Anas Hijjawi, CCO, RAKEZ
17 Oct 20246 Min Read
Ras Al Khaimah: Rooted in Trade, and Ready For The Future
Free zones or economic zones such as Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) have played an important role in creating this diverse economy, leading to an influx of international residents and billions of dollars in new investment. In the past decade, Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as a leading global investment destination. The northernmost and one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, this welcoming destination has seen exponential growth– and trade has been at the heart of its economic development. The past ten years have seen some of the greatest breakthroughs in economic and development innovation in the Emirate, but this openness to foreign trade and commerce has been built into its fabric for a lot longer. Let's consider the legacy of this rich trading history, and explore what it means for local and international entrepreneurs today. A long tradition of trade Ras Al Khaimah's reputation as a global trade hub is not new. The Emirate has capitalised on its strategic location between East and West for more than 7,000 years, and trade has flowed through the Gulf since the Bronze Age. Favoured by merchants from all over the world, Ras Al Khaimah prospered for centuries as a crossroads of trade routes between Europe, India and China. Europeans used the coast as a major hub for trade in everything from pepper to pearls, while the mainland was used by the Bedouins and other tribes to transport goods overland. By the 13th and 14th centuries, Julfar (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) had emerged as one of the most prominent trading posts in the Gulf, and an important commercial centre for pearl fishing and pottery. Simply put, trade has always been central to the region's success. More recently, as other emirates leveraged their oil reserves, Ras Al Khaimah capitalized on its varied topography and strategic location. For instance, the Hajar Mountain range provides a vast supply of limestone that has literally built many of the UAE's powerhouse cities and landmarks, and helped facilitate the region's rise to the global stage. Now, as the UAE ramps up efforts to create a more diversified economy through international trade, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the prominent destinations leading the way. A promising future This long tradition of trade and cultural exchange is just as strong today. Guided by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirate has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, and a leading location for foreign investment. By capitalising on its natural resources and focusing on diversification, the Emirate has enjoyed an uninterrupted growth over the past two decade. During these years, Ras Al Khaimah witnessed significant economic growth– with trade being the main driver. London-based Financial Times fDi Magazine recently ranked Ras Al Khaimah as one of the ‘Top 10 Small and Mid-sized Cities of the Future’, along with other big-hitters like Zurich and Geneva. Between 2020 and 2021, non-oil foreign trade rose by 14%, according to the RAK Centre for Statistics and Studies. The Emirate frequently ranks as a top destination in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report, too. Free zones or economic zones such as Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) have played an important role in creating this diverse economy, leading to an influx of international residents and billions of dollars in new investment. Propelling growth for local and international traders Ras Al Khaimah offers international traders one of the most stable and secure environments to establish and grow their businesses. While its economy is accelerating, living and business costs are notably lower than other major trading hubs, offering significant benefits for entrepreneurs, particularly traders. How can local and international traders join in? RAKEZ offers a comprehensive set of business solutions and facilities for traders, making it a prominent trading hub in the UAE, where traders have access to various benefits and simplified setup processes. The economic zone connects investors to all growing markets, through its cost-effective and world-class business hub that nurtures businesses. Additionally, traders can benefit from a wide range of business and industrial facilities, modern offices, state-of-the-art warehouses and land for development, while maximising profits with 100% foreign ownership, full capital and profit repatriation, and a transparent legal framework. All this, from a central location with busy ports, including Saqr Port, the largest bulk-handling port in the Middle East. Where past, present, and future meet “Opening the door to foreign trade is a hallmark of Ras Al Khaimah's past, present and future,” H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has said. “Today, we honour our heritage by welcoming the investors of the future.” Aligning with this vision, international trade, commerce and cultural exchange are built into the bedrock of Ras Al Khaimah. Combine this with a business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure and favourable government policies in promoting trade and investment, it isn't hard to see why the Emirate is becoming a top choice for international and local traders looking to set up a business venture that thrives.
The rapid integration of technology and AI in HR has shifted the function from an administrative role to a strategic business partner. In today’s dynamic workplace, AI-powered tools are revolutionising how HR departments manage talent, streamline recruitment, enhance employee engagement, and drive performance management.
From AI-driven analytics providing actionable insights to predictive algorithms identifying trends in
employee behaviour, Smart HR enables organisations to make data-backed decisions quickly and efficiently. By automating routine tasks and personalising employee experiences, AI not only boosts productivity but also frees up HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives, fostering innovation and a more engaged workforce.
In this exclusive interview with ETHRWorld EMEA, Aysha Sulaiman, Director of Human Resources and Development at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), shares how AI and emerging HR technologies are reshaping recruitment, employee engagement, performance management, and learning development. She also discusses strategies for aligning these tools with organisational goals to drive business success and enhance employee experience.
With over 18 years of experience in strategic human resources, Aysha Sulaiman serves as the Director of Human Resources and Development at RAKEZ. Known for leading transformation initiatives, Aysha has been pivotal in aligning HR strategies with the organisation’s goals, focusing on recruitment, performance management, and employee retention. She is recognised for her expertise in driving excellence in HR functions, fostering a culture of continuous learning and employee engagement while delivering measurable business outcomes.
