin
International FZC (RAK Duty Free), Uniglobe General Trading FZE, B.L.P.F
Protection FZE, Ballistic Solutions Emirates FZE, Capdec Paints FZC, Middle
East Spark Trading FZE, and Max Marine FZC.
“We knew the financial reality we were facing, therefore, it was crucial
that we strategised based on that reality. We drew and implemented
action plans that saw us through the crisis,” comments Oussama El
Omari, RAK FTZ CEO.
RAK FTZ CEO
Oussama El Omari
5 6

ZONING IN
He adds, “We needed to help rebuild the economy, and we could only
do that by attracting new businesses and investment to the UAE. To do
that, we had to be visible, both locally and internationally, and we had
to be the best in our product sector. Also, we needed to widen our scope.
One of our main focuses now is to support small and medium enterprises
(SMEs) – a blooming SME industry is one of the most vital signs of a
flourishing economy.”
RAK FTZ’s dedicated efforts to reach new markets – involving up to a total
of 158 activities for the year alone – have produced this positive result.
These activities included participation in conventions and trade fairs, road
shows and advertising. Road shows were held in key markets like Jordan,
Syria, India, Lebanon, Pakistan and Egypt and oriented local businessmen
about the free zone’s products and services.
Special offers, such as discounted rates on Standard Offices, the easiest
way to enter the Middle East market, were promoted not only among
road show visitors but also within local media and business associations.
Within the last four years, this information dissemination and continuous
education about RAK FTZ products and services has proven effective in
increasing RAK FTZ’s worldwide reach. It proved to be most prolific from
2006, with 2,768 companies, to 2007, with a jump to 4,309 new registrations
,and between 2007 and 2008, when a 12 per cent increase was recorded.
Strengthening its core and focusing on meeting and going beyond the
needs and expectations of existing and future clients, RAK FTZ has built
up an unparalleled network – of partners, clients and suppliers – which
they actively nurse with camaraderie-building activities, such as the RAK
FTZ Golf & Networking Day, held every November, to promote friendship,
open communication and a steady exchange of ideas among its members.
As part of its objective to strengthen its brand, RAK FTZ also launched a
number of value-added services in 2009, such as the dedicated German
desk. Manned by German-speaking personnel, the desk aids clients
from Germany, one of RAK FTZ’s key markets, with everything from visa
processing to setting-up their offices at the RAK FTZ Business Centre.
UK 7%
India 33%
Egypt 6%
Revenue by Country 2009
Pakistan 5% Germany 3%
Other 37%
Russia 2%
Turkey 2%
France 2%
USA 3%
Underlining RAK FTZ’s commitment to the environment, it also held
industry-leading meetings during the year, to educate its clients about the
much-awaited Environmental Performance Card, and in the last quarter
of 2009, it sponsored the second Desert Protection Campaign to help
preserve the UAE’s pristine desert environments.
In October, RAK FTZ launched ‘Free Spirit’, the bi-monthly newsletter that
serves as its stakeholders’ guide to everything that is new and important
for their business and personal lives. From 26 pages, the newsletter
quickly grew to 40 pages tackling a variety of topics, from the newest
RAK FTZ member to the best tourist spot in town.
The year 2009 also saw the efforts of RAK FTZ recognised and awarded
by a number of award-giving bodies. Starting early in the year, RAK FTZ
received four prizes in four categories at the Sheikh Saqr Programme for
Government Excellence, namely ‘Distinguished Governmental Department
of the Year 2008’, ‘Mystery Shopper’, ‘Distinguished Organised Unit for
2008’ and ‘Applying Standards – Processes’.
Later on, it was voted the ‘Best Emerging Free Zone’ by the Middle East
Logistics Awards (MELA) for the third consecutive year, and was also
named ‘Industrial Area of the Year’ by the Supply Chain and Transport
Awards (SCATA).
Furthermore, its evolving website, which provides comprehensive
business information, as well as an interactive experience for current and
prospective clients, was recognised as the ‘Best Website’ at the 9th World
Free Zone Convention (WFZC).
These distinctions are the result of RAK FTZ’s commitment to become the
preferred business hub of the Middle East, distinctions that mark the path
for the free zone’s historic 10-year anniversary, which will be observed on
6 May 2010, not only with fanfare but also a review of its performance
within the last 10 years and a renewed dedication to continue to improve
in all aspects of its everyday processes.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to contribute to the
generation of new jobs, the growth of our economy and the preservation
of our environment,” El Omari shares. “This year, as we celebrate our
10th anniversary, we reflect on the time that has passed and plan for the
future. It is another era that we are entering, and we look forward to it
with much excitement.”
ZONING IN
2010 holds a lot of promise for RAK FTZ. The free zone plans to
strengthen its positioning as a business hub geared at helping SMEs
connect to emerging market economies, target new key markets such as
Turkey, Russia, South Africa and the USA, launch Mazeed Services, and
continue to improve its products and services. With a target to increase
registrations by 15 per cent by the end of the year, with approximately
2250 additional companies, this year, the free zone will further prove that
it is, indeed, what its slogan states – The Home of Business.
The new BC4 building at
RAK FTZ Business Park
7 8

MONEY MATTERS MONEY MATTERS
Death, Taxes,
Confidentiality and
Asset Protection
Recent and dramatic global changes necessitate your immediate
review of any outmoded structures!
No doubt, one reads of the changed world after the global financial
crash with some feeling that the worst is behind us. Unless you are a
banker seeking your historical bonus rights, macro-economic policy seems
to have little to do with you, the average citizen or business person.
Ignorance may not be bliss.
Very simply put, the world – post financial crash – has dramatically
changed the rules, and you, in ignorance of the new landscape, may be
asked to foot the bill for all the government funding that has gone into
propping up banks and economies in the major developed countries.
To remain a free spirit, you must now play with a different set of rules.
What you could do in the past is no longer viable. No need to feel
disheartened; your professional advisers, on the whole, are at a loss as
well. In terms of confidentiality and tax and asset protection, the world
was a different place prior to the crash. Swiss banking secrecy, coupled
with a simple offshore company was the norm, with advisers, in many
cases, simply peddling a standard and outmoded package to resolve all
issues for clients. Country GDP’s were growing and economies booming –
the issue of increasing fiscal collections was not critical.
Death taxes, confidentiality and asset protection are now serious financial
issues, and at best, you need to reconsider what you have and, ideally,
recast your structures; otherwise, you will pay more tax; you will lose more
assets on death; and you will not have any defence as, for the most part,
banking secrecy is all but dead.
Your worldly private banker or your friendly family accountant or lawyer
may not be your allies during this period of introspection. Tread carefully
– the consequences may not be a rap on the knuckles; tax evasion is now
a serious crime.
By: Jas Sekhon
Your advisor may also have a positive duty to report you where
money laundering is suspected (which in some countries now
extends to tax avoidance).
And the situation is likely to get worse – the only way that governments,
which have indulged and gloated in stimulus packages to bail out
economies, can easily recover funding, is through taxation. Never stand in
the way of a bankrupt government seeking to collect more taxes – unless
you are prepared to play a new game with a different set of rules to those
that existed before, albeit less than two short years ago.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
at the behest of the G20 has forced the so called “level playing” field
and there are no easy escape hatches left. A white/grey/black list was
announced last April, and since that time, there have been three revisions
to the list, as countries scramble to enter into many hundreds of tax and
banking information exchange agreements.
Since the beginning of 2008, international tax evasion and the
implementation of high standards of transparency and exchange of
information have been very high on the political agenda, reflecting recent
scandals that have affected countries around the world and the spotlight
that the global financial crisis has put on financial centres generally.
Tax transparency was a key feature of the G20 Summits in Washington,
London and Pittsburgh. Take the following statements:
“We agree to take action against non-cooperative jurisdictions, including
tax havens. We stand ready to deploy sanctions to protect our public
finances and financial systems. The era of banking secrecy is over.”
- G20 Leaders’ Statement, London, UK, April 2009
“We are committed to maintain the momentum in dealing with tax
havens…We stand ready to use countermeasures against tax havens
from March 2010.”
- G20 Leaders’ Statement, Pittsburgh, USA, September 2009
“All jurisdictions must now quickly implement their commitments.
We cannot continue to tolerate large amounts of capital hidden to
evade taxation.”
- G-8 Declaration, L’Aquila, Italy, July 2009
After giving many presentations in Europe last year and particularly in
Switzerland, I found the calm mood of the expert lawyer, accountant
or fiduciary almost alarming. “No it’s not that bad – a mini tsunami –
it will pass and things will be back to normal” was a common view.
Unfortunately, the politicians do not share the same view. The United
States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Australia, China,
France, India and so on have all agreed that increased tax collection is
the easy way to claw back their deficits. My fear is that the worst in that
respect is, almost certainly, yet to come.
The immediate need is for you to re-examine your old structures and
consider alternatives. Seek advice – but your advisor may have been selling
BVI and Mauritius for the last countless years and may possess too much
of a vested interest or a duty (in some cases) to inform the authorities,
coupled with a lack of alternatives, to be impartial or forthright.
One such alternative is to look carefully at the benefits of the UAE tax
treaties and the combination of a RAK International and Free Zone
company as a possible restructure.
The UAE has over 47 tax treaties with other countries, and importantly,
the UAE is the only country always on the OCED white list with a zero rate
of individual or corporate taxation. Other jurisdictions, such as the BVI,
Cayman, Bahamas and the like, cannot enter into a tax treaty – but must
enter into a TIEA (Tax Information Exchange Agreement). TIEA’s provide
only for a mechanism for information exchange, whilst tax treaties provide
for reduced taxation in the home country and a well understood formal
process for the exchange of information, in the right circumstances.
For example, the OECD commentary to the DTA’s clearly states that no
information needs to be provided by the UAE where the other country is
entering into a “fishing expedition.”
Where the old OECD exchange of information article exists, as it does,
remarkably, in most of the UAE treaties, investors in UAE entities can
take great comfort from the fact that no information that is not locally
required will be provided to foreign treaty partners. Many countries,
such as Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, and so on, have been forced
to accept the new, and much broader, OECD articles in their treaties
providing almost unrestricted exchange of information.
rak premium product – combining the rak iC and ftz entity
RAK entities may clearly benefit from the DTA’s that exist in the UAE, and
indeed, RAK (and the Ministry of Finance) will provide, on application,
a certificate of tax residency, which is conclusive proof to the foreign
government treaty partner that the terms of the treaty will apply to a
RAK entity.
However, in certain cases, the treaties will look for the substance of your
activities. Therefore, the RAK Premium product allows for a RAK-IC to own
100% the shares of the FZE to provide confidentiality and flexibility, with
the FZE providing the operational substance.
Some of the key advantages of the Premium product are summarised as
follows:
1. Complete substance in terms of visas and employees;
2. Complete substance in terms of licences to trade/consult;
3. Complete Substance in terms of physical offices/warehouse/
industrial space;
4. Absolute confidentiality in terms of ownership;
5. Absolute confidentiality in terms of no audit report for the RAK IC;
6. Absolute confidentiality in terms of the ownership of the FZE
and RAK IC;
7. Absolute flexibility in terms of choice of foreign (non UAE) law
for the RAK IC;
8. Absolute flexibility in terms of structuring licence, royalty and
other arrangements between the RAK-IC and the FZE;
9. Tax residence certificates for the RAK IC and FZE; and
10. Migration out of the RAK-IC holding company, should political
circumstances change.
As always, these matters may be complex in the new world order, and
advice appropriate to your individual circumstances must be obtained.
Nonetheless, RAK is unique in offering a premium solution as an
onshore global financial centre.
The Premium product is a responsive addition to the services available
to our clients. Substantive solutions must now involve, as a minimum,
a true commercial reality and robust solutions - as opposed to exotic
dreams of tropical island company registries and tropical island bank
accounts or ill-conceived low budget onshore places for business.
9 10

