The Department of Economic Development of Ras Al-Khaimah was established by virtue of Emiri Decree No. (11) of 1981. On 1st January 2007, at the approval of H.H. Sheikh Saudi Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler then, its name was changed from  ‘Economic Department’ to ‘Department of Economic Development’ and accordingly, the functions and objectives of the Department of Economic Development were reformulated to be more detailed and comprehensive.
The Department provides a variety of services relating to licenses, commercial control and consumer protection with a view to provide many facilities to investors in the Emirate. In addition, it provides a great deal of official data and statistics that serve all classes of the society either for studying the labor market and investment climate in the Emirate or for specialized scientific research.
Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Saudi Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the DED's mission, vision, values and strategic objectives were designed in line with the needs and future prospects of various types of customers. 
Also, DED defines its specializations and activities to customers through publishing DEDs organizational structure, administrations, branches and the relationship with partners and suppliers, in addition to activating its social role by regulating many events and activities, which enhances its strategic values and objectives