Ras Al Khaimah Ruler receives two government delegations from Guangdong Province, China, and witnesses signing of strategic agreement on hydrogen energy

• HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi: ‘We are committed to strengthening our partnerships with our partners in Guangdong Province, in line with our vision to harness advanced technology and strengthen international cooperation’
• Strategic Cooperation Agreement aims to deepen technological, industrial and application-chain innovation cooperation in the hydrogen energy sector

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received two high-level delegations from Guangdong Province, China, the first led by Bai Tao, Mayor of Foshan City, and the second led by Chen Jie, the Vice Mayor of Guangzhou. During the meeting with Foshan government officials, HH Sheikh Saud witnessed the signing of a hydrogen cooperation agreement between Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Foshan Institute of Environment and Energy Technology (FIEET), which follows on from the agreement Ras Al Khaimah signed with Guangdong Province during HH Sheikh Saud’s visit to China last November.

The Strategic Cooperation Agreement, which was signed by His Excellency Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, RAKTA Director General, and Professor Wang Ziyuan, President of FIEET, aims to deepen technological, industrial and application-chain innovation cooperation in the hydrogen energy sector for the mutual benefit of both parties, leveraging their respective resources and strengths while aligning with their strategic development objectives.

HH Sheikh Saud said: “This agreement between Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and Foshan Institute of Environment and Energy Technology is a significant step forward in our efforts to explore sustainable and innovative energy solutions. In Ras Al Khaimah, we are committed to expanding partnerships in the fields of technology, industry and sustainable development with our partners in Guangdong Province, based on our vision to harness advanced technology and embrace opportunities for greater international cooperation, as this contributes to achieving the comprehensive and sustainable development that we seek for our beloved Emirate.

“Our cooperation with Foshan reflects this commitment, and we look forward to expanding our engagement with more regions, as we work together to shape a cleaner, more connected future.”

During the meeting, HH Sheikh Saud expressed a warm welcome to the visiting delegation and reaffirmed the strong and long-standing friendship and cooperation between the UAE and China. He emphasized Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to expanding its partnerships in the fields of technology, industry and sustainable development with Foshan and other Chinese cities, as a means to enhance their shared goals for growth and prosperity.

The discussions covered a range of potential areas for bilateral collaboration and mutual investment opportunities. Both parties exchanged views on ways to further develop their future relationship, with HH Sheikh Saud underlining Ras Al Khaimah’s interest in exploring new avenues of cooperation in line with its vision of adopting advanced technologies and strengthening international partnerships to drive comprehensive and sustainable development.

Mayor Bai Tao expressed his gratitude to HH Sheikh Saud for the generous hospitality and warm reception. He also praised Ras Al Khaimah’s impressive progress in economic, cultural and developmental fields, which has significantly enhanced its standing regionally and globally.

The agreement will see both parties working together to promote hydrogen-powered public transport projects in Ras Al Khaimah, while also advancing the development of green hydrogen supply systems and supporting infrastructure for clean energy initiatives. In addition, the collaboration will focus on joint research, development and industrialization of next-generation hydrogen technologies, including advanced electrolysers and high-efficiency fuel cells, as well as establishing platforms for clean energy technology exchange.

RAKTA Director General Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi said: “We are proud to enter into this strategic partnership with our counterparts in Foshan, which marks an important milestone in advancing innovation and collaboration in the hydrogen energy sector. This agreement reflects our shared vision for a sustainable future and our mutual commitment to driving high-quality growth through the integration of technology, industry and practical applications. By harnessing our complementary strengths and aligning our strategic priorities, we aim to build a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship that supports the development of the hydrogen energy sector in both the UAE and China.”

Later, HH Sheikh Saud also welcomed a government delegation from Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, led by Chen Jie, the city’s Vice Mayor. Discussions focused on strengthening government and economic ties with Guangzhou, building on the Ras Al Khaimah-Guangdong agreement, which spans several key sectors, including the digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, culture and tourism.