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 and efficient business licensing procedures, transforming the industrial sector in the Emirate.

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. In 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 evolved and innovated in its approach to commerce and trade, and improved government procedures across the Emirate, guaranteeing efficiency, quality, transparency and 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 four government and four private hospitals operating to the best international standards, in addition to hundreds of healthcare clinics. There are also more than 100 public and private schools, with varied curriculums, and numerous higher learning institutions, including international branch campuses of UK and US universities.

The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Researchs Scholarships Office was inspired by H.H. Sheikh Sauds passion for enabling young people to achieve academic excellence. The Office provides scholarships for Emiratis to some of the worlds most prestigious universities.

The Aman Shelter for Women and Children in Ras Al Khaimah was set up by H.H. Sheikh Saud in 2017 with the mandate of helping to provide shelter, protection and legal, psychological and financial support to victims of violence and human trafficking. The Shelters vision involves securing a community free from all forms of violence and one that is based on human dignity, equality and justice.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Charitable Educational Foundation was created through H.H. Sheikh Sauds desire to ensure that every child has the same chance in life. The Foundation provides not only free education to 2,000 students at four charitable schools but also financial aid to those who are finding it difficult to gain access to schooling.

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.