A joint venture between RAK Ports, China’s Jianhua Holdings Group, and PHC Technologies, Ras Al Khaimah has begun building the first Prestressed High-Strength Concrete (PHC) Piles Factory in the region.
The Dh120 million project represents a significant advancement in the emirate’s industrial growth and aligns with the development of RAK Ports’ Greenfield port, which is a crucial factor in the emirate’s aspirations for export and logistics.
Following an agreement reached in September 2024, the announcement, which was made in front of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, a member of the UAE Supreme Council and the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, solidifies Jianhua’s formal entry into the UAE market.
The new complex, which will occupy 540,000 square feet and generate up to 500 jobs, is situated within the RAK Maritime City Free Zone. Once operational, it is anticipated to produce yearly port income of more over Dh20 million.
Large-diameter prestressed concrete piles, which are increasingly in demand as regional economies prioritize high-performance, sustainable building materials, will be produced at the plant for use in infrastructure and foundation projects throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the wider Middle East.
RAK industrial ecosystem
The new factory’s export operations will be supported by RAK Ports’ Saqr 2.0 port development, which features deep-water berths and direct access to quayside logistics.
Ras Al Khaimah’s status as a regional center for precast and building materials will be strengthened by the ability to source up to one million metric tons of raw materials yearly due to its close proximity to RAK’s network of quarries, cement, and concrete factories.
The collaboration is in line with RAK’s plan to expand its manufacturing and logistical base, according to Roy Cummins, CEO of RAK Ports.
“This collaboration with Jianhua and PHC Technologies comes at a pivotal time as Ras Al Khaimah advances our new port development. With deep-water berths, dedicated logistics corridors, and proximity to key cement and quarry assets, RAK Ports provides an integrated ecosystem that perfectly supports the growth of the precast and construction materials industry across the region.”
Jianhua in GCC debut
The project is Jianhua Holdings Group’s first Middle Eastern production facility. According to Jianhua Chairman Wang Guihua, the plant will supply the UAE with low-carbon building materials and cutting-edge Chinese manufacturing technologies.
“With the personal attention of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and the support of RAK Ports, this project will introduce advanced manufacturing practices and supply sustainable materials for regional infrastructure. It will become a core hub for our operations in the Middle East and contribute to the UAE’s high-quality economic growth.”
