His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has been named the Visionary Leader of the Year for 2018 at an awards ceremony in Dubai.

H.H. Sheikh Saud delivered the keynote speech at the Arabian Business Awards, thanking his brothers, the UAE leadership; the people of Ras Al Khaimah for their commitment to his development plans; and Arabian Business magazine for the honor.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the leadership of the UAE, who have created a safe and prosperous home for many. Without their vision, this country would not be the great country it is today,” H.H. Sheikh Saud told an audience at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.

“I’m also fortunate to be leading so many hardworking and talented individuals. In addition to the Emirati people, Ras Al Khaimah is home to all races and religions – all of whom help to make it one of the greatest places in the world.

“This award is for the wonderful people of Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE.”

H.H. Sheikh Saud received the award in a year that began with a world record-breaking fireworks display on Ras Al Khaimah’s Marjan Island; saw the Emirate’s tourist numbers hit a record high of 1 million visitors for the year; saw the longest zip line in the world open atop Jebel Jais; and saw native businesses achieve monumental milestones, such as RAK Ports’ opening of the first of two deep-water berths and RAKGAS signing a production-sharing agreement with the Government of Zanzibar.

Ali Akawi, CEO of ITP Media Group, said: “There is no better example of a Visionary Leader than Sheikh Saud. Under his leadership, Ras Al Khaimah has developed a hugely successful, diverse economy, including attracting over a million tourists to the Emirate this year alone.

“The Emirate has grown into a place where people can prosper, under a strong rule of law, and one in which every Government department is striving on a daily basis to reach its aims.”

Jeremy Lawrence, Editorial Director at Arabian Business, added: “Awarding the Visionary Leader of the Year to Sheikh Saud was the clear and immediate choice of every single member of our team, to recognize his great achievements, values, vision and leadership. His Highness is truly a role model for all of us.”

The award follows H.H. Sheikh Saud receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics from Incheon National University in South Korea in May, 2018.