Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 06 October, 2009 - A Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) delegation headed by RAK FTZ CEO, Oussama El Omari, was invited to participate in the Office Business Center Conference. The conference, which is organised annually by the Office Business Center Association International, Inc. (OBCAI), took place this year, from the 24th to the 27th of September, in San Diego, California, USA.

OBCAI is a member-owned, international trade association, representing business centre owners and operated by independent business people.

This year's OBC Conference met the challenges presented by the new world economy head on, tackling relevant topics, such as the direction industries should take to better position themselves.

It was along this line that El Omari was chosen as one of the international panellists for the Breakout Session addressing 'International: Global Market Trends: How are we surviving, thriving, and what predictions do we have about the future?' 

"It was a great opportunity to share the unique insights that we have garnered here in the Gulf", shares El Omari. "The world is still reeling from the impact of the economic downturn, but the effects felt in the UAE and the rest of the Middle East differ from those felt in other parts of the world. In a way, business centres have emerged stronger from these challenges, as they are proven to offer cost effective alternatives to the more traditional methods of international business expansion."

The OBC conference is a prestigious event and an ideal venue for client services and business resource providers to meet and connect, and the delegation was able to not only contribute invaluable insight about global trends but also widen RAK FTZ's network by establishing and maintaining business connections. RAK FTZ representatives provided other attending companies and establishments with information about the Free Zone's vast array of products and services and answered queries about the business climate in the Middle East and the particulars of setting up in the UAE.   

The free zone has Business Centres and Innovation and Promotion Centres in four locations in the UAE that give investors an opportunity to start their businesses with no hassles.  Some of the key features of the RAK Business Centre are the personalised services, full business and IT solutions in consistence with the investors' requirement. 

RAK FTZ's marketing strategy, which involves proactive participation in exhibitions, conferences and trade events, has kept RAK FTZ on track to meet its target of 2,000 new companies for 2009. The Free Zone already reported 931 registrations by mid-year, with 64 per cent composed of trading companies with warehousing facilities, 26 per cent consulting and services, 3 per cent industrial, and 7 per cent general trading. 

-Ends-

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) is a world-class business hub and a vehicle for industrial growth and development. The free trade 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 trade zone also offers a range of unique services, which include the legal, human resources and marketing assistance.

RAK FTZ 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, a 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 companies from 106 countries around the globe. For more information visit www.rakftz.com.

© Press Release 2009