RAK FTZ hosts inaugural client golf day and networking dinner at Tower Links Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone management, clients and special guests came together for the inaugural Golf Day and Networking Dinner, hosted by the Free Zone at the Tower Links Golf Club and Awtar Restaurant, on 19 November, 2009.

On the challenging 18 hole, par 72 golf course, RAK FTZ partners were able to connect and network with RAK FTZ senior management and fellow clients, in a relaxed and friendly setting.

The event attracted 190 attendees from RAK FTZ companies, who thoroughly enjoyed the day’s activities. Also in attendance during the event was His Excellency Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the UAE Golf Association, who awarded the prizes to the winners of the golf competition.

The day started with the RAK FTZ Golf competition at 12:30pm, followed by a golf clinic for beginners in the afternoon. In the main competition, golfers tested their skills on one of the finest courses in the UAE. For the beginners, there was golf clinic and mini golf competition under the tutelage of club professional Simon Payne.

The day’s scores seemed to match the stunning weather conditions, as Sami Hajri (17) shot a majestic 43 Stableford points to place first, some 5 shots clear of his nearest rival. Second and third place were a much closer affair, however, with John Green (28) triumphing over H.H. Choi (21) – 38 Stableford points to 37 Stableford points.

Special event prizes for the day went to Mohammed Ashref Abdullah, nearest to the pin on hole 12, and Allesandro Zanetti, longest drive on hole 7, along with Ish Gupta, Hala Fadli and Navish Gupta who scooped up prizes in the beginners mini golf competition.

The networking evening was opened with a speech by Oussama El Omari, RAK FTZ CEO, who called the event a masterstroke that allows the Free Zone’s clients and customers to connect with each other and take advantage of the rich resources available within the RAK FTZ family, to strengthen their respective businesses.

“It has been a busy year for Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone and for all our partners,” said El Omari. “We are all adapting to the economic whims of the new world market and working harder than ever to strengthen our positions and expand our networks. We would like to thank our partners for becoming a part of the ever-widening RAK FTZ family. We are here for them, and it is because of them that we continue to evolve and improve our products and services.”

The speech was followed by the networking dinner at Awtar Restaurant, where all participants were treated to sumptuous Arabic cuisine.

“We appreciate efforts like this from RAK FTZ. This is an excellent opportunity for us to network and promote our business, with a great activity and venue as the backdrop. We’re all enjoying ourselves while strengthening our business ties at the same time,” commented Louis Cazaubon from L-C Consulting FZE.

The Golf Day and Networking Dinner are part of the program of activities that the RAK FTZ Client Relations Department planned for 2009. Earlier this year, they organised a Mexican-themed party and a business breakfast to offer the Free Zone’s existing clients a platform to network with each other. Clients and partners of RAK FTZ can look forward to more events and activities in 2010.

With more than 6,000 registered companies and nearly 2,000 new registrations for the year 2009 alone, RAK FTZ is a valuable resource. Its business solutions are able to meet the needs of small and medium enterprises or big corporations.  With dedicated and customer-focused staff and a commitment to continuously improve products and services, RAK FTZ is the ideal solution to enter the Middle East market. As such, it continues to attract more investors into the region, especially with its active participation in trade fairs and conferences both locally and internationally.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) is a world-class business hub and a vehicle for industrial growth and development. The free trade zone, with its cutting-edge technology and keen customer focus, offers on-demand and custom-built support services to investors in a cost-effective and flexible environment. The free trade zone also offers a range of unique services, which include legal, human resources and marketing assistance.

RAK FTZ has created a four park system  – Business Park, Industrial Park, Technology Park and Al Ghayl Industrial Park – which offer identical advantages and benefits to investors. Backed by legislations allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership, a tax-free environment, transparent laws and 100 per capital and profit repatriation, the free trade zone is well positioned for global commerce.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone is one of the fastest growing free trade zones, with companies from 106 countries around the globe. For more information, visit www.rakftz.com.