Ras Al Khaimah Launches RIS Strategy 2050 for Sustainable Growth

Dubai, UAE; 24 January 2026 – Ras Al Khaimah is accelerating its sustainable development agenda with the launch of the Ras Al Khaimah Integrated Sustainability (RIS) Strategy 2050, a comprehensive emirate-wide roadmap aimed at fostering economic resilience, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring long-term energy and water security.

The RIS Strategy, established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, builds upon the accomplishments of the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040 (EE&R Strategy). While the EE&R Strategy primarily focused on energy transition, the RIS Strategy expands into broader sustainability priorities, including emissions reduction, climate adaptation, air quality improvement, water and soil management, and biodiversity protection.

Andrea Di Gregorio, Executive Director of Reem, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, stated:
"The RIS Strategy 2050 embodies Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term vision to harmonize economic growth with environmental stewardship. Its core goals are to maintain a secure and cost-efficient supply of energy and water, protect and enhance the emirate’s natural heritage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to position RAK for a low-carbon global market. Through a series of targeted programs and initiatives, the strategy creates significant opportunities for businesses and residents alike."

The strategy is expected to deliver substantial economic, social, and environmental benefits, including positive contributions to GDP, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy and water costs, and the creation of green jobs. It strengthens energy efficiency programs across sectors such as industry, government, and transportation, while promoting the adoption of cleaner fuels and utilities in line with the UAE’s 2050 goal of 50% clean energy and net-zero emissions commitments.

Beyond emission reduction, the RIS Strategy focuses on improving air, soil, and water quality, protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and enhancing biodiversity through conservation efforts and the use of native plant species. These measures aim to improve the quality of life for residents while reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a destination for sustainable tourism and investment.

The strategy’s priorities are organized into 13 key programs, including gas supply enhancement, renewable energy deployment, air quality management, soil and land preservation, freshwater resource management, biodiversity conservation, marine and coastal protection, sustainable communities, transport, agriculture, and industrial decarbonization.

A robust governance framework supports the strategy’s implementation, overseen by the RAK Sustainability Committee under Amiri Decree No. 8 of 2025, with participation from RAK Municipality, RAK Transport Authority, RAKGAS, and the Environment Protection and Development Authority. Reem, the Sustainable Energy Sector of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, provides advisory and implementation support.

As Ras Al Khaimah experiences rapid growth across industry, tourism, and urban development, the RIS Strategy ensures sustainability is embedded at the heart of new infrastructure, communities, and buildings, further enhancing the emirate’s attractiveness for investors, businesses, tourists, and residents.

The 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Annual Report details the emirate’s progress and strategic direction in sustainability. Updates, outcomes, and emerging partnerships from this journey will be highlighted at the third RAK Energy Summit, scheduled for 25–27 November 2026.