TRADE ZONE TRADE ZONE
Emerging Markets -
The Economic Panacea
Lately, emerging markets have been making headlines globally.
The global recovery is being led by emerging economies, and this is
a fundamental fact bound to stay.
We receive an average of 3-4 business delegations a month here in
Ras Al Khaimah. These delegations come from all corners of the
world, since our free zone has investors from 120 different countries.
While delegations of businessmen may not be statistically viable samples
to determine the trends in a specific country, they do provide, nonetheless,
a good viewpoint from which to develop a perspective about so many
different economies. Over time, over many delegations, consistent trends
tend to set in.
I was, therefore, very happy in February, when HSBC published the results
of the its most recent research on SME Confidence (20 markets were
surveyed) based on primary data gathered last October and November
2009.
These results are the statistical confirmation of the trends I have been
collecting over the past year: not only are emerging markets leading the
economic recovery, but SMEs are going to play a principal role.
The report also confirmed a wide differential in confidence levels between
the so-called highly industrialised economies (G7++) and the emerging
markets. Emerging markets are significantly more confident than
developed markets. With an index of 100 as neutral, emerging markets
have scored an aggregate of 121 and developed markets an aggregate of
106 (France registers below 100 at 96).
Nicholas Levitt, Regional Head of Business Banking at HSBC said:
“Confidence levels appear to be back to pre-financial crisis level. The
Middle East outlook correlates strongly to the global emerging market
outlook, and as a major international trading hub, the region is wellplaced
for future growth.”
By: Luca Gorlero
From the survey, we learn that the Middle East is the second most
optimistic area after India. I can relate to this finding personally, since
I receive one or two business delegations from India every month.
During my presentation on emerging markets, I always ask them: “How
is business during these challenging times?” Invariably, the feedback I
receive, regarding the impact of the crisis, goes from mild to negligible.
In the Middle East, the SME survey confirms:
• 47 per cent plans to increase capital expenditures
• 47 per cent plans to increase capital expenditures
• 41 per cent is committed to current levels of capital expense
• 11 per cent is planning capital expense reductions
• 36 per cent intends to increase staffing
• 58 per cent will keep the same staffing levels
SMEs were also asked about their propensity to engage more in
international business, and the survey has confirmed the role of the
Middle East as an international trading hub.
• 72 per cent of the SMEs in Qatar planned to grow their business
internationally within the next 2 years
• 28 per cent in Egypt
• 19 per cent in Saudi Arabia
The top international locations for business for the Middle East are China,
South East Asia and Europe.
While this research presents gaps in its approach to defining the
geographical footprint, it highlights something that is at the core of the
global economic shift currently underway.
In order to validate the aspirations for internationalisation of many
SMEs, both in the Middle East and other emerging markets, it is
necessary for local governments to support the development of a solid
and more sophisticated banking system, specifically tailored to support
trade and investment.
As Dr. Butcha, Vice President and Managing Director at A.T. Kearney Middle
East, said in a recent article “A.T. Kearney has worked with governments
across the world to improve the SME sector. SMEs are the backbone of
any successful and sustainable economy; they are the blood cells behind
successfully diversified economies and large corporations. Successful long
term economic growth plans for the GCC can only succeed with strong
support to SMEs...”
A.T. Kearney research in emerging markets shows that successful SMEs
create jobs at a rate that is four times faster than larger corporations, and
they create revenue and GDP at a rate that is six times faster than large
corporations. This is largely due to the fact that successful SMEs tend to
grow more exponentially than large blue chip and established businesses
(more at: www.eyeofdubai.com/v1/news/newsdetail-38845.htm).
It is because of the essential role of SMEs in the global economy that
RAK FTZ has been creating a business environment specifically designed
to facilitate SME business. The newly-created valued added services for
RAK FTZ clients are focused on reducing the “incubation” period of new
companies and putting them in the condition to generate successful
business in the region in the fastest and most cost effective way.
Note: the survey did not include the United Arab Emirates in the emerging markets,
developed markets surveyed included only US, Canada, UK, France, results in
confidence in the developed economies would have been slightly different if Spain,
Greece, Italy had been included.
11 12

LIFE DESIGNER LIFE DESIGNER
The Entrepreneurs Survival Guide
Hi. I’m Dave Crane, and I run a very small business. In fact, the business
is me (http://www.theworldsbestmc.com).
I am the CEO of my own life. If I want a holiday, I have to pay for it, if I
want health care, I have to source it, and if I don’t get instant success, who
gets the 100 per cent blame for the results? Me. I wouldn’t want it any
other way. I feel great every single day.
Before, when I had a salaried ‘job’ at the BBC, it was actually true then
too. But I didn’t know. I felt I had to jump through someone else’s hoop to
get paid a limited salary, and they could make my life hell, depending on
what side of the bed they woke up.
I’ve found a better way. It’s called Life Design (find out more at
http://ww.thelifedesignacademy.com ). Time to get rich…
Here are ten incredible rules for success, which I have learned both hard
and easy ways. Why should I have anything to share? Well, I am a market
leader in my industry, and my work has reached over two billion people
over the last few years. That’s why. I hope that my tips give you as much
of a business advantage as I have enjoyed and will take your business into
the stratosphere where it belongs.
In the next few minutes, I am going to share with you some essential
secrets of starting up that may enable you to make your first million. If you
are already up and running but are losing sleep thinking too much, here
are also a few of those answers you’ve been after.
1. Politics and paperwork. Congratulations on starting your own
business. Shame that the powers that be will do everything in their
limited power to suck the enthusiasm out of you, with categories,
queues and questions. Let them try. Remember if the person giving
you a hard time had the ability or vision to be doing what you are
doing, they wouldn’t be working where they are now. If it takes
forever to get going, just start straight away and let their red tape
and form-filling catch up with you. Do you remember the last time
you sat down for an appraisal with a pin-headed manager who had
no idea what he was talking about? The same guys now have to get
you to fill in application forms. They were wrong about you then, and
they still are now. Thankfully, I haven’t had one of them for about
10 years. This doesn’t mean I’m blinkered. I just know that it only
takes one client to say yes, before I have a successful business on
my hands. There is a tipping point so keep pushing until it does, and
‘yes’ it is alright to do stuff in your own time. Remember, you are the
client. Permission pre-approved.
Dave Crane
2. Stop asking for permission. If you need approval for everything, start
looking for a job in a multi-national company with a 9:00-5:00 pm
working day. Revolutionaries never ask for permission. Madonna,
Elvis, JFK, Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King, never did, so why
should you? Remember, if things mess up, you can always apologise
later and say you didn’t know. After all, for whom do you work?
3. Know for whom you work. Is it your partner, your family, yourself?
Maybe all of the above, and that’s why you get out of bed every
morning. Remember this whenever anybody tries to claim that you
are their little puppy and asks you to roll over or sit up and beg. You
don’t work for them. Period. My advice is walk away as soon as you
can. You don’t work for them. The right people will find you when you
are ready. Or at least, you will find them when you know what you
are looking for. Until then, just find like-minded people or a coach.
4. Get a coach/mentor/partner/network. Even coaches have coaches.
If you can’t afford a coach, get into a mastermind partnership (one
person) or a group of people who meet regularly to ‘coach’ each other.
It is best to choose someone who isn’t too close but whom you can trust
and who can play Devil’s advocate, without it affecting your social life.
The mastermind partnership gives you a chance to create a board
of governors with only goodwill keeping you together. With the
right person, this can become an invaluable source of insight and
strategy in equal amounts. I have actually gone one step further and
joined BNI (Business Networking International). 30 decision makers
meet every Monday morning, and after the 90 minute referral based
session, we swap qualified leads for doing future business. Don’t be
scared to find out what people really think of you. It’s all good news,
even if you find out they are not taking you seriously, you have a
chance for a bigger learning curve before you come back under the
radar. Alternatively, if they are worried about you, you must be doing
something right.
5. Draw a line from A-B. If A is where you are now and B is where
you want to be after everything works out right, plot that path.
Then head along the shortest possible route and ignore all the
sidetracking disturbances which will attempt to hijack your triumph.
One of my friends runs a chauffeur-driven car hire firm. When we
discussed his business, he felt that he was a glorified taxi service,
constantly competing with regard to prices, working long hours, and
fighting for every last penny; whereas, what he truly wanted to be
was a first choice specialist in VIP and celebrity transport. We then
decided that he would phase out the cheaper work and just target
the companies with which he wanted to do business. It is a slow
journey, and he knows that most won’t have the stomach to follow
it through. Good for us? No, great for us.
6. Define and redefine what you are. If you don’t know, how can your
potential clients know? Be prepared to change when you learn
more about your direction. Write out a mission statement that fits
in with your own personal goals, core values and natural talents.
Forget thinking about whether it is ‘realistic’ or not. You don’t have
to know how to get these things. Just list what you want. When
people tell you something can’t be done, remember they only mean
that they can’t do it. Not you. Rome wasn’t built in a day. It is also
very unlikely that your business will be either. It doesn’t take years of
training to do a marathon, just the ability to put one foot in front of
the other then repeat. If you want to win the race, get a coach, but at
the beginning, just setting off beats 90 per cent of the competition.
7. Remember your life is a work in progress. There is no end, just a new
set of goals. What happens after you make your first million, do you
plan to retire? Why would you do that when you are just getting good
at it? Enjoy the good days and bad days equally, as you need a decent
philosophical approach to both of them to prepare you for either one
or the other. Stop beating yourself up over things that don’t exactly go
as planned. Part of life is the chance to learn, so do so.
8. There is no competition. Stop calling other people in a similar
business ‘competition’. Why allow anyone a chance to compare
themselves to you? Who is better Microsoft or Apple? Different
creatures with different rules for quantifying successes. Be like them.
It’s only you against yourself against the clock. Everything else is just
window dressing. Exercise a ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’ (as opposed to a
‘Red Ocean Strategy’ with the waters filled with the blood of tight
margins and backstabbing policies, etc.) with clear skies and endless
seas which you can sail freely by the natural wind in your sails and
on your face. Money is just another source of energy. To start making
it, you have to let go of it.
9. Specialise. Start nicheing, stop competing. Just because you are
good at a certain thing doesn’t mean that you can turn it into a
decent living when everyone else is doing the same thing. Start
specialising on small part of it, then become the industry best at
it. Trust me, word will spread, and when you are known for it, then
you can charge whatever you want for your expert services, because
no-one else can do it as well as you do. Jack Walsh (the CEO of the
Century) actually did just this when he took over General Electric. He
told the lumbering manufacturer’s department heads, “If you can’t
be counted as either number one or two in your industry, close your
department down and do something else.”
10. Start a university in your car. You have an opportunity to learn from
Anthony Robbins, Tom Peters, Dr Stephen Covey and any other top
business motivators, and despite popular belief, you don’t have to
spend 4,000 USD per ticket. Buy the talking books and listen in the
car. Learn to love traffic jams, delays, bad drivers, etc. as they give
you more opportunities to get the edge whilst going from A-B.
Right then. Here ends the first lesson. All the very best in your future
endeavours. Let me know if I can help you.
CONTACT DAVE CRANE
dave@thelifedesigners.com
www.thelifedesignacademy.com
www.theworldsbestmc.com
www.thelifedesigners.com
ThE LIFE DESIGNERS
The Life Designers are a RAK FZE licensed company who
specialise in providing motivational entertainment that
changes people for life. Their work uses a combination
of business coaching, self improvement tools, NLP
(Neuro Linguistic Programming) and superior visualisation
techniques to help attendees achieve a higher level
of success. The Life Design Academy trains candidates
in incredible presentation skills, enhanced sales and
communication techniques and stress management. All
programmes are designed with positive thinking, fun and
business savvy as basic requirements of learning, which
guarantees a more engaged team and workforce who can
deal with absolutely anything.
13 14

