February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

RAK Ceramics is a publicly listed multinational ceramics manufacturer headquartered in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Founded in 1989, the company has grown into one of the world’s largest producers of ceramic and porcelain tiles, sanitary ware, and tableware, with an annual production capacity exceeding 100 million square meters of tiles and millions of pieces of sanitary ware. RAK Ceramics operates manufacturing facilities in the UAE, India, and Bangladesh, and exports to over 150 countries. The company is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

UAE Context

RAK Ceramics is one of the most prominent examples of successful industrial diversification in the northern emirates. The company’s growth from a local manufacturer into a global brand demonstrates that world-class manufacturing can be built in the UAE outside the hydrocarbon sector. Ras Al Khaimah’s lower operating costs and access to raw materials (including local clay deposits) provided the initial competitive advantage, while strategic investments in technology, design, and international distribution transformed the company into a global market leader. RAK Ceramics is the largest non-oil industrial enterprise in Ras Al Khaimah and a major employer in the emirate.

Key Data

  • Headquarters: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
  • Founded: 1989
  • Listed on: Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
  • Tile production capacity: Over 100 million square meters annually
  • Manufacturing locations: UAE, India, Bangladesh
  • Export markets: Over 150 countries
  • Key products: Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, sanitary ware, tableware (under Restonica brand)

Significance for Vision 2031

RAK Ceramics exemplifies the type of manufacturing success story Vision 2031 and Operation 300bn seek to replicate across the UAE. The company proves that UAE-based manufacturers can achieve global scale and competitiveness in non-oil sectors. Its continued investment in innovation, including large-format tiles, sustainable production processes, and digital design capabilities, aligns with the vision’s emphasis on technology-driven industrial upgrading and sustainable manufacturing practices.

  • Operation 300bn - Industrial strategy aiming to replicate manufacturing successes like RAK Ceramics
  • Non-Oil GDP - Economic metric to which RAK Ceramics contributes significantly
  • Emirates Steel - Another major UAE industrial manufacturer
  • EMAL - UAE-based global-scale industrial producer in aluminium