RAKEZ advances practical ESG adoption with new partnerships and industry-focused forum

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has really stepped up its efforts in promoting sustainability, especially by organising a forum aimed at making environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements feel less like an abstract concept and more practical for businesses to implement daily. Honestly, the event, called “ESG Simplified – What’s Mandatory, What’s Smart, and What Comes Next,” drew together company leaders, specialists in sustainability, and policymakers to chat about how companies can adapt to the changing expectations around reporting, emissions, supply chains, and governance. The gathering reflected a broader push within Ras Al Khaimah to link industrial growth with cleaner, more efficient business practices, an approach that’s gaining momentum.

RAKEZ explained that the main idea behind the session was to move businesses from just recognising ESG principles to actually implementing positive changes. The talks featured representatives not only from the zone itself but also from Ras Al Khaimah Municipality’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables Office, DHL Express UAE, and Olive Gaea, a climate technology company. Each presented on a different aspect of sustainability, from regulations and energy usage to logistics and digital reporting, which makes sense because, let’s be honest, everyone is looking for practical guidance these days.

Puneet Jain, RAKEZ’s chief strategy officer, argued that ESG is becoming pretty central to business resilience nowadays. He mentioned the zone’s goal of creating a supportive environment for sustainable infrastructure, well, at least to me, this means encouraging efficient resource use, transparent governance, and development that’s rooted in the community. His comments seemed to echo a wider regional shift, as regulators, investors, and global buyers now really focus on how companies are managing climate and social risks, so it’s no longer just a nice-to-have.

On the local side of things, Dia AlShamsi, senior energy engineer at Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, set the discussion in the context of the emirate’s sustainability plans under the RAK Integrated Sustainability Strategy 2050. He highlighted efforts to decarbonise industries, the requirement for energy audits of large facilities, and support schemes designed to help companies boost efficiency and switch to renewables. You see, for manufacturers and industrial operators in the emirate, those measures make it clear that energy performance is now a key part of how they plan and operate, not just an afterthought.

Olive Gaea, the climate tech company, showcased how ESG is shifting from mere reporting to becoming a core business capability. Jessica Scopacasa, their co-founder and chief marketing officer, explained how AI-powered sustainability platforms can help organisations monitor emissions in real time, refine supply chain decisions, and boost resilience. Her message kind of echoes a trend we’re seeing more and more across the UAE: using specialised software tools to turn sustainability from a compliance burden into an integrated management function, pretty handy when you think about it.

The forum also made waves with the signing of two partnerships, which will help put those ideas into action and provide practical support for clients at RAKEZ. The first was a memorandum of understanding with DHL Express UAE. This deal will give RAKEZ clients access to international logistics solutions, customs support, digital shipment tools, and eco-friendly shipping options through DHL’s GoGreen programme. It also includes dedicated help for smaller businesses, which is pretty crucial. An especially interesting part is DHL’s GoTrade initiative, aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) learn how to navigate cross-border trade and expand into international markets. Considering RAKEZ hosts companies from over 100 countries, that kind of export assistance could be especially relevant, well, at least to me.

The second partnership was signed with Olive Gaea, focusing on expanding access to digital sustainability tools for the wider RAKEZ business community. This joint effort will support AI-driven ESG reporting, emissions management, and initiatives to build capacity, things that smaller companies might find just as valuable as policy discussions, I think. Because let’s face it, ESG expectations are rising, but resources to meet those expectations aren’t evenly spread across all firms.

Ramy Jallad, the CEO of RAKEZ, said that sustainability is now part of the conversation for companies of all sizes, not only because of compliance, but also because it boosts competitiveness, efficiency, and long-term stability. He added that partnerships with firms like DHL and Olive Gaea are meant to give organisations tangible support as they grow while reining in the tougher new demands.

This event fits into a broader pattern of RAKEZ’s activity, which has increasingly linked industrial development, supplier engagement, and new tech adoption. The zone previously showcased its role in significant national discussions on industry, sustainable investment, advanced manufacturing, and electric mobility. It’s also hosted events focused on strengthening collaboration with suppliers across its ecosystem. Altogether, these initiatives suggest RAKEZ isn’t just aiming to be a simple licensing hub but is rather positioning itself as a centre for industrial upgrading.

That really matters, especially in the context of the UAE’s wider push for a climate and economic transition. For local businesses in Ras Al Khaimah, particularly manufacturers, logistics providers, and export-focused SMEs, the ESG agenda is no longer just a box to tick for annual reports or investor presentations. It’s increasingly tied to procurement processes, financing options, energy consumption, and even market access.

RAKEZ’s latest forum was their way of making this shift a little easier, I suppose. By pairing clear policy guidance with private-sector tools and partnership building, they’re signalling that sustainability isn’t just a slogan anymore but a fundamental part of how these businesses operate day to day.