ART AND CULTURE
Arab Influence on Western Music
With award-winning conductor and performer GianLuca Marcianò
hen studying the history of music, in Europe, I learned many theories
W about the origins and the development of our musical forms and
traditions. However, when I embarked upon a new musical experience in
the Middle East, a completely different picture began to emerge. Lengthy
research, into Arabic music and its history, took me on an exciting journey
to an undiscovered world, full of shocking revelations.
The origin of music from the Ancient Greeks is dogma for every Western
musician, which is why, for instance, La Camerata de’ Bardi, in Italy,
wanted to return to the origins of music through the study and emulation
of Greek tragedies (first examples of ‘opera’ poetry in music). It is also
acknowledged, in the western world, that the first alphabetical notation
system was invented by the Greeks, and that the first complete musical
treatise was written by Aristotle.
All these ‘facts’ went undisputed, until few years ago. New studies about
the Arabic influence on other cultures’ music traditions have, indeed,
demonstrated that we have been blind for centuries; and it is a paradox
that many scholars have huge difficulty accepting the indisputable
evidence that has been revealed in these new studies.
In Greece and then in Rome, Egyptians, Syrians and Arab musicians,
renowned for their superior skills and talent, were commonly employed
to perform, long before the era of tragedies and comedies. Semitic
civilizations (Babylon, Assyria and Phoenicia) exported their musical
knowledge to Greece in the earliest period of ‘polis’ system. Even the
alphabetical notation was influenced by tablatures based on Arab
instruments.
Later, during the Abbasid Era, real ‘liederabend’ (‘evenings of song’)
were performed, in the Music Majlis, interconnecting poetry and music
in the same work, and musical theory reached the apogee, with Al Kindi
(800-877 AD), the first great musical theoretician, and his successor, Al
Farabi, who wrote Kitabu al-Musiqa al-Kabir (The Great Book of Music).
GianLuca Marcianò
The instruments that were used in the Arabic world during that period
were also extremely modern and definitely inspired many of the most
popular instruments now used in contemporary Western music. The ‘Oud’
gave birth to both the guitar and mandolin, while the ‘Nay’ was the first
flute, ‘Qanun’ was prototype of the harp, ‘Ribab’ and ‘Kamancha’ were
the first examples of stringed instruments like the violin or cello, and
‘Zurna’ anticipated our horns and trumpets. Of course, we must not fail
to mention the drums, which have come in toto from the Middle East.
The influence of Arabic music is even wider still, as it is a fact that
Andalusian music got its rhythm and melodies from Islamic sources,
and the Troubadours in Southern France and Italy were similarly inspired
as well. It is an additional surprise to discover that most Latin / Latin-
American dances are a fusion between local music traditions and Arabic
sounds and rhythms - tango, ‘milonga’, ‘guajira’, samba, ‘jarabe’ and even
flamenco (from ‘fellah-mengu’ meaning ‘farmers without land’).
Perhaps the most shocking discovery of all, for me as an Italian, was to
learn that the modern system of notation (solmisation) – do re mi fa sol
la si – was not created by Guido d’Arezzo, an Italian, as has long been
assumed, but instead is actually derived from the Arabic alphabet (dal ra
mi fa sad la sin) and was in use 400 years before Guido’s system! In fact,
it was while studying music in Catalonia, that he learned this notation,
from Islamic musicians.
Quarter tones, ‘maqamat’ * and an ornamental way of singing are typical
of Arabic music, but their presence is even evident in Eastern European
folklore; in Romania, Serbia, Bosnia and Bulgaria, brass instruments
and drums play traditional melodies full of quarter tones and Arabic
tonalities. ‘Sevdalinke’, traditional songs in Arabic style from Bosnia, are
still very popular in Sarajevo and even Serbia. During the time of Turkish
occupation, Eastern European and Arabic music traditions met each other
in the Balkans, where they live on today, even for the younger generations.
Now, this music style has begun to influence even western pop music,
which is looking for ethno sounds.
Last but not least, the ‘Ribab’ was the progenitor of the ‘Er-Hu’, one of the
most important instruments in all Chinese music tradition. The ‘Er-Hu’ is
played with a bow and has only one string. The music literature for ‘Er-Hu’ is
completely different than the usual Chinese music, with melodies, rhythm,
ornaments, quarter tones, and atmospheres all inspired by Arab music.
ART AND CULTURE
In depth studies of the influence of Arab music in other parts of the world
started only recently – a few years ago – and will certainly unfold in
many directions, yielding more and more information, which will change
our perspective and encourage us to think in terms of ‘world’ music as
opposed to only western music and all ‘others’.
Historically we owe much to the Arab / Muslim world for its contributions,
which helped us to emerge from the Dark Ages into the Age of Reason
and Enlightenment, and now, with the discovery that we have even
greater links with each other through our forms of music, it is the perfect
opportunity for all of us to come together and form a new understanding
based on this common language, which needs no translation and speaks
directly to hearts and souls, everywhere.
ABOUT ThE AUThOR
Originally an award-winning child prodigy as a pianist,
Mo. GianLuca Marcianò has conducted and performed
internationally for several seasons. He has conducted
several examples of standard repertoire at many theaters.
Mo. Marcianò was selected as Andrea Bocelli’s conductor in
Beijing in 2008, where he conducted and supervised a gala
concert of Mr. Bocelli, presiding over the Beijing Symphony
Orchestra at the Winland Financial Center’s grand opening.
One of Mo. Marcianò’s current projects is located in the
United Arab Emirates, as the General Artistic Director and
co-founder of an event company in Dubai, UAE, which
will produce classical and crossover events debuting this
season as concerts. The company’s co-founder and General
Manager is Marc Heller.
15 16

