RAK Economic Zone Authority Operating Rules 2018 — licensing, premises and leases, operations, visas and sponsorship, security deposits, inspections, abandonment, revocation and change of ownership (rules 1-25, full extraction 2026-10-31),
chapter by chapter

RAKEZ Rules 9.4-9.6

Licensees must only conduct licensed activities and comply with relevant authority rules, with separate licenses required for different activities.

RAKEZ Rules 9.8

A License application must include specific documents and a business plan, and the Authority will issue the License after lease payment is complete.

RAKEZ Rules 9.9

A Licensee must appoint a named individual as manager, who acts as the Authority's authorized representative in dealings.

RAKEZ Rules 9.10

Licensees must provide a Certificate of Authorization containing details of each authorized signatory to the Authority.

RAKEZ Rules 9.11

Licensees must apply to alter Licence information, with changes effective upon receipt of the amended Licence.

RAKEZ Rules 9.12

A Licensee must apply for license renewal 30 days prior to expiry, providing various documents, or face penalties.

RAKEZ Rules 10.3(a)

A Licensee must ensure their office space is operational within 60 days of lease commencement and staffed during normal business hours.

RAKEZ Rules 10.3(b)

Licensees building on vacant land must have a Lease or Musataha Agreement, complete construction within 18 months, and register agreements.

RAKEZ Rules 10.3(c)

Licensees must ensure leased warehouses are operational within 90 days of lease agreement.

RAKEZ Rules 10.3(d), 19

Licensees must comply with Authority rules on employee accommodation, ensuring proper construction and inspection access.

RAKEZ Rules 10.4

Lease assignments for plots require written approval from the Authority, which may impose conditions; assignment remains binding until signed by the Authority.

RAKEZ Rules 10.5-10.6

A Licensee must obtain prior approval from the Authority to sub-lease, ensuring compliance with lease terms and joint liability for sub-lessee activities.

RAKEZ Rules 10.7

Licensees must settle all dues and restore leased premises to original condition, with waste disposal as per local authority rules before lease termination.

RAKEZ Rules 11.1-11.5

Shareholders must obtain prior written approval from the Authority to pledge shares, and Licensees must not create security interests without approval.

RAKEZ Rules 12.1-12.3

Building work in the Zone requires compliance with building regulations, prior Authority approval, and a building permit application within 2 months of lease signing.

RAKEZ Rules 12.5

Licensees must ensure building works are inspected, apply for a Completion Certificate post-construction, and connect services only after approval.

RAKEZ Rules 12.6, 24.5

A licensee must obtain an Operation Fitness Certificate before operating from any facility, which requires compliance verifications and is renewed annually.

RAKEZ Rules 12.7

Licensees must obtain and pay for necessary services such as electricity, water, and sewerage.

RAKEZ Rules 13

Free Zone Entities are prohibited from retailing products in the Free Zone, trading contraband, or displaying products directly in mainland UAE.

RAKEZ Rules 14.1

Sponsored Employees must contract with the Licensee on terms no less favorable than the Authority's, with Licensees covering all costs.

RAKEZ Rules 14.2

A Sponsored Employee may transfer only with Authority's written approval, requiring consent from both Licensees and confirmation of all dues paid.

RAKEZ Rules 14.3

Licensees must provide a refundable AED 2,000 Visa Security Deposit for each non-GCC employee, forfeitable upon closure or unpaid end-of-service dues.

RAKEZ Rules 14.4

A Licensee requires Authority consent to employ Non-Sponsored Employees, favoring GCC nationals and temporary staff, and must obtain identity cards for permanent staff.

RAKEZ Rules 14.5(d, f, h)

Licensees must replace lost identity cards, apply for visitor passes, and process cancellations for employees who stop working or are deemed absconding.

RAKEZ Rules 14.6

Licensees must not retain employees' passports.

RAKEZ Rules 14.8

The Authority may request proof of salary payments from a Licensee and implement measures for timely payment.

RAKEZ Rules 15.1

A Licensee must hold various insurances before starting construction, including works, public liability, and workers' compensation, and provide proof to the Authority.

RAKEZ Rules 15.2

Licensees must provide workers' compensation insurance for employees covering employment injuries and related medical expenses.

RAKEZ Rules 16

Free Zone Entities importing or exporting must have a Customs code and a representative with a Customs card, adhering to Customs rules.

RAKEZ Rules 17.1

Licensees must notify the Authority if operations cease for three months; failure results in potential cancellation of licenses and repatriation of employees.

RAKEZ Rules 17.2

If goods are abandoned in the Zone, the Authority may notify the Licensee to clear them, list them as abandoned, and auction them at the Licensee's expense.

RAKEZ Rules 18

Licensees must display approved signage on leased premises and ensure it does not violate third-party rights.

RAKEZ Rules 20.1-20.2

Licensees must adhere to health and safety laws, ensuring designated areas for cooking and proper handling of edible goods.

RAKEZ Rules 20.3

A Licensee must report health emergencies or serious illnesses involving employees to a health service provider and submit a written report to the Authority.

RAKEZ Rules 20.4-20.6

Licensees must manage waste disposal according to regulations, subscribe to sewerage systems, and ensure proper storage for industrial discharge.

RAKEZ Rules 21

Vehicles entering Free Zone require Authority permits and security checks; incidents must be reported to the Authority.

RAKEZ Rules 22

Drivers and operators are required to hold relevant licenses, park vehicles only within leased premises, and seek approval before purchasing commercial vehicles.

RAKEZ Rules 23.4

Licensees and employees must assist with the Authority's inspection of their leased premises.

RAKEZ Rules 24.2(a, d), 24.3-24.4, 24.6-24.8

The RAKEZ Rules impose specific fines for various violations, including activities outside the License, illegal employment, and breaches of building regulations.

RAKEZ Rules 25.1-25.2

The Authority can ban Licensee personnel and products from entering or exiting if violations are not remedied within 15 days.

RAKEZ Rules 10.7, 14.3, 15.1-ret

Records including insurance policies and permits must be retained for the lease duration plus three years after the certification date.