Infrastructure
RAK is making significant investments in its infrastructure to support continued economic growth.
World-Class Airport, Ports and Road Network
Ambitious airport expansion
More than USD 272 million is being invested in the first phase of a major expansion program for RAK International Airport, which offers an open-skies policy, competitive rates and efficient service. The expansion plan, developed by Aéroports de Paris, will include a cargo warehouse, new arrivals and departures halls and a hotel, all set for completion in 2008. By 2020, at least five more terminals will be added, and an adjoining free-trade zone is also in the works. National carrier RAK Airways, launched in 2006, will operate and develop the airport. RAK is also planning to build the region’s first space port.
Major developments at Saqr Port
RAK’s main seaport is Port Saqr, which has eight 656-feet deep-water berths dredged to 40 feet and is equipped with two ro-ro ramps as well as specialized berths for handling bulk cement and aggregates. Additional facilities at the port include ship-handling, 48,000 square yards of covered storage space and a vast open storage area. The port is the closest port in the UAE to Bandar Abbas in Iran.
Kuwaiti firm KGL was awarded a USD 45 million contract to build, operate and manage a new container terminal at Port Saqr. The contract, which expires in 2025, involves an investment of USD 19 million in berths, USD 3 million in additional port facilities, and USD 23 million in new equipment. Future plans include expanding the port’s bulk handling capacity by 500,000 TEUs and tripling the port’s current container-handling capacity to around 30 million tons. RAK’s Customs and Ports Department has already invested USD 8.17 million in a new 993.8-feet quay at the port, and next plans to construct a 1312-feet berth, budgeted at USD 7.62 million. Sixteen new warehouses, including two cold-storage facilities, and new accommodations for port employees will be built by UAE-based company Haif.
New port at Al Jeer
RAK is also building a new port at Al Jeer, in the northern part of the emirate. RAK’s fourth port facility, the new port will have a 885.6-feet quay and will be dredged to 19.68 feet. A hotel, administrative buildings, warehouses, and berth space for up to 120 vessels will also be constructed. The new port project, budgeted at USD 8.17 million, is set for completion this year.
World-class road network
RAK has also invested in a complete, well maintained road network that provides rapid links to other northern emirates and beyond. In addition, the UAE’s Emirates Highway has recently been extended to RAK.
RAK is obviously providing the state-of-the-art infrastructure enterprises need to succeed in regional and international markets.