ART AND CULTURE
Tracking the Emirates -
Contemporary Art with a Local Flavour
This April, some of the UAE’s most talented artists will converge on RAK Hospital for the unveiling
of Tracking the Emirates, a high profile art competition and exhibition, held under the patronage of
His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah,
and His Excellency Mr. Gerhard Bruegger, Consul General of Switzerland.
collaboration between its organiser, Swiss Art Gate UAE (SAGUAE),
A and RAK Hospital, the competition was first conceived back in 2008,
when SAGUAE’s General Manager, Kurt Blum, met RAK Hospital’s CEO,
Jean-Marc Gauer, at an event in Dubai, and the two got to talking about
Swiss Art Gate’s activities in the UAE.
“Swiss Art Gate organises artistic exhibitions and events with a Swiss
connection. RAK Hospital is managed by Sonnenhof Group, from
Switzerland, and its CEO is Swiss,” says Blum. “He was very interested
in what we do and asked me if it was possible for me to organise an art
exhibition at RAK Hospital.”
After carefully considering Gauer’s request, and evaluating the
important aspects, particularly ‘Who’, ‘What’ and ‘Where’, Blum came
up with the idea to hold a competition, under the theme Tracking the
Emirates, where the work of local and resident UAE artists, would be
selected for an exhibition.
Tracking the Emirates, Blum explains, “is about people, through their art,
depicting their roots or experiences in relation to past, present or future
life in the UAE.” The works of art on display will be paintings, sculptures,
installations and photographs created especially for the competition, and
each selected artist will have a designated space in RAK Hospital to share
his or her artistic vision of this theme.
After the competition was announced, artists were invited to visit the
site at RAK hospital, where they were given a guided tour and further
information about the competition and the entry procedures. All those
interested in participating were asked to register by providing a copy of
their curriculum vitae and documentation of recent artwork in any one of
the categories of photography, painting, sculpture or silent movie. Blum
admits that the response was better than he had expected. “We received
submissions from 28 artists, at least five from Ras Al Khaimah. We were
quite pleased – and the quality of the work was on quite a high level.”
The entries were then evaluated by a panel of four judges, which – aside
from Blum and Gauer – included Khalil Abdulwahid, Chairman of the
Emirates Fine Arts Society, and Elisabeth Stoney, Art Professor at the
University of Sharjah, College of Fine Art. In the end, around 18 local and
resident artists were selected to display their work.
“RAK Hospital is the perfect setting for this type of exhibition, with a lot
of space for different kinds of art work, from sculptures, paintings and
photographs to window and wall applications and more,” explains Blum.
“Sponsoring and hosting this exhibition is a great way for the hospital
to showcase and promote its top-notch health care facilities, while
strengthening the local and regional art scene at the same time.”
The aim of the competition and exhibition is to highlight quality local
artwork and strengthen the profile of contemporary art in the UAE, as
well as to bring local artists closer to their own roots and heritage. Unlike
Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which have already established themselves,
in terms of art and culture, RAK is relatively new to the art scene. Blum
hopes that the opportunity to view a large exhibit of contemporary local
art, right here in Ras Al Khaimah, will familiarise the locals and residents
of RAK and the UAE with art and help them recognise that visiting a show
or museum, to experience and appreciate art, can be as enjoyable and as
regular an activity as attending a concert or movie.
Tracking the Emirates presents a great opportunity for the artists
involved to connect with each other and art lovers from RAK and the
other emirates and share the passion that motivates them, and for
some of them, like Sandra Woest, from German Label FZE (one of RAK
Free Trade Zone’s prominent registered clients) it will be their first time
exhibiting. Woest, whose photographs of people she has encountered
during her time in RAK will be among the pieces featured in the show,
does not consider herself a professional photographer, but is very
pleased to have been selected.
“I just started my photography since I moved here,” she says. “The
countryside gives you so many beautiful things to take pictures of – you
just have to open the door and open your eyes to see it.”
As Woest explains it, faces – particularly those of the elderly – tell some
of the best stories. “I’m totally impressed by the Arab culture and Arabic
faces; especially the old people,” she explains. “Is there anything more
important or interesting than listening to their stories? We can learn
more about life from them than from anywhere else; for me, the old
people are the real history of a place, and we all should admire and pay
as much attention to them as we can.” She believes her interest in the
elderly stems from spending a lot of time with her grandparents during
her childhood, and she really admires the way the younger generations
here care for the older generations. “They are treated very nicely by their
children and grandchildren, and the family takes good care of them. I wish
it was like this everywhere in the world!”
Woest also likes the way her photography enables her to reach out
to people. “My intention is also to, every day, make somebody happy.
Sometimes I go to the fish or vegetable market to take pictures of
the people working there, and the next time I visit, I bring them the
photographs. They are so happy to receive a gift of even just a little
picture. When I see the smiles on their faces, I am reminded of what is
really important in life – making other people smile – and it is something
that does not cost anything.”
Tracking the Emirates is the first exhibition of this kind organised by Swiss
Art Gate in RAK, but they hope that it will open the door for similar shows
and cultural events in the future. “For us, Tracking the Emirates is a new
experience,” shares Blum, “and we don’t yet know what kind of overall
response we will get, as some people feel that RAK is far from Sharjah,
Dubai and Abu Dhabi; though in reality, it only takes about an hour to
get to RAK from Dubai. So, we are thinking about ideas for similar events
that we can bring to Ras Al Khaimah in the future.” Blum also stresses
that such a big exhibition is not possible without the support of local
and regional sponsors. “We are very open to discussing sponsorship with
any interested company, and we would greatly appreciate any financial
contribution to this unique exhibition.”
Tracking the Emirates will open at RAK Hospital on 7 April (World Health
Day) at 6:00 pm, with an unveiling in the presence of His Highness Sheikh
Saud and H. E. Mr. Bruegger. For those interested in viewing the show, it
will officially open to the general public on 8 April.
Any individual or organisation that would like to make a monetary
contribution to this event or to sponsor it can contact:
Mr. Kurt Blum
General Manager, Swiss Art Gate UAE
kblum@swissartgateuae.com
Mobile: +971 50 225 1783
ART AND CULTURE
Photos similar to these,
from Sandra Woest, will be
part of the exhibition
17 18

PARTNER NEWS ENVIRONMENT
Join Us Online
RAK FTZ has established a presence on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and LinkedIn, as part of
our ongoing efforts to connect with you and ensure that you have easy access to our most
current information. For updates on RAK FTZ’s latest news, awards, past and upcoming events,
announcements, and more, join us online!
New Directives from RAK
Immigration Authority
The following new directives from the RAK Immigration Authority are
effective immediately:
dependent/family Visa
Individuals who wish to sponsor their dependents must be present in the
UAE at the time of applying for the dependent’s visa, and they must stay
in the country until the visa process is finalised. The Immigration Authority
will verify the immigration status of the sponsor, as part of the application
process, to ensure that they are still in the country. This applies to all new
dependent /family visa applications, as well as to visa renewals.
employment Visa applications for security personnel
Use of the job title “Security Guard/Officer” or “Guard” is only allowed
if the applicant is recruited or under training by an agency licensed
with the UAE Federal Ministry. This applies to all new employment visa
applications, as well as to visa renewals.
For any further questions regarding visa applications, please contact
visanotification@rakftz.com
Client Corner - Visa
Updates and Auditor List
The “Client Corner” on the RAK FTZ website has been developed even
further, to allow for better communication with our existing clients.
Visa updates
Directives from RAK Immigration Authority regarding visas are changing
regularly; to ensure that clients are always updated, we have added a
section called “Visa Updates”. All major announcements regarding visas
will be posted there. We strongly recommend that you visit regularly –
particularly when you are planning to apply for (or renew) any type of
visa – to avoid any inconvenience.
auditors list
To assist clients who are renewing their trade licences, we have listed a
range of available auditors for your convenience.
As always, Client Corner includes the regular ‘Announcements’ section,
where we post all RAK FTZ announcements relevant to existing clients,
including invitations to networking events. The Client Corner also consists of
the Client Directory, Client Testimonials, Client Feedback, and Webmail Login.
RAK FTZ helps Protect the Desert
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone is fulfilling one of its main objectives: to generate
awareness for environmental protection.
uring a recent press conference attended by Oussama El Omari, RAK
D FTZ CEO, Aref Al Abbar, Hobbies Club CEO and Osama Al Shehhi,
RAK FTZ Environmental Health and Safety Officer, RAK FTZ announced
its involvement, as one of the major sponsors, in the Desert Environment
Protection Campaign 2010.
Organised by Hobbies Club and supported by the Ministry of Environment
and Water, the campaign aims to encourage the nation’s youth to spend
their holidays and leisure time responsibly enjoying the region’s beautiful
natural environments. This twist puts prime importance on educating
campers, especially young nationals, on how to adopt sustainable
practices with regard to the desert environment in the seven emirates.
“We have pristine deserts in the UAE, and we would like both locals and
expatriates to enjoy them. Ensuring that they are duly-informed that they
are responsible for leaving the bit of land they use as clean and as pristine
as when they came is the number one
objective,” Oussama El Omari, RAK FTZ
CEO commented.
The campaign participants will also be
able to interact with each other, while
engaging in a variety of activities, such
as horseback riding, swimming, desert
cycling, falconry and hiking, which can
easily contribute to the formation of new
friendships and strengthen social relations
among them. This will help them gain skills
and knowledge pertaining to traditional
hospitality, as well as learn responsible and
eco-friendly camping practices.
“We need to band together to be able to
make a dent in the environmental crisis
that the world is facing,” El Omari added.
“This not a problem of only the West or Europe or even only the wealthy
nations; we all are contributors to environmental degradation, pollution
and global warming. As such, we must all actively be a factor in the
solution. It doesn’t always have to mean big campaigns – we can start
recycling and reusing on the individual level. As for RAK FTZ, we are
committed to saving our environment, and we will actively do everything
we can to move forward. Supporting the Desert Environment Protection
Campaign 2010 is only the first among many environmental protection
campaigns in which we plan to participate this year.”
This new bid to save the desert follows a successful first campaign
organised in 2009. The Hobbies Club, headed by Arif Bin Ali Al
Abbar, saw the positive effect last year’s event had on the youth,
and this inspired them to, again, work in coordination with the Dubai
Municipality to launch the second year of the Desert Environment
Protection Campaign 2010.
Oussama El Omari and Osama Al
Shehhi of RAK FTZ, with Aref Al
Abbar at the press conference
19 20

SPECIAL FEATURE SPECIAL FEATURE
RAK Terry Fox Run
In March, people from all over Ras Al Khaimah will run, walk, skip, skateboard, rollerblade and
cycle through the city to raise money for cancer research in the UAE.
The event is the first annual RAK Terry Fox Run. Terry Fox was a young
Canadian who found the courage to organise a charity run across
Canada in 1980, called the Marathon of Hope, to raise awareness about
the importance of cancer research and funding. This was no easy task
for Terry, as he was an amputee – he had lost his left leg to bone cancer
at an early age.
Terry succeeded despite the odds, running 5,373 km over 143 days, and
helping to raise CAD 24.17 million – one dollar from every Canadian.
However, Terry’s cancer had returned, and he died shortly after his run,
at the age of just 22.
But his dream lives on in the Terry Fox Run events, which are held
around the world every year to bring communities together to raise
money for cancer research. It is now the world’s largest one-day
fundraiser for cancer research.
This will be the first such event in Ras Al Khaimah, and organisers are
hoping the local community shows how deep they can dig to support
the cause. Ken Forde, Recreations Manager at the RAK English Speaking
School, says the event is very relaxed and fun day.
“As this is a non-competitive event, anyone who has a passion for
cancer awareness and wants to help in the fight against the spread of
the disease is encouraged to participate,” Ken says.
“This is also a great opportunity to bring the whole community together
and we encourage all the schools, businesses, the local government, etc.
to get involved. We also need volunteers on the morning of the run, so
even if you don’t want to run, please sign up and help on the morning.”
To find out more about how you can help, or to register, simply head
to www.premiermarathons.com/rakterryfoxrun and download the
sponsorship forms. Then ask your friends and family to sponsor you –
every little bit helps!
The event kicks off early Friday morning, 5 March. Participants can
submit registration and sponsorship forms and receive their participation
wristbands from 7.30 am. There will be two types of runs, both of which
will start at 9.00 am.
People who are feeling fit can take part in the 5km distance race. There
is also a 3km distance for those that wish to walk, skateboard, skip,
cycle, or even push the baby stroller. The shorter distance is a great
chance for the family to join together for a good cause.
100 per cent of all money raised is remitted to research institutions that
are accredited by the International Union Against Cancer in Geneva. The
funds raised from the first RAK Terry Fox Run will be donated to the UAE
University Hospital in Al Ain, where a number of ongoing and impressive
cancer research projects are being conducted.
“Presently their projects include looking at the effects of chemotherapy,
developing cancer gene therapy, further breast cancer treatments,
testing various therapies against tumour growth, developing a possible
anti-cancer agent and establishing the early stages of mammary gland
cancer,” says Ken.
But to continue these important research projects, your help is needed.
So register on the website and start rounding up those sponsorships!
The Terry Fox statue in
Ottawa, Canada
WhAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
21 22
WhEN?
Friday, 5 March, 2010. Registration begins at 7.30am and
the runs start at 9am.
WhERE?
Ras Al Khaimah Corniche
hOW TO REGISTER?
Head to www.premiermarathons.com/rakterryfoxrun
WhERE TO FIND OUT MORE?
Visit www.teryyfoxrun.org or Facebook
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=252308532325&ref=nf
or email terryfoxrak@gmail.com

