RAK RULER PRAISES EMIRATE AS HUB OF INDUSTRY SET TO WELCOME THE WORLD
▶ Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi said incoming companies and port upgrade are building RAK’s brand
The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah has praised the emirate as a thriving hub of industry and a major driving force behind the success of the UAE.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, said RAK had embraced the manufacturing sector, growing its own businesses and attracting trade from overseas.
During an interview with CNN, the Supreme Council member said RAK had become a leading supplier of building materials for countries throughout the Middle East.
“I saw that manufacturing could be a really good start for us. We are very proud that today we have some marvellous industries that are successful like RAK Ceramic and RAK Rock. We have actually managed to attract major companies, especially Indian companies, like Ashok Leyland.”
Sheikh Saud said port expansion has been a key driver.
“Logistics is a central part to the ongoing revolution. That’s why we have embarked on reforming our port. In the past, we used to handle 1.5 million tonnes of cargo, while today we are handling around 70 million tonnes. The efficiency of our port is key to our success.
“Name any port in the Gulf and you will find it’s built by Ras Al Khaimah.”
The RAK ruler said the emirate is a good place to do business for companies worldwide.
“We have ease of doing business. I had a meeting with the World Bank recently on the ease of doing business. We went from the 31st position to be now among the 30 top economies on the ease of doing business. However, it is not enough for us; we need more progress.”
Sheikh Saud said it is vital that governments are led properly.
“It’s very important for us to make sure our government is well managed. We ensure that everyone is answerable. Everyone is measured by best practices.
In the past, we used to handle 1.5 million tonnes of cargo, while today we handle around 70 million tonnes SHEIKH SAUD BIN SAQR AL QASIMI Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
History is a good tutor for failure and successes.”
He said RAK has much to offer as a tourist destination.
“We are in a global village. It takes you a few hours to come from LA, New York or anywhere in the world. We have lovely beaches; sunny weather; and a great topography. Very few places in the world have this combination. There is a great archaeology. We have around 5,000 archeological sites. There is rich history in the emirate.”
Sheikh Saud said he is eager to unleash the potential of the next generation to put the emirate on the world stage.
“We’re constructing a vision for 2030. I will tell you what I want. I want Ras Al Khaimah to be a global emirate. I want our people to be global citizens. Our duty is to help our kids to reach their best potential. I believe in our young men and women who are our true wealth. We’d like to throw them to the ocean, and allow them to swim – and they will thrive.”