Ras Al Khaimah has taken a major step to simplify industrial approvals with a new partnership between Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA). The two entities signed an MoU to establish a structured framework for environmental verification and approval in priority sectors, including cement, chemical, and general industries.
The MoU, signed by RAKEZ group CEO Ramy Jallad and EPDA acting director general H.E. Dr Abdulrahman Al Shayeb Al Naqbi, aims to speed up licensing procedures while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The framework has been developed in coordination with RAKEZ’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Department to align regulatory oversight with operational processes.
Under the new system, industrial companies can expect a faster, more predictable approval process, with clear guidance on expansion or modification requests from the outset. Officials said the initiative would enhance transparency for investors and provide a smoother pathway for project development while safeguarding Ras Al Khaimah’s environment.
“The collaboration reflects our commitment to balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility,” said Ramy Jallad. “By aligning processes with EPDA, we are creating a more efficient framework that benefits investors while upholding the highest environmental standards.”
H.E. Dr Abdulrahman Al Shayeb Al Naqbi added that the MoU represents a significant step in integrating world-class environmental practices with industrial development. “By establishing clear, time-bound approval frameworks, we are helping investors in the cement, chemical, and industrial sectors while protecting the emirate’s environment,” he said. “This approach ensures that faster business setup and expansion occur with strict compliance and technical oversight, fostering a sustainable and competitive industrial ecosystem.”
The agreement also includes joint initiatives for knowledge sharing, technical alignment, and training between EPDA and RAKEZ’s HSE teams, aimed at improving environmental governance across the emirate’s industrial base.
RAKEZ, home to nearly 40,000 companies, continues to strengthen its ecosystem through partnerships that enhance operational efficiency, regulatory clarity, and long-term sustainability. Industry observers say the new framework could significantly reduce delays in project approvals and reinforce Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as an investor-friendly hub for sustainable industrial development.
RAKEZ and EPDA aim to streamline environmental approvals
