Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – 14 February 2023 – His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, asserted that the UAE follows the lead of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in setting increasingly ambitious objectives and new standards that will benefit present and future generations.
“We follow your lead, your vision and your directives, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, to drive our development and exceed all aspirations,” said H.H. Sheikh Saud. “The key pillars to turn ambition into a reality are empowering citizens capable of shaping their own future, establishing a fortified natural environment that preserves historical identity, forming a government that builds bridges and paves the way for prosperity and progress towards a bright future and enabling a dynamic and sustainable economy that guarantees productivity and prosperity.”
H.H. Sheikh Saud went on to assert that “the accomplishments Ras Al Khaimah has made can be credited to the spirit of solidarity and cohesion in the Emirate, and to the tireless efforts of the Rulers of the emirates. What we have achieved today would not have been possible without this spirit in our beloved homeland. Many of our achievements result from the joint efforts of my brothers, the Rulers of the emirates. And to my brother Mohammed bin Rashid and the Rulers of the emirates, I say, you are our greatest support in this journey; I have learned much from you, and it is from you that I derive my strength.”
H.H. Sheikh Saud made these statements in a keynote speech at this year’s World Government Summit in Dubai, held under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Khalid bin Saud Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Development Office, and Sheikh Saqr bin Saud Al Qasimi, along with a number of Sheikhs, heads of state, government ministers and officials, heads of international organizations and companies, prominent businessmen from the private sector, international experts and future visionaries.
“Ambition is what transformed the UAE into the unique role model and success story that stands out in the region and the world,” H.H. Sheikh Saud continued. “It is what drove our Founding Fathers to look far beyond their present and lay solid foundations for a bright and promising future. The UAE’s nurturing environment, which prioritizes investing in people, and the integration-driven vision of our union bring our seven emirates together under one umbrella, with one goal. That, along with the vision of our wise leadership, are the foundations for the success of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy.”
“The wealth or poverty of nations is a reflection of the efficiency of their management and not the value of their resources,” H.H. Sheikh Saud asserted. “The UAE has been blessed with a wise leadership that has made our dreams a reality.”
H.H. Sheikh Saud told audiences at the Summit of the remarkable achievements made by the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, with its commitment to investing in human development driving economic growth. “Everyone remembers how committed the late Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi was to providing education for all, convinced of the importance of investing in our people. And this is why the story of Ras Al Khaimah is the story of a great emirate with ambitious and determined people,” H.H. Sheikh Saud noted.
“We have learned from the history of our ancestors that small economies may, with wise leadership, be more flexible, dynamic and capable of growth,” H.H. Sheikh Saud added. “With dedication and hard work, we have made tremendous achievements; in 2022, our tourism sector witnessed the highest number of visitors in the Emirate’s history, continuing its upward trajectory that saw it grow by 50% in four years. Meanwhile, the value of real estate transactions doubled in three years, new licenses issued in economic zones increased by 40% in five years and activities at Saqr Port grew more than twentyfold over the past 20 years.”
“We have built a robust model to strengthen vital industries that help ensure sustainability and resilience of the economy,” H.H. Sheikh Saud explained. “Our strategic programs focus on diversifying the economy by attracting investment in industry, technology, tourism and real estate, while modernizing infrastructure and developing education, in an effort to enhance quality of life for citizens and empower them by encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, and making the economy of Ras Al Khaimah a successful model for international partnerships.”
H.H. Sheikh Saud added: “What we want for every citizen of Ras Al Khaimah is a government that supports your advancement; a national culture in the public and private sectors underpinned by the concepts of planning, organization and perseverance; and authentic values that believe in the importance of hard work and commitment.”
In conclusion, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah thanked the people of the UAE for their valuable contribution to the country’s development, for their faith in the Emirates’ message and for their participation in creating a model for cooperation and development.
“Our goal today is to create a homogeneous government that bears the same spirit, and same aspirations. There may be different hands and minds but they play as one orchestra, delivering a symphony for a better future,” H.H. Sheikh Saud said.
Following his speech, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah participated in a special dialogue session at the Summit, moderated by John Defterios, Professor of Business at New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi.