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:
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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