The history of RAK Ceramics
The greatest adventures can emerge from an arid desert. Although Ras Al Khaimah is one of the smallest of the United Arab Emirates and does not have any oil resources of its own, this has not prevented it from developing over 20 years into a jewel of ceramic creation and manufacture.
Ceramic art reached its peak in the Arab world between the 9th and 13th century and is an art form that is admired throughout the globe. Historical events caused this tradition to be revived in the second half of the 20th century. By establishing itself in Ras Al Khaimah at the beginning of the 1990s, RAK Ceramics was at the origin of a new odyssey at the heart of the Arab world.
Following geological research into the presence of clay beneath Ras Al Khaimah, the decision was taken, on the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Saud, to construct a ceramics factory. The adventure started
in February 1990.
Over the next five years, RAK Ceramics set up two more factories. Symbolising the diversification of production, this expansion allowed ceramic tile and
bathroom furniture production to be developed in parallel. Throughout the world, RAK Ceramics has been associated with amazing achievements, and has thus left a mark of innovation and quality.
In 2005, RAK Porcelain entered the world of tableware and launched its first collections. Internationally renowned designers enabled RAK Porcelain to
offer to the hotel and restaurant industries products combining aesthetics and resistance. Now recognised as a market leader, RAK Porcelain dresses and personalises the most important tables.
In 2014, with over 7,000 employees, RAK Ceramics produced and distributed 117 million m2 of ceramic tiles, 4.6 million sanitary items and 24 million
porcelain items with a distribution network in 160 countries; the adventure that started in the desert has become a global success.
The success of RAK Ceramics was the subject of a study conducted by the McDonough School of Business at the University of Georgetown because the
company’s development has exceeded the norm in this field of activity. With almost 30% annual growth, it would be normal to raise questions about such
a solid performance in a highly competitive environment and ask whether there is place for another player in the same sector. RAK Ceramics’ growth is purely ‘organic’, which is quite unusual in this type of industry. The fact that
RAK Ceramics is not located in a country traditionally known for this type of activity such as Italy, Spain or, more recently, China, makes its success all the
more surprising. The study revealed that several factors were responsible for the company’s outstanding achievement: an ambitious management, implementing the right strategies at the right time, the determination to be a pioneer in the field of design and innovation, making the right choices in terms of diversification as well as a successful marketing strategy.
This article is part of our Perspectives Magazine. Download the PDF here .