23
COVER STORY COVER STORY
RAK FTZ Employees Lived
the Experience
Friday, 19 February, before the sun had cast its first shimmering rays across the dunes of
Ras Al Khaimah, more than 70 RAK FTZ employees were already out and about, warming up for
the much-awaited RAK Half Marathon 2010, together with the other more than 2,000 marathon
participants and spectators.
In full support of the emirate’s premiere event, RAK FTZ was represented by
13 teams, one for each department, in the Team Relay Challenge Category.
Each team trained for three months in preparation for the big event.
Teamwork being of prime importance, each group, composed of four
runners, ran the 21.0975km with a confidence and enthusiasm borne from
regular practice and coordination – an exhibition of true team spirit in play.
After all the runners had crossed the finish line and their times were duly
recorded, the winners of the RAK FTZ internal relay competition were
announced at the free zone’s headquarters in Nakheel. RAK FTZ Team 7,
composed of Suresh Yadav, Pradeep Kumar, Bader Nazeer and Veeramuthu
Nani, who managed to bag ninth place overall in the RAK Half Marathon
Relay Category, came in first in the RAK FTZ internal competition with a
recorded time of 1:40:20.
RAK FTZ Team 4, composed of Yahya Abdo Ali, Saeed Sarhan, Habeeb K
and Jyothish Kumar, came in second in the RAK FTZ internal competition,
finishing at 1:55:09, while Team 6, composed of Michael De Versoza,
Amster Fajardo, Shameer Khan and Mohan Singh, came in third, with a
recorded time of 1:57:31.
RAK FTZ CEO, Oussama El Omari, who ran for RAK FTZ Team 10, was
all smiles when he reached the finish line. Cooling down after his run,
he said, “What a fantastic event! The RAK Half Marathon got a lot of us
hooked on a healthy exercise regimen courtesy of the regular training,
and it also gave us the opportunity to hold our own healthy, friendly
competition to set the best record.”
He added, “I am very proud of RAK FTZ Team 7 for placing amongst the
top ten teams overall in the Team Relay category, and I am also proud of
each and every one of our staff who came out here to run or give moral
support. This just shows what RAK FTZ is all about – great teamwork and
indomitable team spirit, at work and at play.”
True enough, the RAK FTZ employees present, whether as marathon
participants or spectators offering moral support for their colleagues,
exhibited the same enthusiasm and energy. Many expressed their
appreciation and gratitude to the RAK FTZ management for providing
uniforms, refreshments and their all out support for the teams.
“We had an awesome day, and we all look forward to taking part in similar
events, like the Terry Fox Run in March,” said one of the participants. With
spirits and a strong sense of social responsibility running high in RAK FTZ
employees, the region will surely see RAK FTZ represented in more events
of this type.
But for now, the RAK FTZ employees who turned out for the race can
proudly claim the RAK Half Marathon slogan – we lived the experience!
24

25
IN ThE NEWS IN ThE NEWS
Events and
happenings at
RAK FTZ
RAK FTZ Joins ‘Clean Up
UAE’ Campaign
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone organised an effort to clear waste
scattered on Hulayla Island’s beaches, as part of the eighth ‘Clean Up
UAE’ national campaign. The day proved a huge success, with between
300 to 400 volunteers – from RAK FTZ, local government schools, and
private companies – showing up to do their part. Close to 800 garbage
bags worth of litter and debris were collected.
Launch of RAK FTZ
‘Employee Self-Service’
RAK FTZ announced the launch of ‘Employee Self-Service’ application
that provides RAK FTZ employees with easy access to HR information
and services. The application gives them more control over their personal
information, enabling them to quickly and conveniently review their leave
balance and apply for leave. They can also use the system to get real
time information on pay and other personal details as well as to access
employee policies, procedures and guidelines.
RAK FTZ Strengthens
Trade Links with Italy
RAK FTZ recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Emirates Chamber of Commerce in Italy (ECCI), with the goal of bringing
more businesses and investors to Ras Al Khaimah. Present at the signing
were Oussama El Omari, RAK FTZ CEO, and Dr. Ninni Meli, Secretary
General – ECCI, with Stefano Napoleone, ECCI Vice President, and Luca
Gorlero, RAK FTZ Director of Marketing.
Omani Ministry of
Commerce and Industry
Omani Ministry of Commerce and Industry conducted a study tour of RAK
Free Trade Zone to learn about the industrialisation process in the UAE as
well as the industrial activities within the free zone. The delegation was
joined by representatives from Japan International Cooperation Agency
who are working with the Omani Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Pakistan Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
visits RAK FTZ
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone received a delegation from Pakistan
headed by Ijaz Ahmed Mumtaz, Senior President of Lahore Chamber of
Commerce and Industry. Other participants were Sheikh Abdul Qayyun,
President of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Salim
Parekh, Chairman of Sindh Industrial and Trading Estates in Karachi, and
Sohail Aziz, Vice President of Marketing Association of Pakistan.
Launch of ‘INJAZ Training
Center’ Website
RAK FTZ announced the launch of ‘INJAZ Training Center’ website in the
last quarter of 2009 INJAZ offers a variety of E-learning courses to meet
the diverse needs of RAK Free Trade Zone employees and clients as well
as the community of Ras Al Khaimah.
The E-Learning programme offers courses from different fields such as:
Information Technology (IT), Desktop, Business, Accounting, Customer
Services, Sales, Marketing, and Legal. A full range of certification training
including Microsoft, CompTia, Novell, and Oracle are available.
For more information about our E-learning courses, please contact us at
+921 7 2077130 or injaz@rakftz.com
RAK FTZ Briefs New US
Consul General
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone recently briefed the new US Consul
General, Justin H Siberell, on the latest and planned projects in Ras Al
Khaimah during his official visit to the free zone. The Consul General
expressed interest in strengthening ties with RAK FTZ and the Government
of Ras Al Khaimah and discussed possible avenues for future collaboration
aimed at encouraging US investment in the emirate.
Out of the approximately 700 US companies present in the UAE, 163 are
registered with RAK FTZ. The free zone established offices in New York
and Miami in 2009 and has plans to further expand its presence in the US
market in the near future.
26

27
BEYOND ThE ZONE BEYOND ThE ZONE
Banyan Tree Al Wadi – Luxury at
One with Nature
As a first time visitor travelling to the luxury desert resort, Banyan Tree Al Wadi, you may very well
feel that you are lost in the Ras Al Khaimah desert, wandering past camel and date farms, not to
mention a few local families camping amidst the rolling red sand dunes.
t is only as you round the last bend in the road that the resort reveals
I itself – its sand coloured buildings rising up out of the desert and then
almost blending again into the background.
“We have taken the Arabic heritage and the unique desert environment
into account, so that we harmonise with our surroundings. Of the 101
pool-villas, the tented pool-villas are inspired by the tents of nomadic
Bedouin tribes, while the deluxe pool-villas are meant to depict the
traditional mud brick architecture of Ras Al Khaimah,” says General
Manager, Pascal Eppink, describing the design and layout of the resort.
“This property covers 100 hectares of land, and our buildings take up only
40 per cent of that – the rest is dedicated as a nature reserve for animals
native to the Arabian Peninsula, like the gazelles and the Arabian Oryx.”
The Banyan Tree, however, is not just a wildlife preserve– it is also a place
where you can relax and enjoy being spoiled and pampered. There are no
typical hotel rooms within the resort, only spacious villas – each with a
personal pool and views of the desert. The bathrooms in the ‘Al Khaimah’
tented pool villas are as large as the bedrooms, allowing plenty of space
for indulging in a massage, without ever leaving the villa.
“The ‘Al Khaimah’ villa is an intimate and exclusive space, especially for
special occasions. We are happy to prepare and suggest something unique,
depending on the occasion and the guests’ requirements. Meanwhile, the
connecting Al Rimal deluxe pool-villa is perfect for families, as it allows parents
to be close to their children yet still enjoy their own privacy,” Eppink says.
If you prefer having your treatments in the spa, you can still find privacy
in one of the 10 spa pavilions. Treatments are Asianinspired,
and the therapists use aromatic oils and
herbs to create the right atmosphere.
For the more active guest, there is a practically endless
choice of activities – from archery and biking to falconry
and sand-boarding. There is a stable connected to the
resort with Arabic horses and camels. Camel caravan
treks will be offered, where the ‘ships of the desert’
take guests out in the nature reserve – a more serene
alternative to the usual 4-wheel drive desert safari.
According to Eppink, the resort has something
for everyone and accommodates a wide variety of
requests. “Guests can choose to go for day trips into
the desert or to Dubai. Or, if they want to stay here,
they can, for example, go on a guided mountain bike
tour. We even do owl walks and scorpion hunting,” he
elaborates. “If you are staying with friends or family,
we can organise to take you all out into the desert,
set up a bonfire among the sand dunes, and have the
chef prepare a BBQ dinner under the stars. Saffron, which is our signature
restaurant in all our Banyan Tree properties, will provide an authentic Thai
experience, not only with the food but the service as well.”
In addition, Banyan Tree Al Wadi has recently taken over management of
the Al Hamra Golf Club, and transfers are organised for the resort’s golfing
guests. There are also many options for younger children, who are often
excluded from other high-end resorts.
“We are very family oriented and child-friendly – unlike many other luxury
resorts,” Eppink explains. “If you bring a child over four, they can spend
the day at our Activity Centre, attending falconry classes or horsebackriding
lessons. So you can book a day at the spa or play golf at Al Hamra
Golf Club, while your kids are entertained here.”
An important part of the Banyan Tree Al Wadi – as well as all Banyan Tree
resorts around the world – is the strong commitment to corporate social
responsibility, from simple acts, like using energy saving light bulbs, to
the more complex process of collecting the waste water from the resort,
which then undergoes reverse osmosis, so that it can be reused in the
nature reserve’s water-hole and for watering the plants.
The resort offers a Banyan Tree Gallery, a lifestyle gallery showcasing
indigenous arts and crafts from community projects worldwide. The
resort will also feature an activity centre and library, scheduled to open in
March, where educational lessons in falconry and Arabian lifestyle, culture
and heritage will be offered.
In reaching out to its immediate community, Banyan Tree Al Wadi plans
to partner with the Environmental Protection and Development Authority
(EPDA) in Ras Al Khaimah. The aim is to raise environmental awareness,
especially amongst children, through classroom sessions, bird-watching
classes and nature walks for the local schools.
Enjoy the pinnacle of luxury with a clean conscience - book yourself
a stay at Banyan Tree Al Wadi! For details and bookings, please call
+971 7 2067777.
28

