Dear Colleagues & Partners,

2012 has been a challenging year for RAK Ceramics and I am proud that we have delivered another very strong performance against the backdrop of continued difficult trading conditions in different markets due to economic and political instability, maintaining our track record of positive financial achievements consistently delivered over a period of two decades. Each year in the illustrious history that we are building for RAK Ceramics continues to bring with it a set of accolades and achievements that allow us to hold our heads up high and reinforces that we are on the right track – 2012 was no different.

The company continues to expand on its innovative product range and looks forward to set another milestone after last year’s exceptional achievement of supplying over 1 billion square meters of tiles worldwide. Beginning of 2013 we achieved another unique milestone of sales of 50 million pieces of bathware products. These milestones are unprecedented for ceramics manufacturing company in the region.

All these landmarks and milestones have been possible due to the initial vision of H. H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Supreme Council Member as he always wanted RAK Ceramics to be a global brand that is recognized for its world-class quality products. Further we could not have achieved success of such magnitude without the support of our employees, partners and distributors around the world who stood by the company during its growing years and playing a crucial role in building the world’s largest ceramics manufacturing company.

Today H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and the Chairman of RAK Ceramics, is directing the company towards the path of excellence and global competitiveness. RAK Ceramics’ strategic decisions to invest heavily in new technology and upgrading its product range have paid huge dividends over the last few years. The acceptance of our products portfolio across the world has allowed us to reinvest in updated state-of-the-art machineries and equipments, setting up of new distribution offices and upgrading our brand image with enhanced brand perception.

Today’s RAK Ceramics’ biggest investment has been in the implementation of SAP ERP system. Phase one of the project is the culmination of an 8 months’ coordinated effort by RAK Ceramics and SAP teams and will see a comprehensive suite of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools improve transparency, efficiency and productivity across all 12 of RAK Ceramics’ UAE factories, 15 warehouses, 6 showrooms and various administrative offices. I sincerely believe with the successful implementation of the SAP ERP system, we shall overall improve our operations management with better efficiency in every aspect of the organization leading to better productivity and better service to our clients worldwide.

RAK Ceramics’ brand image is further enhanced when its products and services are acknowledged by international bodies leading to a number of awards and laurels that includes being conferred Superbrand title, named ‘Most Innovative Company’ at the Asian Quality Leadership Awards; won the ‘Brand Excellence Award’ 2012 in the Durables category at The World Brand Congress and picked up an award for “Corporate Communication” at CMO Asia Awards. RAK Ceramics continues to be a respected name in its industry known for exhibiting leadership and perpetual innovation.

But beyond the monetary and the awards, RAK Ceramics continues to build a reputation for its commitment to the society and the environment and we shall continue with our good work in 2013 actively participation in various CSR activities.

As a company we have a combined vision for success: success in our product range, success in our collaboration with partners, success in our teamwork with one another and success in association with our community. RAK Ceramics will continue to work closely with all its stakeholders and strongly position itself as one-stop interior solution by offering tiles, bathware, faucets, kitchen fittings, grouts & adhesives and paints. We expect the continued support from each one of you with your valued inputs for improving every aspect of our business as every contribution, big or small, is the key to our success.

I can confidently say that this year will be another shining example of all that we are able to accomplish and I look forward to embarking on the journey, yet again, with all of you for a successful 2013.

Yours Sincerely,

ABDALLAH MASSAAD
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
RAK CERAMICS