The Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority (RAK FTZ) has launched a new service that allows investors to process their Emirates Identity Card applications in-house.

The new process is faster and more convenient, allowing entrepreneurs to focus more time and attention on establishing their businesses.

Previously, clients had to leave the free zone offices and travel to a separate Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) location to apply for their ID. The Emirates ID card is one of the most significant forms of documentation that a resident or business owner must have in the UAE.

“Getting an Emirates ID is a very important part of living and working in the UAE, and that’s why we decided to support our clients by adding this feature to our services. This will surely speed up the process of starting their businesses,” explained Sheikh Mohammed Bin Humaid Al Qasemi, the managing director of the RAK FTZ.

“Many of our clients, especially those from outside the country, are unaware of the Emirates ID requirement, and sometimes they come to know of it when they are at a critical point in setting up their businesses,” remarked Sheikh Mohammed.

“As we strive to make our services even faster and more reliable, we are offering clients the ability to process all of their required documentation in a single location, with a dedicated team to guide and assist them along each step of the process,” he added.

The new Emirates ID card processing service is one of several ways in which the RAK FTZ is making it easier for clients to set up their businesses, along with fast-track licences, visas and company registration, as well as ready-made facilities such as offices, warehouses and land for development, all on a cost-effective basis.

Free zone clients can avail themselves of this service by visiting Office G9 in the RAK FTZ Business Centre 1. A minimal processing fee of Dh50 (    ) per form is applicable for the service, in addition to the standard charges for the ID card, as outlined by EIDA, said the top official.

Alternatively, Emirates ID card applicants can visit EIDA’s Ras Al Khaimah offices in Al Rams (inside Al Rams Sports Club) and in Al Dhait South (behind the new Licensing and Traffic Department).

The RAK FTZ also supports its clients in taking the required medical test, which is a part of the visa application procedures, it added.

“This is just the beginning of the new and exciting services that we are going to provide to our clients,” remarked Imran Cheema, the director of the Client Relations Department at the RAK FTZ.

“We want to make the experience of setting up a business with the RAK FTZ as fast and efficient as possible, and our value-added support services make us stand apart from our competitors,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service