A Ras Al Khaimah delegation has concluded a U.S. trade and investment visit spanning Florida, Michigan, Nevada and Utah, signing three Letters of Intent and advancing discussions on trade, investment and research with U.S. businesses, universities and economic development organizations.

Led by Dr. Carel Richter, Advisor, International Relations, Office of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the delegation explored opportunities across advanced manufacturing, technology, hospitality, tourism, education, food and agriculture, real estate and infrastructure, while strengthening ties with government institutions and business leaders.

Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by its Director-General, His Excellency Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi, signed Letters of Intent with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in Florida, Ann Arbor SPARK in Michigan, and World Trade Center Utah. The agreements provide a framework for collaboration between the respective business communities, supporting trade, investment and entrepreneurship.

“This visit has demonstrated the strength of the relationships that Ras Al Khaimah is building across the U.S. and the depth of opportunity for long-term cooperation,” said Dr. Richter. “Across Florida, Michigan, Nevada and Utah, we have established new partnerships and strengthened existing ones with governments, chambers, universities, businesses and investors, creating a strong foundation for practical collaboration.”

Dr. Richter continued, “We see this visit as an opportunity to deepen those relationships. Our priority now is to follow through on the opportunities identified and convert them into lasting partnerships, investment, trade and knowledge exchange. We look forward to welcoming our American partners to Ras Al Khaimah and working together to create shared value for our communities and businesses.”

In Florida, the delegation met with local elected officials, institutions and businesses, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, building on the 2025 agreement between Ras Al Khaimah and the City of Miami. Discussions with the University of Miami, Florida International University and Miami’s technology community explored collaboration in education, innovation, investment and business.

In Michigan, the delegation held meetings in Lansing, Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit, covering advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, agritech, healthcare technology, education and real estate. Discussions with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, University of Michigan, Michigan State University and other institutions explored investment, startup incubation, research and international market access. Meetings with companies identified potential opportunities for engagement with Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ).

In Nevada, discussions with the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance identified potential opportunities in sustainable mining and closed-loop lithium systems. A business forum generated investor leads across technology, cybersecurity, fintech, digital payments and healthcare. The delegation also advanced cooperation with Wynn Resorts ahead of the September 2027 opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island, and met Mayor Shelley Berkley and other destination leaders to explore tourism cooperation, convention infrastructure and a potential Sister City relationship.

In Utah, the delegation expanded its network of business and economic development partners through a Letter of Intent between Ras Al Khaimah Chamber and World Trade Center Utah, creating new opportunities for trade, investment and business partnerships. Engagements at The Point, Snowbird Resort, Olympic Park and Deer Valley explored approaches to innovation, public-private partnerships and destination development, as well as opportunities for future cooperation and knowledge exchange.

The delegation’s visit reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to developing international partnerships that support economic diversification, attract investment and expand opportunities for the emirate’s business community.

The delegation comprised representatives from the Office of the Ruler, RAK Chamber, RAKEZ, RAK Properties, Marjan, Innovation City, the Department of Knowledge and Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office. Follow-up with prospective investors, companies and institutional partners will focus on assessing the opportunities identified and developing them into projects, partnerships and further agreements.

About Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is distinguished by its natural diversity, rich history and forward-thinking vision under His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. With a commitment to sustainable development, economic prosperity, social development and innovation, RAK has become an ideal place to live, work and invest.

Strategically located between East and West – with one third of the world’s population within four hours’ flying time – RAK is a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Its economy is diverse, with no single sector accounting for more than 23% of GDP. RAK offers a business-friendly environment with customizable services, competitive operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax and one of the world’s lowest corporate tax rates. With world-class infrastructure, RAK is home to over 73,000 companies, including industry leaders such as RAK Ceramics and Julphar. RAKEZ and Innovation City support dynamic growth across industrial, manufacturing and digital sectors, backed by a future-focused economy validated by ‘A’ range credit ratings since 2008 from Fitch and S&P.

RAK has a multicultural society of 0.4 million people from 150 countries, offering a high quality of life, accessible luxury living and a serene coastal lifestyle, with bold hospitality projects led by signature luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton. Projects such as RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, while its natural beauty (UAE’s highest mountain, beaches and deserts) and rich cultural heritage – dating back 7,000 years – further enhance RAK’s universal appeal.

With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up, a competitive cost of living and high quality of life, Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities.

www.rakmediaoffice.ae | Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Media gallery

About The Author
Business Wire