Press Release

H.H Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Receives the Consul- General of Singapore and Discuss Future Collaboration

Consul-General impressed with development under Sheikh Saud

Education an area where UAE and Singapore already work closely

May 14, 2018, Ras Al Khaimah, : His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today received Mr Low Pit Chen, the Consul-General of the Republic of Singapore, who commended the development taking place in the Emirate under H.H’s leadership and stated his desire to work more closely in a number of areas.

His Highness and the Consul-General discussed a variety of topics of mutual interest and committed to improving bilateral relations between Singapore and Ras Al Khaimah.

His Highness Sheikh Saud said:

“Singapore is a very successful small country and one that Ras Al Khaimah can surely learn from. It was a pleasure to meet Consul-General Low today and I am keen to work with Singapore in more areas.”

The Consul-General Low will visit a number of Ras Al Khaimah businesses and Government entities today, including RAKEZ, our powerhouse economic zone that provides investors with cost-effective and world- class business solutions, RAK Ceramics and our Tourism Development Authority.

Consul-General Low said:

“I’ve been impressed with the progress made by Ras Al Khaimah in recent years and I want to advance economic cooperation between here and my country during my time as Consul-General.”

“Already, the UAE and Singapore are cooperating when it comes to education and other areas and I believe we can expand upon existing successes into a number of different areas.”

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About His Highness Sheikh Saud

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is a Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).

Born in in 1956, H.H. Sheikh Saud was educated in Ras Al Khaimah before attending the American University of Beirut. He later transferred to the University of Michigan, graduating with a Degree in Economics. Press Release Upon his return from the in 1979, H.H. Sheikh Saud was appointed Chief of the Ruler’s Court. In 1986, he became the Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council and continued his work to improve the Emirate’s infrastructure and governance practices.

During this period, H.H. Sheikh Saud also founded RAK Ceramics, restructured Julphar Pharmaceuticals and overseen changes to RAK Rock’s approach that ensured it became the industry leader it is today.

H.H. Sheikh Saud was named Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah on 14 June 2003.

As Crown Prince, Sheikh Saud oversaw the introduction of free zones and industrial parks, efficient business licensing procedures and offshore corporate registration.

On 27 October 2010, after the passing of his father H.H. Sheikh Saqr (May he rest in Peace), H.H. Sheikh Saud became the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. As Ruler, he has continued to expand and diversify Ras Al Khaimah’s economic base and improve the quality of its social services.

H.H. Sheikh Saud has worked to make high-quality education and healthcare services available to Ras Al Khaimah’s population. The Emirate hosts numerous institutions of higher learning, including the American University of Ras Al Khaimah and Bolton University, while training for doctors and nurses is offered through the RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (RAK MHSU).

About Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its rich history, dating back 7,000 years, and diverse landscape, from 64km of pristine beaches, to terracotta deserts and an imposing mountain backdrop. The Emirate is home to the highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais, which features the world’s longest zip line, at almost 3km.

RAK is also centrally located at the modern crossroad between Europe and Asia, with one third of the world’s population within four hour’s flying time, making it an ideal location for businesses to expand into the UAE, the Middle East and Africa and beyond.

At the Emirate's economic heart lies several major companies and sectors - industrial (including RAK Rock and Stevin Rock’s quarries, RAK Ceramics and Julphar Pharmaceuticals); RAK Ports; RAK Economic Zone; banking via RAKBANK; RAK Gas and RAK Petroleum; and tourism. Supporting these industries is a modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art industrial areas and business parks and world-class hotels, facilities and attractions for tourists.

For the past decade, Ras Al Khaimah has been consistently rated ‘A’ by international rating agencies (Fitch and Standard & Poor’s) and already the Emirate is home to almost 37,000 companies from more than 100 countries representing 50 industry sectors.