RAKEZ First in RAK to Secure CIPS Ethical Procurement Certification

• RAKEZ is the first RAK government entity to achieve CIPS ethical procurement certification.
• The certification validates RAKEZ’s sustainable and transparent procurement policies.
• It aligns with UAE’s broader ESG goals and RAK Vision 2030.

• 2040 — Key year
• 204 — Volume / scale

## What does the CIPS ethical procurement certification entail for RAKEZ? The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) announced via the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that it has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Ethical Procurement and Supply Certification. This makes RAKEZ the first government authority in Ras Al Khaimah to achieve the globally recognised standard, which assesses an organisation’s procurement practices against criteria including transparency, anti-corruption, human rights, labour standards, and environmental sustainability. The certification process involved a comprehensive audit of RAKEZ’s procurement policies, supplier engagement procedures, and contract management lifecycle.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad stated that the certification reflects the zone’s commitment to embedding ethical principles into every stage of its supply chain, from vendor selection to performance monitoring. He noted that RAKEZ’s procurement framework now includes mandatory ethical clauses in all contracts, a supplier code of conduct aligned with the UN Global Compact, and a whistleblower mechanism for reporting violations.

## How does this certification integrate with RAKEZ’s broader ESG strategy? The CIPS certification is a cornerstone of RAKEZ’s newly launched ESG framework, which targets net-zero operations by 2040 and sustainable procurement across its 18,000+ registered companies. RAKEZ has also introduced a Green Supplier Programme that incentivises vendors with strong environmental credentials through preferred payment terms and visibility on RAKEZ’s digital procurement portal. The zone’s procurement team has undergone CIPS-accredited training, and all new tenders now require bidders to disclose ESG metrics.

This move aligns with the UAE’s National Strategy for Sustainable Procurement and the federal directive for government entities to adopt circular economy principles. RAKEZ’s certification also enhances its appeal to multinational clients who require supply-chain due diligence compliance, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, and advanced materials where RAKEZ has growing clusters.

## Why does this matter for businesses setting up in RAKEZ? For companies establishing operations in RAKEZ, the certification signals that the zone’s own procurement practices meet international ethical standards — reducing reputational risk for tenants and investors. It also sets a benchmark for the broader RAK business community, encouraging local suppliers to upgrade their ESG performance to qualify for RAKEZ tenders. As global supply chains face increasing regulatory scrutiny (e.g., EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive), RAKEZ’s early adoption of CIPS standards positions its clients advantageously for export markets.