29
BEYOND ThE ZONE hAPPENINGS
The New Ice Age
After months of waiting, the new Ice Age is finally here. Ras Al Khaimah’s new
Ice Land Water Park is now open.
Drive out of Ras Al Khaimah, past Al Hamra into the Khor Qurm region,
and you could be forgiven for thinking you have driven into another
world. Giant sea monsters and ice-capped mountain rise up out of the
desert. You aren’t dreaming – it’s the new Ice Land Water Park, part of
an ambitious development that will further cement Ras Al Khaimah’s
reputation as a world-class tourism and leisure destination.
Costing more than AED 140 million to build, the park will be home to 27
different types of water slides; a wave pool; an artificial coral reef, with
fish for snorkelling; tundra bath jacuzzis; an action river; and an aqua
football pool. It also features the world’s largest man-made waterfall –
at 160m wide and 14m high – from which visitors can dive into a pool
below. It will even have an Iberian rain-dance pool –
where people can dance, while being showered with
artificial rain and music played by local DJs.
“The water slides emerge from 5 towers situated on
top of the Polar Mountains, staged as an extension
of the Hajar Mountains,” says Santokh Chawla, Joint
Managing Director of Polo RAK Amusements.
“Ice Land’s theme comes from the concept of global
warming, which has led to a transpolar arctic drift. A
group of penguins, who survived the journey from the
Arctic to the Arabian Desert, set up their new home
along the coast of Jazeera Al Hamra.”
The snow-themed water park is the first phase of an
AED 850 million development called WoW RAK. When
finished, WoW RAK will have two amusement parks
– Ice Land Water Park and Planet Earth Theme Park –
as well as a shopping mall, entertainment plaza and
budget resort.
The entire development will cover around 120 acres,
making it one of the largest in the UAE.
When everything is up and running, WoW RAK will be able to host more
than 15,000 people a day. The next phases of the development are
planned to open over the coming two years.
The theme park is being developed by Polo RAK Amusements – a joint
venture between Polo Amusement Park from India, the RAK Investment
Authority and RAK Properties.
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy
Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, laid the foundation stone for WoW RAK back in
August 2006; three years later, the first stage of WoW RAK is now open.
It has been worth the wait – the Ice Age is finally here!
For more, check out their website www.icelandwaterpark.com.
An artist’s impression
of the Polar Mountains.
What’s happening in RAK
March / April 2010
happenings at the hilton
RAK Resort and Spa
For a South American experience, visit Pura Vida Restaurant at the Hilton
Beach Resort every Thursday from 6.30-11:00 pm. Enjoy live samba music
with the Leo band, beverages, and all the meat you can eat from the
Churrasco BBQ.
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day on 18 March, with a green-themed beach party
at the Waterbreaker terrace.
For Easter, the Hilton Resort will be putting on a Seafood Night at Al Bahar
Restaurant, as well as an Easter Brunch at Maarid Restaurant.
For details and booking, please call: +971 7 2065502.
Festive activities at Cove
Rotana Resort
Come and gather around with friends and family for a BBQ on the
beach, every Friday in March from 7:00-11:00 pm. If you want to finish
the night with an Arabic touch, try the shisha while relaxing on the
majlis facing the sea.
Celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, 21 March, at the Cinnamon restaurant,
where they will put on a lavish buffet especially created to please the
entire family, including a kids’ food station and entertainment. Cake and
flowers for mommy are available on request.
Enjoy Easter with a special brunch from Friday, 2 April, until Sunday, 4 April at
Cinnamon Restaurant. For details and booking, please call: +971 7 2066000.
Tower Links Golf
Competitions
Saturday, 13 March, Tower Links will host a ‘Ball and Chain’ Challenge,
which is a Greensome format with tee times from 12:00 pm. This event will
have two categories: the main one for pairs (of either gender or mixed) and
another event for all male pairs. On 27 March and 24 April, the club will
hold their Monthly Medal competitions, which guests are welcome to join.
Tower Links Golf Club also holds a nine hole, floodlit, social competition
every Wednesday night, with a different format each week. For more
information, please email golf@towerlinks.com or call +971 7 2279939.
30

EXPLORING RAK EXPLORING RAK
Sheba’s Palace
Ancient ruins are both haunting and comforting. This is their unique allure, which enables them to
draw generation after generation of tourists, explorers and romantics.
Standing amongst their decay and rubble you cannot help but think
of death, but at the same time, the fact that some part of something
built by man still remains hundreds or thousands of years after he has
passed on is heartening. These remnants of antiquity pique our curiosity
and appeal to our desire to connect with the past.
In this regard, the Shimal district (Shamal) is perhaps the most interesting
place to visit in Ras Al Khaimah. Hidden in plain sight just off the highway
to Oman, it has been the site of human habitation for several millennia,
with the earliest archaeological finds dating back as far as the 3rd Millennium BC. As such, the area holds great significance in the history
of the United Arab Emirates, yet little is known about these sites, and
relatively few residents of the UAE have visited them.
Even many of the inhabitants of Shamal and neighbouring villages don’t
really know the stories behind them or appreciate their significance. For
them, they are simply another part of the landscape, like the dry desert
brush and the mountains.
The view over Shimal
from Sheba’s Palace
31
At a quick glance, Shamal appears no different than any of the other little
settlements nestled at the foot of the Hajar mountains – scattered clusters
of houses and small shops, goats idly grazing along narrow roads, and
residents who stare curiously at the occasional visitor – but a closer look
reveals much more.
Heading off the highway, you quickly find yourself on a journey through
time, as every few hundred metres yields desolate remnants of one
different era after another. A tiny winding road carries you towards the
mountains, past a 19th Century watch tower on the outskirts of the village
and between rocky fields, where gnarled desert trees cast their shade
over ancient burial sites, until suddenly, you find yourself directly below
the crumbling ruins of a medieval mountain fortress, Sheba’s palace, in
English, or Qasr Al Zabba (Palace of Zenobia), in Arabic.
The Queen of Sheba is mentioned in both the Bible and Quran as a
powerful ruler who paid a visit to the court of King Solomon in the 10th
Century BC, while Zenobia was a 3rd Century (AD) Syrian Queen, who led
a revolt against the Roman Empire. Despite
the names, there is no evidence to suggest
a link between the fortress and either of the
legendary monarchs, who lived long before it
was ever built.
It’s not clear why the structure is attributed
to these women, but local historians believe
that there may have been some powerful
female ruler associated with it. The general
consensus is that it dates to the end of the
Julfar Period about 400 to 500 years ago,
though some pre-Islamic pottery was found
nearby, indicating that there might have been
an earlier stronghold on the same spot.
According to ancient accounts, Julfar, the
historical name for Ras Al Khaimah, was
an important centre of trade, in existence
from at least the 9th-10th Century AD, until
it fell into decline during the time of the
Portuguese occupation in the 17th Century.
The palace is believed to have been the
summer retreat of Julfar’s ruler.
The rocky ridge on which the ‘palace’ is situated is about 200 metres
up. Stairs have been built recently, so it is much more accessible than it
would have been before. Even so, they only cover about three quarters
of the approach, and the final portion of the ascent entails scrambling
up the sloping rocky surface to the top. The effort spent is well worth
it, if only for the view. Standing up there, in the swirling gusts of cool,
fresh air, it isn’t hard to understand why the fortress was built on that
spot. On a clear and sunny day – as most days are here – you can see for
miles – across Shamal, over the city of Ras Al Khaimah, and all the way to
the shimmering sea. Not easily accessed, it would have been the perfect
vantage point from which to safely keep watch over the settlements
below and spot any approaching trouble from afar off. It’s also noticeably
cooler and breezier there than on the ground below, making it a far more
pleasant, during the harsh summer months.
Sadly – abandoned and unprotected for years – the palace is in an advanced
state of decline, the result of repeated vandalism. For the untrained eye, it
is hard to picture what it must have looked like in its heyday, but from the
remaining bits of wall and foundation, it is possible to roughly make out
the location of different rooms and chambers. According to the experts
who have studied the site, the palace was a rectangular structure with
rooms on two levels and round towers in the corners.
The best preserved portion is a sunken room, with a high up opening
looking out over the town below. It is not clear for what it was used,
but speculation ranges from a cistern for water storage (most likely) to
a dungeon for prisoners. Though it was abandoned in the 16th Century,
it continued to serve as a retreat in times of danger for the residents
of Shamal for some time after that. The remnants of a long double wall
extending all along the edges of the site, certainly seem to indicate some
sort of protective purpose. Because there is no mention of the palace in
any old texts, most of what is ‘known’ about it is purely guesswork, based
on the general history of the area, and the little fragments of evidence
scattered around.
Unfortunately, attempts to protect the palace and
other ancient sites with barbed wire fences have
not been very successful, and the only purpose
they seem to serve is to obscure the view and ruin
attempts to get a good photograph. Given the
amount of damage it has incurred (broken down to
its foundations in most parts), a reconstruction of
Sheba’s Palace would be quite expensive and not
really feasible, but there is some talk of eventually
doing something to stop it from disappearing
completely and turn it into a proper tourist
destination.
At the moment however, it remains as it has for
generations – quietly crumbling into the ground –
and accessible to anyone willing to make the climb.
hOW TO GET ThERE
Drive north along Oman Road (highway leading to RAK
FTZ Industrial Park) towards Rams. Cross the junction with
Al Mamourah Street, and after the last traffic signal on that
road, drive straight until you reach the fourth road on the
right, marked by a brown sign reading ‘Shamal’. (There is a
big pink hall on the opposite side of the highway.)
This road is known as Archaeology Road, and if you continue
on it for approximately 1km, you will see a 19th Century
watch tower on your left. Nearby, along the side of the road,
to the right and then a little further down to the left are
some of the biggest of the Bronze Age tombs discovered in
the area. These are partially fenced in with barbed wire.
Continue past the tombs, and the road will take you
through Shamal. Follow the road until you find the
mountain and a gravel parking lot (the road will curve
sharply to the right at this point). Sheba’s Palace is on the
ridge directly above.
Climb the steps winding up the side of the mountain. These
end about 3/4 of the way up; from there, the two easiest
ways to reach the top are to either climb the rock face to the
front or walk around to the side until you see a more gradual
incline (with a loose rocky surface) leading up to the ruins.
The sunken room
is one of the only
remaining structures
32

