"Our Young Men And Women Are Our True Wealth": RAK Ruler Tells CNN

"Our young men and women are our true wealth": RAK Ruler tells CNN

RAS AL KHAIMAH, (Pakistan Point News - 12th Apr, 2019) H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has underlined the central role played by the logistics sector in the industrial "revolution" ongoing in the emirate, affirming that "Ras Al Khaimah is a good place to make money".

H.H. Sheikh Saud made the remarks in an interview with CNN, during the recent Gateway Partners’ 3rd Annual Investors Forum, where he discussed the structured, institutional approach he takes to governance; Ras Al Khaimah’s successful businesses; and investment opportunities in the Emirate.

''I saw actually manufacturing could be really a good start for us," he said, noting that RAK has managed to become a leading supplier of building material for all GCC states.

Highlighting the importance of industrialisation, Sheikh Saud said: ''We are very proud that today we have some marvelous industries that are successful like the RAK Ceramic, RAK Rock, etc..We have actually managed to attract major companies, especially Indian companies, like Ashok Leyland.'' Speaking about the significance the logistics industry holds for the Emirate, H.H. Saud remarked, "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!" he enthused.

RAK Ruler emphasised the good governance model the emirate is strictly pursuing. "Rule of law is the rule of the emirate. Law is not only written in Ras Al Kahimah, but it is also practiced. We have introduced many ideas to facilitate the enactment of justice in orde to make sure people can resolve their disputes efficiently, and ensure accountability, transparency and good governance in the emirate. Good rules make good results."

He in this regard referred to the "noteworthy strides" made by the emirate in ease of doing business, according to the World Bank.

"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."

"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... History is a good tutor for failure and successes."

On the growing tourism industry in the emirate, Sheikh Saud said, "We are in a global village. It takes you a few hours to come from LA, New York or anywhere in the world to come here. We have lovely beaches; sunny weather; and a great typography. A very few places in the world have this combination. Sea is very nice; not cold. On top of that, there is a great archeology. We have around 5,000 archeological sites available. It's really a great rich history in the emirate."

He affirmed the emirate's determination to have constructive relations with all world countries. "We think our wealth is to build relations with every country."

On his aspirations toward 2030, RAK Ruler said: "I believe in an evidence-based policy. 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!"