RAKEZ signs MoU with SICCI to boost South Indian business expansion in UAE

Over 15,000 India-linked firms now operate in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, following new partnership with Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) to support South Indian businesses’ UAE expansion, following a business roadshow in Chennai, India, on 28 October 2026. The agreement aims to facilitate trade, investor referrals and business growth opportunities for South Indian companies, according to a RAKEZ statement.

The MoU was signed by Mohammed Alblooshi, RAKEZ Strategic Partnership Manager, and Gopi Koteeswaran, SICCI Executive Committee Member. The partnership is designed to strengthen ties between SICCI’s business network and RAKEZ, creating new avenues for cooperation and investment in Ras Al Khaimah.

During the Chennai roadshow, RAKEZ and SICCI jointly hosted an industry roundtable titled ‘Discover Your UAE Expansion Pathway’. The event brought together members of the South Indian business community to discuss opportunities for entering the UAE and broader Middle East markets. Discussions highlighted Ras Al Khaimah’s competitive business environment, strategic connectivity and the range of solutions available for companies seeking to establish or expand their regional operations.

The RAKEZ delegation held more than a dozen business meetings in Chennai, engaging with a diversified conglomerate and companies from sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, automotive components, natural stone and mining, electric vehicle batteries, speciality chemicals, petrochemicals, and oil and gas. These meetings focused on potential expansion opportunities and how RAKEZ’s industrial infrastructure, business facilities and support services could address operational needs.

Commenting on the roadshow, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “India continues to be one of our most important business partners, and South India represents a particularly dynamic market with strong capabilities across manufacturing, technology and industrial sectors. Our engagements in Chennai reinforced the growing interest among Indian businesses in accessing new markets through the UAE. Through our partnership with SICCI, we are creating a more direct channel for businesses to explore opportunities, build connections and take their expansion plans forward. At RAKEZ, our focus is on helping these companies translate their international ambitions into sustainable business operations.”

The roadshow builds on RAKEZ’s established relationship with the Indian business community. The economic zone currently hosts more than 15,000 India-linked businesses, including commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland, consumer goods company Dabur, armoured vehicle manufacturer Mahindra RAK, and dielectric film producer Xpro India Limited of the Birla Group, among others.

RAKEZ stated that it will continue to engage with Indian industry bodies and businesses to further strengthen economic cooperation, support cross-border investment and position Ras Al Khaimah as a competitive destination for South Indian enterprises seeking international expansion.

Source: https://rakez.com/en/media-centre/news-detail/articleid/1745/rakez-partners-with-sicci-to-support-south-indian-businesses-uae-expansion