33
INTL OFFICES
RAK Free Trade Zone
International Offices
India: Positioning RAK FTZ
as a Centre of Excellence
for the Indian Business
Community
The RAK FTZ India Liason Office in Mumbai, led by Bissoon Surnam, is
very active on both the marketing and sales fronts and regularly conducts
intensive campaigns, including road shows, in the major cities and
metropolitan areas of India - Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore,
Chennai, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Indore, Lucknow,
Ludhiana to name just a few.
In the past year, 25 road shows were organised all over India, with one
attended by around 200 businessmen who participated in interactive B2B
meetings with RAK FTZ representatives.
Additionally, the Liaison Office organises inward delegations, which bring
Indian businessmen to RAK FTZ on two-day, fact-finding missions. The
main objective of these inward missions, including visits to the Free Zone’s
Business, Industrial and Technology Parks, is to enable the delegates to
get an up-close look at RAK FTZ and the various opportunities it offers
and develop a clearer picture of the prevailing business environment and
investment climate.
With a view to attract more FDI from India, the Liaison Office has also
developed good working relationships with the most prominent trade
bodies and institutions in India, namely the Confederation of Indian
Industries, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, the Gem &
Jewellery Export Promotion Council, and the Associated Chambers of
Commerce & Industry of India, amongst others.
The RAK FTZ India Liaison Office endeavours to act as a convenient stop,
where Indian businessmen interested in registering a company with the
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone can get all the information and assistance
they require. If you are interested in participating in one of one of our
events in India or one of the missions to Ras Al Khaimah, please contact
RAK FTZ India Liason Office on india@rakftz.com.
Bissoon Surman speaking
at the Special Economic
Zones Conference in India
Germany: The Fifth Season
While well-known carnivals are held in many southern German cities
and in the Rhineland cities of Mainz, Aachen, Bonn and Düsseldorf, the
biggest and zaniest ‘Rhine Karneval’, in Germany, or for that matter in all
of Europe, is held in Köln (Cologne). Köln is not only the fourth largest and
oldest city in Germany, and the most important economic and industrial
centre in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia, but also the location of the
RAK FTZ office in Europe.
The carnival period, called the Fifth Season, is officially ‘opened’ at 11
minutes past 11 on the 11th of November and continues, fairly low-key,
for about three months, before coming to a climax on Weiberfastnacht
and Rosenmontag.
On Weiberfastnacht (women`s carnival night) it is a tradition for women
to cut off the tie of any man within reach, and women also take control
of the city hall on that day.
More than one million people go to the Rosenmontag parade in Köln
every year, and many more watch the festivities on TV. The parade consists
of floats that try to be beautiful and also represent satirical and political
topics. Dressed in costumes, people line the streets to cheer the floats and
the marching carnival bands, and tonnes of sweets are thrown into the
crowds, while everybody sings traditional carnival songs.
Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Christian Lent leading
up to Easter, marks the end of the Fifth Season and the street carnival.
According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, ‘Karneval’ in Köln has
an important social and economic impact on the city. Around 1.5m Euros
are donated to charities every year during the carnival period. In addition,
5000 jobs in Köln and the surrounding region depend on the annual
festivities during the Fifth Season. The carnival also plays an important role
in business networking, and many companies use visits to these events with
clients to intensify customer relations. An active commitment to carnival is
seen as an element of corporate social responsibility.
During this carnival season, the RAK FTZ Cologne office team wishes everyone:
KÖLLE ALAAF (phrase used to greet people during the Fifth Season).
INTL OFFICES
Turkey: Gulay Avici heads
the RAK FTZ office in Turkey
Gulay Avci was brought up and educated in Turkey. She has a BA in
History from Middle East Technical University. After working several years
for Emirates Airlines in Dubai, she joined the RAK FTZ sales team at The
Fairmont Dubai hotel in 2005.
Since 2007, she has been the Regional Manager of RAK FTZ’s office in
Istanbul. In this function, she brings investors from Turkey to RAK FTZ
through various business events and exhibitions, and she has close
contacts with business associations and chambers of commerce in Turkey.
Gulay can be contacted on turkey@rakftz.com, for business opportunities
at RAK Free Trade Zone.
RAK FTZ Regional
Manager, Turkey,
Gulay Avci
34

35
ACADEMY ZONE
Graduation First for Celebrating
UK University’s RAK Campus
Last month, the University of Bolton Ras Al Khaimah campus celebrated a double-first, as its first
cohort of students to reach graduation in RAK attended the University’s first degree congregation
ceremony in the United Arab Emirates.
Those who received their awards from the University’s Vice Chancellor,
Dr. George Holmes, were also the first University of Bolton students
to graduate from its first international campus, which is also the first
and only British university operating in RAK under the RAK Free Trade
Zone umbrella.
Around 25 undergraduate students received their Bachelor’s degrees in
Business Management, and approximately 30 post-graduate students
received certificates or diplomas, in front of over 300 students.
The degree congregation ceremony was also attended by the University
of Bolton’s Chancellor, The Rt Hon. Baroness Morris of Bolton, OBE, DL.
H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras
Al Khaimah, was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University
of Bolton. Sheikh Saud received the honorary doctorate from University of
Bolton’s Chancellor, The Rt Hon. Baroness Morris of Bolton, OBE, DL, at a
glittering function held at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa. The
Doctor of the University degree was awarded to Sheikh Saud in recognition
of his services to education.
The event was also attended by
various dignitaries, including H.H.
Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qassimi,
Chairman of RAK Free Trade Zone
and RAK Finance Department,
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al
Qassimi, other sheikhs, heads of
various government departments,
members of the British Council
and British Embassy.
The campus currently has 300
students registered in a range of
education programmes.
These include Business, Computing, Engineering, Electronics and Supply
Chain, all of which follow the control, assessment and curriculum of the
University’s UK centre.
All progression and awards are conferred by the same UK examination
boards assessing University of Bolton students in the UK. Therefore, the
university is able to award a UK degree to RAK campus students.
The Ras Al Khaimah campus is part of the University of Bolton’s strategy,
focusing on internationalisation. Zubair Hanslot, Academic Director of
the RAK Campus, is supported by the University’s International Campus
Learning Unit, based at the UK campus. The Unit provides support to
ensure quality control over procedures and processes.
“The internationalisation agenda is providing global opportunities
to many communities who otherwise would not be able to access UK
education, says Hanslot. “It is also a mechanism by which the university
reflects on its teaching and learning strategies and the manner in which
the academic curriculum is put into practice.”
H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, addresses
graduates while special guests, including
H.H. Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, look on
RAK FREE TRADE ZonE
ThE hOME OF BUSINESS
CElEbRATIng 10 YEARs of connecting smes worldwide
with emerging markets, via our award winning services and
simple registration procedures.
winner best emerging free zone at the 2008, 2007 and 2006 MELA Awards
winner industrial area of the Year at the 2009 SCATA Awards
winner best website at the 2009 World Free Zone Convention
serving 4,000 Companies from 120 Countries
international offices in Germany, Turkey, India and USA

37
Calendar
CALENDAR CALENDAR
Your guide to what’s coming up.
March Events
Channel middle east awards
1 march, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
The 2010 Channel Middle East Awards pays tribute to the outstanding achievements
of vendors and their channel partners during the past year.
For more information, visit www.itp.net/events/channelmeawards
Gulf photo plus
1 - 6 march, 2010
Dubai Knowledge Village Block 13, Dubai
This event will be packed with fantastic workshops, the Photofriday featuring
90-minute seminars and panels, an exhibition featuring work by the visiting
photographers and awesome special offers from all your favourite brands.
For more information, visit www.gulfphotoplus.com
franchising middle east 2010
2 - 4 march, 2010
Dubai World Trade Centre - Hall 8
Franchising Middle East Exhibition 2010 (FME) is an exclusive International
event offering an unparalleled opportunity for franchisors to access
entrepreneurs and investors.
For more information, visit www.franchisingme.com
Cabsat mena
2 - 4 march, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
CABSAT MENA is the third largest event in the world and region’s most important
event for the Digital Media industry.
For more information, visit www.cabsat.com
adts aerospace and defense training show
3 - 4 march, 2010
Airport Expo, Dubai
Middle East Aerospace and Defense event experts F&E Aerospace have teamed up with
specialist Simulation and Training information providers Halldale Media, to produce F&E
Aerospace’s upcoming Aerospace and Defense Training Show (ADTS) in Dubai.
For more information, visit www.adts.aero
international plants expo middle east
8 - 10 march, 2010
Airport Expo, Dubai
The region’s largest horticultural exhibition, IPM is an industry platform for
demonstrating the latest developments in horticulture and industry related
technology, maintenance, logistics and sales and promotion and showcasing a
wide variety of flora; including cut flowers, indoor and outdoor plants, ornamental
plants and tree nursery goods.
For more information, visit www.ipm-dubai.net
12 th Global businesswomen and leaders summit
8 march, 2010
Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai
Celebrating 100 years of International Women’s Day, the 12th Woibex pays tribute
to century of empowering women trailblazers. Woibex brings global business and
government women leaders together in an environment that fosters knowledgebuilding,
connecting them with their peers from around the world to share best practices
on strategic leadership, economic empowerment and sustainable development.
For more information, visit www.woibex.com
dubai international boat show
9 - 13 march, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
DIBS offers exhibitors a platform to showcase their products, supplies and
services to trade buyers as well as private consumers with high purchasing
power from the wealthy Middle East Regional markets as well as the emerging
markets like India, Russia and the CIS.
For more information, visit www.boatshowdubai.com
international abu dhabi diabetes Congress
12 - 14 march, 2010
ADNEC, Abu Dhabi
The event, which includes a high profile conference together with a commercial
exhibition, will bring together experts, internationally recognised speakers and
leading companies in the field of diabetes.
For more information, visit www.iaddc.com/iaddc
dubai lynx - international advertising festival
14 - 16 march, 2010
Dubai Media City, Dubai
The Dubai International Advertising Festival brings together advertising
talent from across the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), as well
as from around the world.
For more information, visit www.dubailynx.com
duphat Conference and exhibition
15 - 17 march, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
The Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and
Exhibition has evolved to be one of the most important annual pharmaceutical
events since its inception in 1995.
For more information, visit www.duphat.ae
dubai international rehabilitation forum
15 - 17 march, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
REHAB 2010 will give the Manufacturers, suppliers, traders and distributors of
rehabilitation equipment the chance to reach new markets by exhibiting and
meeting government officials, purchasing officers, decision makers and regional
rehabilitation hospitals, clinics, centres and institutions.
For more information, visit www.rehab.ae
dubai lynx awards
17 march, 2010
Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
The 4th Dubai Lynx Awards honour and celebrates creative excellence in Print,
Outdoor, TV/Cinema, Radio, Media, Direct & Sales Promotion, Interactive and
Integrated advertising.
For more information, visit www.dubailynx.com
taste of dubai
17 - 20 march, 2010
Dubai Media City, Dubai
Taste of Dubai is one of the must-attend events in the UAE. Last year saw worldfamous
chefs from the city’s most-acclaimed restaurants create a memorable four
days for food lovers by recreating a spectacular array of their star dishes.
For more information, visit www.tasteofdubaifestival.com
7 th leading Ceo summit
21 march, 2010
Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai
This summit aims to discuss critical issues facing today’s top executives, the
qualities imperative to their success, and the key strategies they need to employ
to put those qualities to use.
For more information, visit www.datamatixgroup.com/conferences
4 th international Quality Congress
22 - 24 march, 2010
Dubai Mall, Downtown Burj Dubai, Dubai
Provides the opportunity to interact with authors of your favourite qualitymanagement
books and features two full days of ground breaking presentations,
interactive workshops, and roundtable discussions.
For more information, visit www.qc.hbmeu.ae
aGra middle east
29 - 31 march, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
AGRAme now hosts five closely linked sectors under the same roof –
Agribusiness, Poultry/Livestock, Fishing/Aquaculture, Floriculture and the
newly launched Machinery/Supplies.
For more information, visit www.agramiddleeast.com
offshore arabia 2010
29 - 31 march, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
Offshore Arabia 2010 will focus on current challenges that we face on a worldwide
scale, such as the impact of the economic crisis on the environment, the oil, gas and
shipping industries and other businesses in general.
For more information, visit www.offshorearabia.ae
arabian power & water summit 2010
29 - 31 march, 2010
Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
The Arabian Power & Water Summit is an opportunity to meet the key industry
players to discuss and debate the challenges, and the opportunities, that lie ahead.
The Summit is designed to answer the questions you have and help identify the
solutions for your industry.
For more information, visit www.meedconferences.com
38

