The RAKEZ free zone (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) has introduced a special Businesswomen Package designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs. This package aims to simplify business launch in the UAE, lower the entry threshold, and provide women with equal and competitive conditions for entrepreneurial activity.
Businesswomen package in the RAKEZ free zone
The Businesswomen Package is a unique UAE offering targeted exclusively at businesswomen. The management of the RAKEZ free zone set the goal of creating the most accessible, straightforward mechanism for launching small- and medium-sized businesses for women investors.
To start a business, the following is sufficient:
- an idea;
- minimal start-up capital;
- payment of government fees starting from AED 6,200 for the first year of activity.
RAKEZ offers two package options:
- for 1 year;
- for 3 years – a more advantageous option, as it includes one resident visa for the investor (the government fee for the visa is approximately AED 4,000).
Available license types under the Businesswomen package
Under the Businesswomen Package, the following licenses are available:
- commercial license;
- e-commerce license;
- general trading license;
- service license;
- educational license;
- media license;
- individual professional license;
- freelancer license.
As with other RAKEZ residents, women entrepreneurs have access to the full free zone infrastructure: offices, workstations, warehouses, land plots, and related services.
Business registration process for women entrepreneurs
The process of registering a company or individual entrepreneurial activity under the Businesswomen Package includes standard stages:
- Collection and submission of documents. The document package depends on the company's license type and legal form. During registration, at least one personal visit to the UAE is required to sign documents.
- Payment of registration and government fees. The amount depends on the selected package and license duration.
- Issuance of the business license. After completion of administrative procedures, the license is issued, and the company may begin operations.
- Obtaining a resident visa. The Businesswomen Package provides the option to obtain a resident visa for the investor.
It is important to note that the entire process can be completed independently. However, in practice, this requires significant time and knowledge of local procedures and increases the risk of errors. Therefore, many entrepreneurs prefer support from a professional consulting company.
Why RAKEZ focuses on women entrepreneurs
Historically, women have been underrepresented in the Middle Eastern business environment. RAKEZ management deliberately chose to address this imbalance. Prior to launching the Businesswomen Package, special events and consultations were held with women entrepreneurs to identify key barriers and challenges.
Based on this input, the Businesswomen Package was developed with the aim of:
- reducing the financial entry threshold for business;
- simplifying administrative procedures;
- creating a supportive entrepreneurial environment.
In addition, the UAE hosts organizations supporting women entrepreneurship, including the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, founded by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
A few facts about women entrepreneurs
- Women-owned businesses grow faster. According to official U.S. statistics, companies owned by women grow five times faster than the national average.
- Women use crowdfunding more effectively. Projects launched by women on platforms such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter attract, on average, more funding than comparable projects launched by men.
- Lower start-up capital – higher efficiency. Women start businesses with approximately 50% less initial capital while demonstrating strong project sustainability.
How a woman can become an entrepreneur in the UAE
The UAE consistently ranks highly in global ease-of-doing-business rankings. The Businesswomen Package offers the same opportunities as standard corporate packages while reducing registration costs and administrative burden.
Licenses available under the package cover the most popular business activities, including online business, consulting, education, media, and services.
Even homemakers or women with children can launch their own online projects by obtaining a freelancer or individual professional license.
Which business is most profitable for a woman in the UAE
The most optimal activities under the Businesswomen Package include:
- e-commerce;
- consulting and service activities;
- education and online learning;
- media projects;
- freelancing and individual professional activity.
For other types of business, standard free zone requirements apply, which also remain competitive compared to other UAE free zones.
Opportunities after obtaining a license
A woman entrepreneur registered in RAKEZ receives:
- access to the full free zone infrastructure;
- the ability to conduct international business;
- access to the UAE banking system;
- a resident visa with the right to reside and move freely.
A stable legal environment, economic growth, and government support create favorable conditions for the development of women-led businesses in the UAE.
Well-known businesswomen
The wealthiest woman entrepreneur in the world
According to Forbes data, Alice Walton has remained the world’s wealthiest woman in recent years. Her net worth is estimated at USD 85-90 billion, driven by Walmart’s market capitalization growth and the Walton family’s investment assets.
In addition to business, Alice Walton is actively involved in philanthropy and cultural development, particularly through the funding and development of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, considered one of the key cultural projects in the United States.
Examples of successful women entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UAE
In recent years, the UAE has remained a regional leader in women’s participation in entrepreneurship, investment, and corporate governance. Notable figures include:
- Raja Al Gurg – one of the most influential businesswomen in the UAE, managing director of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, a diversified conglomerate with assets in construction, industry, real estate, and trade. She is also actively involved in government and public initiatives that support women's entrepreneurship.
- Mona Ataya – co-founder and CEO of Mumzworld, the largest MENA-region e-commerce platform for mother and baby products. The project has become one of the most successful examples of a female-founded venture business in the UAE.
- Hana Al Rostamani – CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest bank in the UAE. She is one of the most influential women in the region’s financial sector and a key figure in the development of the country’s banking and investment system.
- Nayla Al Khaja – the first female director and producer in the UAE, founder of D-SEVEN Motion Pictures. By 2027, her company will be involved in international film projects and actively promote the UAE’s creative industry globally.
- Ambareen Musa – founder of Souqalmal.com, one of the largest digital platforms for comparing financial products in the MENA region. The project played a significant role in the development of the UAE fintech ecosystem.
- Nadine du Toit – entrepreneur and founder of GloryGirl Fitness, one of the most recognizable fitness brands in Dubai, focused on the female audience and the premium segment.
These examples demonstrate that in recent years, women in the UAE have successfully realized themselves not only in traditional business sectors but also in finance, technology, the creative economy, e-commerce, and investments, benefiting from a favorable regulatory environment and access to international capital.
