Press Release

His Highness Sheikh Saud discusses collaboration with British Consul-General Andrew Jackson

Ras Al Khaimah Ruler and diplomat held talks on opportunities to improve and broaden cooperation between the Emirate and the United Kingdom

December 11, 2018, , : His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today welcomed the British Consul- General for and the Northern Emirates, Andrew Jackson.

Sheikh Saud and Mr. Jackson discussed ways of enhancing cooperation in areas of interest in Ras Al Khaimah and endeavored to work collaboratively to achieve mutual objectives. Also present at the meeting was Sheikh Khalid bin Saud Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Development Office and Chairman of Marjan, and a number of other senior officials.

His Highness Sheikh Saud said:

“Ras Al Khaimah’s ties with the United Kingdom are long-standing and strong and we always welcome the opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration.

I am confident that new partnerships will come to fruition to complement our existing relationships.”

Mr. Jackson, on his fifth visit to Ras Al Khaimah since taking up his post earlier this year, toured several Ras Al Khaimah entities, including Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, Ras Al Khaimah Courts, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, among others.

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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 UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Born in Dubai in 1956, he was educated in RAK before attending the American University of Beirut. He later moved to the University of Michigan, graduating with an Economics Degree.

He returned home in 1979 and was appointed Chief of the Ruler’s Court before becoming Chairman of RAK Municipal Council in 1986. In this period, H.H. Sheikh Saud founded RAK Ceramics and restructured Julphar Pharmaceuticals and RAK Rock to ensure both became the industry leaders they are today.

H.H. Sheikh Saud was named Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah on 14 June 2003. In this role he oversaw the introduction of free zones, efficient business licensing procedures and offshore corporate registration. Press Release 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, while working hard to make high- quality education and healthcare services available to all the Emirate’s population.

H.H. Sheikh Saud received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bolton, UK, in 2010; an Honorary Fellowship of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in India, in 2013; and an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics from Incheon National University, South Korea, in 2018.

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 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 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 about 15,000 businesses, with almost 37,000 companies from 100 countries having trade licenses here. RAK Courts is also the second-fastest court in the world at enforcing contracts in commercial disputes.