About us

H.H. BIOGRAPHY

The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research is the visionary initiative of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi - Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the fourth son of His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohamed Al Qasimi. Born in Dubai on February 10, 1956, Sheikh Saud completed both his primary and secondary education in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).

Upon graduating from the University of Michigan, he returned to RAK in 1979 and was duly appointed as Chief of the Ruler's Court to assist his father in the administration of the Government of RAK. On June 14, 2003, Sheikh Saud was chosen by his father as the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

Since that date, the Sheikh has implemented vast organizational and economic reforms that have transformed RAK into an attractive destination for foreign investment – culminating in an A rating in January 2008 by Standard and Poor's and Fitch. In 2006, the Sheikh established the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) to implement and manage RAK’s vigorous developmental and infrastructural overhaul.

Drawing from the experience of his private sector successes, Sheikh Saud's economic insight and business savvy have helped bring about unprecedented development and growth across the emirate – particularly in the tourism, real estate and manufacturing spheres.

Perhaps Sheikh Saud’s most stirring contribution has been in regard to the social development of the emirate. Viewing education as an important part of Ras Al Khaimah's sustainable development, he has spurred many initiatives, including the Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi Excellence Award and the opening of RAK Center for Advanced Materials which promotes research into nano-techonology and other advanced sciences.

Sheikh Saud’s reputation as a hard working, tireless leader is both well-earned and far-reaching. As his ambitious vision of making Ras Al Khaimah a world-class destination comes to life, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Scholarships are heralding a fresh dawn in the region’s ambitions.