Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi:

  • Education is our greatest hope for shaping a bright future.
  • The continuous development of the education system in Ras Al Khaimah is at the top of our priorities.
  • The landmark achievements that have been made across all sectors in the Emirate require competent individuals, capable of sustaining this successful momentum.

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, stated that investing in education is key to shaping a bright future and maintaining the comprehensive development drive taking place across the UAE as the world continues to undergo rapid technological transformations.

“Continuously improving the quality and excellence of the education system is the basis for training and empowering an innovative generation, with advanced skills in the sciences of the future, in line with the UAE’s vision and objectives for the next 50 years,” H.H. Sheikh Saud added.

H.H. Sheikh Saud welcomed high-achieving Grade 11 students from government and private schools across the Emirate in a meeting to assess their academic performance, discuss their educational needs and allow them to express their aspirations for the future as they look ahead to higher education.

The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah said: “Continuously improving Ras Al Khaimah’s education system is at the top of our priorities and we strive to build a competitive and distinguished system that provides for all capabilities, to encourage learning and innovation, in accordance with the highest international standards.”

“My advice to you is to read widely and extensively, because the more you read, the deeper and more diverse perspectives you gain to form your own opinions on critical issues,” H.H. Sheikh Saud added, noting the importance of having a clear vision and a specific goal to achieve success, while asserting that his primary objective is to bring happiness to the people of Ras Al Khaimah.

H.H. Sheikh Saud exchanged conversations with the students about the important role that artificial intelligence and robotics play, stressing the need to specialize in the fields of study that can serve sustainable development and the future of humanity, and to explore available professions in the fields of renewable energy, environmental sciences, sustainability, biotechnology, healthcare and proactive disease forecasting.

He also directed students to the financial technology (fintech) sector, blockchain and encrypted digital currencies, as well as space sciences, which is undergoing remarkable development in the UAE, particularly with the recent launch of a second Emirati mission to space, and the arrival of an Emirati astronaut to the International Space Station, where he will spend six months – the longest period an Arab astronaut has ever spent in space.

At the conclusion of his meeting with the students, H.H. Sheikh Saud urged them to take into account the evolving future requirements of scientific and technological disciplines when choosing their careers, and encouraged them to develop their intellectual and creative skills by reading works from various disciplines, and underlined the importance of having morals and good qualities to serve the country and the community.

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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 Ras Al Khaimah before attending the American University of Beirut. He later moved to the University of Michigan, graduating with an Economics Degree.

He returned home in 1978 and was appointed Chief of the Ruler’s Court before becoming Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah 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.

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, a year in which he was also named Visionary Leader of the Year by Arabian Business.

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 diverse landscape, from 64km of beaches, to deserts and imposing mountains, as well as its rich history, dating back 7,000 years. It has many archaeological sites, four of which have been shortlisted on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The Emirate’s Jebel Jais mountain, which is the highest mountain in the UAE, boasts attractions including Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zip line at almost 3km, and 1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant. Ras Al Khaimah is centrally located at the modern crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, with one third of the world’s population within four hours’ flying time, making it an ideal location for businesses to expand into the UAE, the Middle East and Africa region and beyond. The Emirate boasts one of the most diverse economies in the region, with no single sector accounting for more than 26% of the Emirate’s GDP – a critical advantage that enhances Ras Al Khaimah’s economic flexibility and strength. For more than a decade, Ras Al Khaimah has been consistently rated in the ‘A’ range by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s international ratings agencies. Ras Al Khaimah is a multicultural society, with an estimated population of 0.4 million people in 2021. With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up and a competitive and affordable cost of living, Ras Al Khaimah is the informed choice for business, lifestyle and exploration.