
Terms and Conditions – RAK Talent Award
In line with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision to support entrepreneurs and develop the hospitality sector, the organizing entities hereby announce the terms and conditions of the RAK Talent Award. The competition aims to empower national talents and provide a genuine platform for growth and success.
First: General Participation Conditions
The Ras Al Khaimah Government is organizing a food and restaurant competition for Emirati entrepreneurs with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE, in accordance with the following conditions:
1. Nationality
The applicant must be a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (holding UAE nationality).
2. Legal Eligibility
The applicant must not have any legal impediments that prevent them from conducting commercial activities in the UAE.
3. Form of Application
The applicant may participate in one of the following ways:
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Individually.
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As part of a joint team that may include individuals of various nationalities, provided the main applicant is a UAE national.
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Through a commercial license issued by one of the competent authorities in the United Arab Emirates, provided that the citizen is a partner with a percentage of no less than 60% or an owner of the license.
4. Project Idea
The proposed project must fall under one of the following categories:
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A new and innovative idea in the food or restaurant sector.
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An existing or known concept that has been updated or improved with a new value or distinctive feature.
5. Participant Commitments
The participant must submit:
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A preliminary feasibility study showing technical, operational, and financial aspects of the project.
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A preliminary list of food or beverage items to be offered within the proposed concept.
6. Required Documents
The applicant must submit all documents and materials requested by the organizing body within the specified deadlines.
7. General Provisions
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The organizing body reserves the right to exclude any application that does not meet the conditions or contains false information.
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The organizing body has the right to use submitted information for evaluation, documentation, and promotional purposes.
Second: Winner Selection Mechanism
1. Formation of the Jury
A special judging committee will be formed for the competition, consisting of an odd number of members, no less than three. Its membership will include experts and representatives from the following entities:
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The hotel and hospitality sector in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
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The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development.
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The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
2. Committee Approval
The names of committee members are subject to the approval of:
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Al Hamra Group.
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The Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
3. Decision-Making Mechanism
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The judging committee will make its decisions unanimously.
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The final decision must be reasoned and based on clear criteria that ensure transparency and fairness.
4. Evaluation Criteria
The committee will evaluate entries based on a set of technical, commercial, and economic criteria, including, but not limited to:
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Innovation and excellence in the project concept.
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The economic feasibility of the project and its feasibility and sustainability.
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The quality and variety of the proposed food or beverage menu.
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Suitability for the emirate's local and tourism markets.
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The project's added value to the food and restaurant sector in Ras Al Khaimah.
Third: Winner’s Benefits
1. Winner Announcement
The official announcement of the winner(s) will take place at a ceremony organized by the Ras Al Khaimah Government, attended by representatives of the organizing entities and partners, with appropriate media coverage.
2. Support Value
The winner will receive a support package (both in-kind and financial) not exceeding AED 250,000. This includes funding, equipment, consultancy, and marketing services, as determined by the supporting entities.
3. Commercial Space Allocation
A commercial unit will be allocated for the winner inside Manar Mall in Ras Al Khaimah to operate the business, with a lease agreement signed for three (3) years, under the following conditions:
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Full exemption from rent throughout the contract period.
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The winner shall bear all administrative and operational fees applicable to all mall tenants.
4. Profit Sharing Agreement
A profit-sharing agreement will be signed between the winner and Manar Mall management or supporting entities, which includes:
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5% of total sales in the first year.
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10% of total sales in the second year.
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10% of total sales in the third year.
5. Technical and Advisory Support
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The winner will receive advisory coaching sessions in project management, operations, marketing, and customer service.
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Promotional opportunities will be provided through the platforms of the supporting entities.
6. Implementation Timeline
The winner must start implementing the project within two (2) months from the announcement date. An extension may be granted upon justified written request and with the organizer’s approval.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
The organizing entity, in cooperation with partners, will monitor the project's progress and prepare periodic reports to assess performance and ensure compliance with agreed standards and conditions.
Forth: Winner’s Obligations
The winner of the competition must comply with the following:
1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
The winner must comply with all rules issued by Manar Mall management, including internal regulations on operations, health and safety, and commercial compliance.
2. Prohibition on Right of Use Transfer
The winner is strictly prohibited from transferring the right to use the commercial space, either explicitly or implicitly, with or without compensation.
In case of such unauthorized transfer or partnership, the organizing body and Manar Mall reserve the right to:
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Immediately terminate the contract.
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Withdraw the prize and support.
3. Collaboration with Supporting Entities
The winner must fully cooperate with the organizers and supporting entities to:
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Document the project’s progress.
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Provide requested data and information for evaluation.
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Participate in promotional and media activities to showcase the competition’s results and support entrepreneurial efforts.
Fifth: General Provisions
1. Right to Modify or Cancel
The organizing body reserves the right to amend any of the conditions, procedures, or timelines related to the competition, or to cancel the competition in whole or in part, at any time without incurring any legal responsibility toward applicants.
2. Confidentiality
The organizing body commits to maintaining the confidentiality of participants' information and documents and will only use them for evaluation, documentation, or promotional purposes unless otherwise agreed in writing.
3. No Right to Object
Participants may not object to decisions made by the judging committee or organizing entities regarding evaluation results or winner announcements. All decisions are final and binding.
4. Compliance with Applicable Laws
All participants must comply with the laws and regulations in force in the UAE and any relevant directives issued by competent authorities.
5. No Legal Relationship
Participation in or winning the competition does not establish any partnership, agency, or legal representation relationship between the winner and the organizing or supporting entities. Each party remains independently responsible for its obligations.
6. Liability Disclaimer
The organizing body and supporting entities shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage suffered by participants or winners as a result of participating in the competition or implementing the winning project.