39
Calendar
CALENDAR CALENDAR
Your guide to what’s coming up.
April Events
dihad
4 - 6 april, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
The overall aim of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development
Conference is to contribute to the further enhancement of technically sound and
principled international humanitarian and development assistance.
For more information, visit www.dihad.org
imd dubai 2010
4 - 6 april, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
International Medical Care and Diagnostic Conference Dubai is one common
exhibition with three parallel sessions concentrating on Anesthesia, Critical Care,
Emergency and Catastrophe Management.
For more information, visit www.imd.ae
e-health Conference
4 - 5 april, 2010
Dubai Mall, Dubai
The 2nd Annual Conference on “The Environmental Health: Global Perspectives
and Challenges” focuses on three streams related to the understanding, conception
and implementation of Environmental Health-Conceive, Design, Deliver.
For more information, visit www.ehealth.hbmeu.ae
women’s world live-dubai
7 - 10 april, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
Women’s World Live is a new and exciting event especially for the modern woman of
today! From beauty and fashion to lifestyle and wellbeing, this consumer event is set to
show the very latest in beauty treatments, diet plans, styles, exercises, and much more.
For more information, visit www.womensworldme.com
the bride show
7 - 10 april, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
The Bride Show Dubai is the largest and most prestigious wedding and bridal
fashion event in the Middle East! See demonstrations from beauty professionals to
advise you on the latest trends for make-up and hair.
For more information, visit www.thebrideshow.com
the 5 th annual world takaful Conference
12 - 13 april, 2010
Dusit Thani Hotel, Dubai
Sets the stage for industry leaders to chart the future direction of the market,
showcase cutting edge innovations, and also address the key enablers that will
boost growth in the international Takaful market.
For more information, visit www.megaevents.net
international wood and wood products show
13 - 15 april, 2010
Dubai Airport Expo
This exhibition is the platform for wood and wooden products in the Middle East.
www.dubaiwoodshow.com
dubai derma
13 - 14 april, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
Dubai Derma is dedicated to practitioners, specialists, manufacturers and
distributors in the field of dermatology, skin care and skin lasers under the
motto “Skin Health is our Concern”.
For more information, visit www.dubaiderma.com
Gulf education & training exhibition (GeteX)
14 - 17 april, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
GETEX is the largest education fair in the Middle East and Asia. Organised by
International Conferences & Exhibitions LLC (IC&E), GETEX is currently held at
three venues – Dubai (UAE), Bahrain, and Bangalore (India).
For more information, visit www.mygetex.com
Cityscape abu dhabi
18 - 21 april, 2010
ADNEC, Abu Dhabi
Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010, the International Real Estate Investment and
Development Event, is an outstanding opportunity for the regional and
international real estate community to come together to network, create
joint venture partnerships and discuss the future of real estate.
For more information, visit www.cityscapeabudhabi.com
palme middle east
18 - 21 april, 2010
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai
Professional Audio, Light, Entertainment, Music and AV Exhibition.
For more information, visit www.palme-middleeast.com
airport show
A N S A R I . N E T
morgenland
25 - 27 april, 2010
Airport Expo Dubai
Airport Show is firmly established as one of the world’s leading events devoted
exclusively to airport construction, operations, technology and services.
For more information, visit www.theairportshow.com
5 th annual GCC nationalisation summit
TM
AUSGABE 76 03.05.2009 Mit TV-Programm vom 08.05.2009 bis 21.05.2009
A N S A R I . N E T
TM
morgenland
magazin
www.morgenland.com 5 AED
Al Saheel
Show
Das Magazin für die deutschsprachige Community in Middle East
The magazine for the German speaking community in Middle East
morgenland_76_front_v08.indd 1 05.05.2009 18:33:23
A N S A R I . N E T
New German Press MFZE
Tel: 04 391 3522
marketi ng@morgenland.com
www.morgenland.com
AUSGABE 80 01.11.2009 Mit TV-Programm vom 6.11.2009 bis 19.11.2009
TM
morgenland
magazin
www.morgenland.com 5 AED
Abschiedskonzert
Das Magazin für die deutschsprachige Community in Middle East
The magazine for the German speaking community in Middle East
morgenland_80_18.indd 1 02.11.2009 11:35:14
AUSGABE 77 17.05.2009 Mit TV-Programm vom 22.05.2009 bis 04.06.2009
morgenland
magazin
18 - 21 april, 2010
Dubai
The 5th Annual GCC Nationalisation Summit 2010 will address the challenges of
Nationalisation, including attracting, recruiting, retaining and developing nationals
in the private and public sectors
For more information, visit www.gccnationalisation.com
A N S A R I . N E T
TM
Dubai Fountain
magazin
www.morgenland.com 5 AED
Das Magazin für die deutschsprachige Community in Middle East
The magazine for the German speaking community in Middle East
morgenland_77_13.indd 1 19.05.2009 18:13:01
AUSGABE 81 15.11.2009 Mit TV-Programm vom 20.11.2009 bis 03.12.2009
A N S A R I . N E T
TM
morgenland
magazin
www.morgenland.com 5 AED
Sankt Martin
Das Magazin für die deutschsprachige Community in Middle East
The magazine for the German speaking community in Middle East
morgenland_81_21.indd 1 16.11.2009 12:16:15
AUSGABE 78 04.10.2009 Mit TV-Programm vom 09.10.2009 bis 22.10.2009
A N S A R I . N E T
TM
morgenland
magazin
www.morgenland.com 5 AED
DUBAI METRO
Das Magazin für die deutschsprachige Community in Middle East
The magazine for the German speaking community in Middle East
morgenland_78_24.indd 1 06.10.2009 23:00:05
AUSGABE 82 29.11.2009 Mit TV-Programm vom 4.12.2009 bis 17.12.2009
A N S A R I . N E T
TM
morgenland
magazin
www.morgenland.com 5 AED
DUBAI
AIR-SHOW
2009
Das Magazin für die deutschsprachige Community in Middle East
The magazine for the German-speaking community in Middle East
morgenland_82_18.indd 1 29.11.2009 13:31:43
ALLE 14 TAGE
EVERY 14 DAYS
AUSGABE 79 18.10.2009 Mit TV-Programm vom 23.10.2009 bis 05.11.2009
A N S A R I . N E T
TM
morgenland
magazin
www.morgenland.com 5 AED
KNAPPENKIDS-CAMP
IN DUBAI
Das Magazin für die deutschsprachige Community in Middle East
The magazine for the German speaking community in Middle East
morgenland_79_21.indd 1 19.10.2009 09:20:53
AUSGABE 83 13.12.2009 Mit TV-Programm vom 18.12.2009 bis 31.12.2009
A N S A R I . N E T
TM
morgenland
magazin
www.morgenland.com 5 AED
WEIHNACHTEN
Das Magazin für die deutschsprachige Community in Middle East
The magazine for the German-speaking community in Middle East
morgenland_83_21.indd 1 13.12.2009 23:00:08
Das Magazin für die deutschsprachige Community in Middle East
The magazine for the German speaking community in Middle East
morgenland_artwork.indd 1 16.12.2009 17:10:31
r a k f r e e t r a d e z o n e b i - m o n t h ly n e w s l e t t e r JAN/FEB 2010 NO3
Kids Zone
RAK FTZ’S NURSERY
AND ACTIVITY CENTRE
where kids are kings and queens
Litana Group | 4 RAK FTZ Wins Best Website Award | 5
Golf and Networking Event | 15 RAK Half Marathon | 23
www.rakftz.com
to adVertise
IN ThE BI-MONThLY NEWSLETTER
OF RAK FREE TRADE ZONE CALL US
ON +971 7 2041111 OR EMAIL US
AT newsletter@rakftz.Com
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
40

Free Spirit Subscription
Complete the form below, if you would like to receive a personal copy of Free Spirit, and mail it to the above
address or email us at newsletter@rakftz.com with your contact details.
First Name: Last Name:
Company Name:
City/Emirate: P.O. Box:
Phone: Fax:
Email:
SUBSCRIPTION