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
1. With your extensive experience in HR at RAKEZ, how have you seen the role of HR evolve with the introduction of technology and AI in recent years? Can you share an example of a successful AI-driven HR initiative you’ve led or witnessed?
Overall, technology and AI have transformed HR from administrative functions to strategic partners in business, allowing for more agile, informed, and employee-centred practices. There are now a lot of options for the HR professionals to use the technology and AI to enhance the following:
- HR departments now leverage analytics to drive decisions related to recruitment, employee performance, and retention. Predictive analytics help identify trends and areas for improvement.
- AI-powered tools can automate the initial stages of recruitment, such as resume screening and
scheduling interviews, allowing HR professionals to focus on candidate engagement and cultural fit. - Technology facilitates better communication and engagement through platforms for feedback, recognition, and career development. Virtual onboarding processes and employee self-service portals have become common.
- E-learning platforms and AI-driven personalised training programs enable more tailored and flexible employee development, making continuous learning more accessible.
2. According to you, how can organisations align HR technologies with their organisations’ goals to enhance employee engagement and performance? Share some strategies from your leadership experience so far.
Aligning HR technologies with organisational goals to enhance employee engagement and performance is crucial for maximising the effectiveness of both the technology and the workforce. By taking these strategic steps, organisations can effectively align their HR technologies with their goals, leading to enhanced employee engagement and performance. It’s about creating a cohesive environment where technology and human potential work hand in hand.
Here are some strategies that can help:
- Start by ensuring that the organisation’s goals are clearly defined and communicated. HR should align its technology initiatives with these goals, such as improving retention rates, increasing
productivity, or enhancing employee satisfaction. - Choose HR technologies that prioritise the employee experience. For example, implementing user friendly platforms for performance reviews and feedback can encourage participation and engagement.
- Use integrated HR systems that connect various functions, such as recruitment, performance
management, and learning and development. This ensures a seamless experience for employees and helps HR track progress against organisational goals. - Utilise data analytics to gain insights into employee engagement and performance metrics. This data can inform HR strategies and help identify areas for improvement, allowing for targeted
interventions. - Implement learning management systems (LMS) that offer personalised learning paths aligned with
both individual and organisational objectives. Encouraging continuous development can drive engagement and performance. - Ensure that HR technologies reflect and promote the organisation’s core values. Tools that support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives can enhance engagement and create a more inclusive workplace.
3. What are some innovative AI-driven HR tools or technologies that you believe are game changers in the industry? How can organisations leverage these tools to stay ahead in the competitive landscape?
Several innovative AI-driven HR tools and technologies are transforming the industry and can provide organisations with a competitive edge. By strategically leveraging these AI-driven tools, organisations can enhance their HR capabilities, improve employee engagement, and drive overall business success.
Here are some game-changers:
- AI-powered recruitment platforms: There are multiple tools that use AI to assess candidates through video interviews and gamified assessments, respectively. They analyse responses and behaviours to
identify the best fit for roles. Organisations can leverage these tools to streamline hiring processes
and reduce bias, improving the quality of hires. - Employee engagement analytics platforms utilise AI to analyse employee feedback and sentiment data. These tools can provide insights into engagement levels and areas needing attention. Organisations can leverage these insights to make data-driven decisions that enhance workplace culture and retention.
- Performance management systems tools offer continuous performance management features, enabling regular check-ins, feedback, and goal tracking. By using these systems, organisations can foster a culture of ongoing development and accountability, aligning individual performance with
strategic goals.
To stay ahead in the competitive landscape, organisations should ensure that HR teams are trained to effectively utilise these technologies, maximising their potential. They should also regularly assess and adapt to emerging HR technologies, staying responsive to industry trends. Encouraging experimentation with new tools and processes, and promoting an agile mindset within HR and across the organisation is also crucial.
4. What are the most significant changes you’ve observed in employee expectations regarding technology and AI in the workplace, and how should HR adapt to meet these evolving expectations?
In recent years, employee expectations around technology and AI in the workplace have shifted significantly. Employees now expect routine tasks to be automated, reducing manual, repetitive work. AI-driven tools that streamline workflows, from project management to customer service, are highly valued. HR needs to adopt AI solutions that enhance productivity while minimising employee burnout.
Workers want personalised, AI-powered experiences, from tailored learning and development programs to performance feedback and career path recommendations. HR should leverage AI to provide customised growth opportunities and clear career progression plans. With the rise of remote and hybrid work, employees expect seamless collaboration through advanced communication and project management tools. AI-powered solutions can enhance virtual teamwork. HR should focus on tools that support flexible work models and ensure employee well-being, no matter where they work.
As AI becomes more prevalent, employees are increasingly concerned about data privacy and the ethical use of AI in decision-making, especially regarding hiring and performance evaluations. HR must be transparent about AI use and ensure compliance with privacy regulations while addressing ethical concerns.
To meet these evolving expectations, HR should:
- Invest in AI tools that enhance employee experience and support personal growth.
- Be transparent about AI’s role in decision-making and ensure ethical practices.
- Continuously upskill employees through personalised, AI-powered training platforms
