H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, is the driving force behind the Spectacular Transformation of Ras Al Khaimah from a once sleepy emirate to an economic, financial and touristic powerhouse.
1970's
Completed elementary and secondary schooling in Ras Al Khaimah. Then, pursued his higher education in the University of Michigan in USA.
1979
On his return from US in 1979, Sheikh Saud was appointed as Chief of the Ruler’s Court and, in 1986 he became the Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council, in which he implemented reforms to improve the governance infrastructure of the Emirate.
2003
On June 14, 2003, Sheikh Saud was appointed by his father as Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
2003
Since his appointment in 2003, Sheikh Saud implemented vast organizational and economic reforms to ensure the success of local businesses while simultaneously attracting a steady flow of foreign investment.
2003+
Drawing from the experience of his private sector successes, such as the rejuvenation of Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (i.e., Julfar Pharmaceuticals) and the creation of the world's largest ceramics manufacturer, RAK Ceramics, Sheikh Saud's economic insight and business savvy have helped bring about unprecedented development and growth across the emirate.
2004~
The effects of his reforms resulted in a dramatic jump of GDP per capita in Ras Al Khaimah from AED 35,000 to AED 52,000 in the years between 2001 and 2006.
2004~
His progressive leadership and keen business acumen has turned around the fortunes of Ras Al Khaimah to make it into a hot investment destination in the region in just six years.
2005
In 2005, Sheikh Saud established the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) to implement and manage Ras Al Khaimah's vigorous developmental and infrastructural overhaul.
2008
In January 2008, Standard and Poor and Fitch announced that the Government of Ras Al Khaimah was awarded an A rating, thereby publicly confirming the strong economic position that the Emirate's government enjoys.
2008+
Sheikh Saud implemented a prompt agenda of reforms during the last six years and improved the investment climate by removing impediments or burdens in the legal, administrative or other levels which act as barriers or diminish the incentive to invest and to do business
2008+
Sheikh Saud renewed governmental focus to build a diverse economy that enjoys strong and sustainable growth.
2008+
Sheikh Saud revamped thoroughly the legal and regulatory framework to provide clarity, objectivity and transparency to investors.
2008+
Sheikh Saud is well regarded and admired as a hard working, tireless leader dedicated to his ambitious vision of making Ras Al Khaimah a world class destination for investments to create wealth and raise the standards of living.
2010
His Highness Sheikh Saud has been named Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah after the death of his father, His Highness Sheikh Saqr.
