His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi
Born in Dubai in 1956, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi was educated at Al Qassimiya Primary and Al Siddique Secondary schools in Ras Al Khaimah, before attending the American University of Beirut in 1973. Later on, he was enrolled in the University of Michigan in the United States, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Economics.
Upon returning from the United States in 1978, H.H. Sheikh Saud was appointed Chief of the Rulers Court. In 1986, he became the Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council, where he continued his work to improve the Emirates infrastructure and governance practices.
H.H. was named Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah on 14th June, 2003. As Crown Prince, he oversaw the introduction of free zones and industrial parks, efficient business licensing procedures and offshore corporate registration.
On 27th October, 2010, H.H. Sheikh Saud succeeded his father, the late Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, to become the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Sin his capacity as Ruler, he has continued to expand and diversify Ras Al Khaimahs economy, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to improving the wellbeing of the Emirates inhabitants and enhancing the quality of its social services.
Under his guidance, Ras Al Khaimah Government has adopted an institutional approach to commerce and trade, which has had a tremendously positive effect on government procedures in the Emirate, guaranteeing efficiency, quality, transparency and improving the ease of doing business.
H.H. Sheikh Saud has also strived to make high-quality education and healthcare services available to Ras Al Khaimahs people. The Emirate now has more than 100 public and private schools, with varied curriculums, and hosts numerous higher learning institutions.
In recognition of his leading role in spearheading the sustainable development of Ras Al Khaimah, 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 - 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.