RAS AL KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates, February 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) continues to prove its leading edge in innovation and technology as it tops the list of fDi Magazine's best free zones list in the Middle East. With its state-of-the art facilities, friendly service, competitive rates and continuing development, RAK FTZ earned the 17th position of fDi magazine's Top 100 Special Economic Free Zone of the Future 2008/2009 over stiff competition.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090210/337669 )

Picturesque Ras Al Khaimah has also been hailed as 6th in the magazine's Top 20 Middle Eastern Cities. When it comes to Cities Most Attractive for Foreign Direct Investment, Ras Al Khaimah comes in first, followed by Abu Dhabi and then Dubai - it is an honour that is accepted with quiet pride by the progressive coastal city.

fDi Magazine is a foreign direct investment magazine by The Financial Times Business Group. The free zones are ranked according to 76 criteria including Economic Potential, Business Friendliness, Infrastructure, Tax and Other Costs, Foreign Direct Investment and Human Resources among others. The results were culled from questionnaires provided to the free zones, as well as third party establishments such as the World Bank and news wires.

We are very happy to have received this honour. Passing and excelling the rigid criteria that fDi Magazine set for this ranking proves that RAK FTZ is a powerful choice for companies looking into international expansion. This honour underlines the vast potential that RAK FTZ holds for them, shares Oussama El Omari, CEO and Director General of RAK FTZA.

Despite the current economic forecast we face, diligence in tapping a rich potential market coupled with a strategic and competitive location will provide a solution to these challenges, he adds.

Established in the year 2000, RAK FTZ quickly gained a promising reputation. RAK FTZ offers a cost-effective solution for business and trade to open within the Middle East. Despite the current economic climate, it staunchly forges ahead to provide better service and world-class infrastructure for its clients. RAK FTZ is continuing the development of its Navigator Business Campus and is also preparing for the Phase Two of the Industrial Park. Within the next three years, it is also expected to launch flagship projects including the Container Port and Dry Dock initiative, water-front investment opportunities, accelerating skills provision through Education Park and Academic Centre initiative, Aviation Park (Maintenance Repair Operation - M.R.O.), Al Ghayl Industrial Park, and Downtown Business Plaza. It has also recently re-launched its website http://www.rakftz.com and a new business forum http://www.bizinfouae.com for its clients that provide vital information making the free zone a virtual hub for businessmen and traders within the region.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) is a world-class business hub and a vehicle for industrial growth and development. The free zone, with its cutting-edge technology and keen customer focus, offers on-demand and custom-built support services to investors in a cost-effective and flexible environment. The Free Zone also offers a range of unique services which include the legal, human resources and marketing assistance.

The Free Trade Zone has created a system of four Parks - Business Park, Industrial Park, Technology Park and Al Ghayl Industrial Park- which offer identical advantages and benefits to investors. Backed by legislations allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership, tax-free environment, transparent laws and 100 per capital and profit repatriation, the free trade zone is well-positioned for global commerce.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone is one of the fastest growing free trade zones, with more than 4,700 companies from 106 countries around the globe.

Contact: Cleo Eleazar Public Relations and Media Officer Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority (RAK FTZA) +971-7-2077173 Email: c.eleazar@rakftz.com

Contact: Cleo Eleazar, Public Relations and Media Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone, Authority (RAK FTZA), +971-7-2077173, Email: c.eleazar@rakftz.com