Press Release
RAKGAS energises RAK Rugby’s “Sport for All” – a community initiative that provides free access to multiple sports

Chris Wood, CEO of RAKGAS, stated: “Our commitment to energising communities goes beyond energy solutions. Supporting RAK Rugby reflects this commitment and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for everyone in Ras Al Khaimah.”

David Learman, Chairman of RAK Rugby, said: “At my initial meeting with Chris Wood, I was delighted to discover we had a mutual interest in promoting sport in the community and a common vision to deliver “Sport for All”. The partnership with RAKGAS enables us to reach out and significantly increase community engagement by promoting “Sport for All” with free membership to RAK Rugby and free participation in any of the sport activities we offer.

“Our patron, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, is a keen proponent of encouraging community participation in sport and healthy activities and so to support this cause we have recently launched RAK Foxes Ladies Netball and RAK Ravens Women's Football, both of which have been warmly embraced by local and expat communities alike. And importantly, this adds women’s sport to our growing portfolio of activities, which includes RAK Men's Rugby, RAK Raptor's Kids Rugby, and RAK Rebels Touch Rugby.”

Learman added: “The invaluable support from RAKGAS will strengthen our coaching staff, enhance our coaching programs, and significantly expand our schools’ extracurricular activities. This initiative not only provides free access but also nurtures emerging talent and offers an opportunity to progress and play competitively with our Raptors and Foxes.

“RAK Rugby extends its gratitude to RAKGAS for backing this initiative. Both organizations are enthusiastic about promoting the growth and beneficial influence of this collaboration in the community.”

Central to Ras Al Khaimah's vision for sustainable development lies a commitment to promote sports and healthy living in the community. The Emirate is striving to create a culture of well-being, encouraging people of all ages to lead active, fulfilling lives while contributing to the community's long-term sustainability.

About RAKGAS

RAKGAS, established in 1984, is a state-owned energy company that is seamlessly transitioning from a dedicated gas company to a broad energy provider. With its roots in gas operations, RAKGAS is expanding into industrial fuels and gas-to-power solutions, ensuring energy security in Ras Al Khaimah. In 2007, it expanded beyond the UAE, exploring opportunities in East Africa, reinforcing its commitment to global energy security. The company plays a vital role in hydrocarbon exploration and production, pursuing the potential of clean energy sources held within Ras Al Khaimah’s geological formations. Prioritizing the future, RAKGAS is focusing on clean and transitional fuels, highlighting its commitment to sustainable and responsible energy solutions. By persistently working towards solidifying Ras Al Khaimah’s energy future.

About RAK Rugby

RAK Rugby has a long association with the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Reportedly founded by expatriate members of the trucial forces and oilfield workers in 1968, the Club has existed in various forms since. During the early years, playing under the name of RAK Goats the club was truly nomadic and led a sporadic existence. Reformed in 2015, the club has since gone from strength-to-strength, winning silverware and many accolades in the UAE national leagues and tournaments including the Dubai 7s. In 2018, the Club was formalised under an Emiri Decree, bestowed by His Highness Sheikh Saqr Bin Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. This saw the club name change to ‘RAK Rugby’ and adoption of a constitution and formalisation of the management structure. The only rugby club in the northern emirates, RAK Rugby prides itself on its community and family focus. Through its innovation ‘Sport for All”, the only community-wide initiative of it’s kind in the UAE, RAK Rugby welcomes all in the RAK community, regardless of age, gender and ability, to play any of its growing portfolio of sports activities for free. Today, the club offers all members the opportunity to participate casually or progess to a competitive level in sports of their choice. RAK Rugby is administered and managed by a team of committed non-paid volunteers ensuring maximum funding is directed to the point of delivery. The club is sustained through the goodwill and generosity of several local businesses and support of individual benefactors to maintain its operations and fund the ongoing development of its community focussed activities. RAK Rugby’s growing portfolio of sports activities includes: RAK Raptors (kids rugby), RAK Rebels (mixed touch rugby), RAK Rugby (senior men’s rugby), RAK Foxes (ladies netball) RAK Foxettes (junior girls netball) and RAK Ravens (women’s football)

About Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northernmost of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its diverse landscape, from 64km of beaches, to deserts and imposing mountains, as well as its rich history, dating back 7,000 years. It has many archaeological sites, four of which have been shortlisted on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The Emirate’s Jebel Jais, which is the highest mountain in the UAE, boasts attractions including Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zip line at almost 3km, and 1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant. Ras Al Khaimah is centrally located at the modern crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, with one third of the world’s population within four hours’ flying time, making it an ideal location for businesses to expand into the UAE, the Middle East and Africa region and beyond. The Emirate boasts one of the most diverse economies in the region, with no single sector accounting for more than 30% of the Emirate’s GDP – a critical advantage that enhances Ras Al Khaimah’s economic flexibility and strength. Ras Al Khaimah has been rated in the ‘A’ range by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s international ratings agencies for 15 years. Ras Al Khaimah is a multicultural society, with a population of 0.4 million people in 2023. With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up and a competitive and affordable cost of living, Ras Al Khaimah is the informed choice for business, lifestyle and exploration.

For more information or media inquiries, kindly reach out to:
Press Office
E: [email protected]
T: 07-2070555

-  End of Release –