Bringing investors and financiers together with key RAK entities to explore real investment projects & venture opportunities in the Rising Emirate. 13-14 December 2016 Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE SUPPORTED BY STRATEGIC PARTNERS OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER www.rakfif.com
WHAT IS RAKFIF? Ras Al Khaimah Finance and Investment Forum (RAKFIF) is a high-level two day international business investment and finance forum bringing experts from government and leading industries across various sectors of Ras Al Khaimah together with international and regional investors and financiers to explore business opportunities in the Rising Emirate. The Forum brings to the fore the numerous projects for investment that have emerged in Ras Al Khaimah, focusing on a number of key economic sectors including infrastructure, manufacturing & production, real estate, hospitality & leisure. The Forum is the first and only event of its kind to specifically examine and showcase wholly the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as a business and investment destination bringing together key government and business entities in Ras Al Khaimah on one platform. WHAT TO EXPECT At the Forum, investors and financiers will get the opportunity to mingle with key local government and private sector executives and learn first-hand the How, Where and What of the business opportunities and the viable investment projects that are underway for involvement in the Emirate. At the Forum participants will learn about: Existing and new investment projects underway in the emirate and opportunities for investor involvement Investment financing options and availability In-depth knowledge of the various business sectors for involvement: infrastructure, manufacturing & production, real estate, hospitality & leisure The strategic advantages that the Middle East region, and more specifically, the competitive advantages Ras Al Khaimah offers investors The legislative and fiscal environment of doing business in Ras Al Khaimah expert advice on the latest regulations and policies governing business practices What financing structures are being used with success in RAK in the present environment and what investment opportunities do they present? How infrastructure assets are most efficiently accessed: direct equity participation, dedicated funds, indirect equity investment? For more information or to register visit www.rakfif.com or contact us on +971 (0)7 243 7562 enquiries@rakfif.com
WHY RAKFIF? Backed by strong government support and major local entities, the objective of the RAKFIF conference is to unify these strategic partners in presenting an all encompassing network of advice, services and business opportunities for investors. RAK recently ranked in the top 10 global cities of the future 2014-15 by The Financial Times A preferred destination of over 8,000 businesses from 100+ countries representing 50+ highly diverse sectors and industries. Up to 66% international businesses from Europe, India, USA, Russia, CIS and several Asian countries One of fastest growing economies in the MENA region, with a yearly average of 8.8% growth rate Standard & Poor s A/A-1 Fitch Ratings A/A Expansion of infrastructure sees Qatar Airways arrival, while Air Arabia implements more destinations for 2016 and beyond. The US$15.4bn 1200km Etihad Rail line project connecting to a broader pan-gcc network will lead to lower costs for goods moving from RAK across GCC HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved AED7bn worth of projects including the Emirates Road extension to the northern Emirates GDP Growth +53.8% from AED 17.6bn in 2010 to AED 27bn in 2014. Higher corporate profits by up to 35%. Lower operational costs by 20% Exemption on machinery imports 0% Tax Goal of 1m visitors by 2018 almost reached with 740,383 guests recorded by first half of 2015 Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) A Growing Economy Strategically located allowing access to regional consumers and beyond: UAE 9m consumers, GCC 45m consumers, MENA 355m consumers Manufacturing 35% of GDP. Excelling as manufacturing hub since 1920 The estimated total value of projects planned or underway in the UAE currently is US$549bn Dubai EXPO 2020 forecasted to attract 25m tourists and visitors to Dubai in 2020, giving surrounding Emirates ample opportunities Ministry of Public Works plans US$119m budget for 8 projects in Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain, UAE Major contracts secured include US$40.8m China Harbour Engineering Company contract for the marine and infrastructure works at Al Hamra s Falcon Island project, and Sun Engineering US$63m contract for Manar Mall expansion Global Hotel Giants with planned developments include Anantara and Mariott, among many >> Make Extraordinary Connections >> Forge Partnerships >> Generate Interest
WHO YOU WILL MEET The Forum participants will be senior executives and decision makers from key local government and private sector entities in Ras Al Khaimah representing key economic sectors: infrastructure, manufacturing & production, hospitality & leisure, and real estate among others. The Forum will also be attended by international and regional business investors and financiers, business leaders and executives interested in investment and business opportunities in the UAE and the region at large, from: Industry manufacturing, production, engineering and construction firms Hospitality and leisure Financial institutions Investment firms Management & industry consulting firms Legal, regulatory, taxation, advisory firms Strategic investors (international & regional) FDI consultancies Trade, investment, and economic development agencies Senior government representatives Arrive Connect Capitalise
There is no substitute for face-to-face communication and the RAKFIF programme, specifically designed with a mix of formal and informal gatherings, provides a premier networking platform for investors and businesses alike to meet, mingle and discuss areas of particular interest to themselves. Forum participants can expect to network with a targeted audience of senior executives and decision makers from key local government and private sector entities in Ras Al Khaimah, representing key industry sectors as well as international and regional investors, financiers, business leaders and senior executives comprising of UAE, GCC, wider Middle East and international participants. Participants can become more informed and meet new contacts by attending: Plenary sessions with high-level speakers from leading corporations, investment institutions, and government and private sector establishments Formal and informal gatherings both at the forum and the pre event welcome reception and gala dinner provide additional networking opportunities A dedicated onsite exhibition showcasing the best of Ras Al Khaimah and its investment offerings, featuring key entities and local business expertise that can assist with investor venture requirements Sector specific breakout sessions Panel discussions NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Forum s sponsorship packages are designed to complement your existing marketing mix and present your organisation to the largest number of industry decision makers both at the event and online. Whether you are looking to increase visibility in your target market or for the opportunity to develop relationships with potential customers and strengthen existing relationships with current ones, we will ensure that your company stands out as we promote your involvement with the event. From the exclusive Platinum sponsorship, through the day 1 and 2 Gold sponsorships to the Silver and Bronze category sponsorships, there is a package and profile to suit all budgets and requirements. For more information on sponsorship contact: Eva Mullen eva@rakfif.com or +971 (0) 50 256 1065
PRELIMINARY AGENDA Pre Event Reception 12 December 2016 19.00 Welcome reception Day One 13 December 2016 08:30 Registration & coffee 09:30 Welcome address and speeches 10:00 Opening keynote: Doing business in RAK The macroeconomic picture 11:00 Refreshments & networking 11:30 Plenary session: Gaining exposure to investments in RAK Outlook for investment 12:15 The RAK Experience Panel discussion with international companies as they share their experiences of investing in RAK 13:00 Lunch 14:00 Investing in RAK Accessing opportunities and managing risks 14:45 Financing your project/investment 15:30 Private equity investment landscape and opportunities 16:00 Refreshments & networking 16:30 Opportunities for SME involvement 17:00 Driving growth through innovation In conversation with RAK s homegrown multinationals 17:45 End of day one 19:00 Evening networking reception & dinner Day Two 14 December 2016 08:30 Forum registration & coffee 09:00 Forum breaks into parallel industry sector specific meeting sessions: Track I: Outlook for Investment in RAK tourism, hospitality and real estate sectors Track II: Enhancing Ras Al Khaimah s manufacturing & production value chain Track III: Accelerating Infrastructure development Investing in longer-term assets 10:30 Refreshments & networking 11:00 Parallel industry sector specific meeting sessions continue 13:30 Lunch 14:30 Site visits Gain an even greater perspective of all that Ras Al Khaimah has to offer by participating in site visits to selected locations/facilities in RAK. 16:00 Close of Forum
ADVISORY PANEL & SPEAKERS RAKFIF 2016 will feature keynote speakers offering compelling and expert industry information and advice for investors and organisations looking to standout amongst their competition and capitalise on the numerous opportunities the region presents. Our cherry picked speaker faculty and advisory panel of senior representatives and industry experts ensure that the programme reflects current and topical issues of importance. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi Chairman, RAK FTZ & RAKIA Peter England CEO, RAKBANK Ramy Jallad CEO, RAK FTZ & RAKIA Haitham Mattar CEO, RAK TDA Kylie Ramsden Head of Investor Relations, Al Hamra Group Full listings of speakers and advisory panel members will be released on our website www.rakfif.com shortly.
13-14 December 2016 REGISTER TO ATTEND RAKFIF is a private event open to partners and sponsors, their clients and senior decision makers from government and private sector entities, regional and international investors, business leaders and executives from industry, financial and investment organisations, management consultancies, and all senior level executives interested in investment and business opportunities in the UAE and the region at large. Interest is high and places are limited, so please register early to secure your spot! Register online at www.rakfif.com or contact us for further information: +971 (0)7 243 7562 or enquiries@rakfif.com GETTING TO RAKFIF Only a forty-five minute drive from Dubai, getting to RAKFIF couldn t be easier! Transport from key points in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be arranged and provided for Forum participants to attend the event. For all other travel information, including international, as well as hotel accommodation, please visit www.rakfif.com/venue. Preferential rates at selected hotels in RAK are available for all delegates attending the Forum. CONTACT US Programme Enquiries Irina Awote Project Director irina@rakfif.com +971 (0) 50 853 8086 Marketing Enquiries Karen Crummer Marketing Manager karen@rakfif.com +971 (0) 50 834 4073 Sponsorship Enquiries Eva Mullen Operations Director eva@rakfif.com +971 (0) 50 256 1065 www.rakfif.com