SAUD BIN SAQR AL QASIMI / ACHIEVEMENTS / Community development
SUMMARY
His Highness Sheikh Saud has embarked upon a journey to transform Ras Al Khaimah through his commitment to community development. A passionate advocate for education, he has established a strong academic ecosystem that continually strives to achieve the best educational outcomes, while delivering on the adoption of new technologies and innovations. His leadership in healthcare led to the establishment of RAK Hospital, while the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research was created to deliver world-class research and enhance community engagement. Driven by a deep sense of humanity, His Highness has established several charities and foundations to support vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Under his guidance, Ras Al Khaimah is developing as a model of inclusivity, educational and social advancement.
Educational transformation
His Highness Sheikh Saud was among the first generation in Ras Al Khaimah to receive formal schooling and he became a passionate advocate of the power of education after studying Political Science and Economics at the University of Michigan, United States. Since then, His Highness has implemented policies that have transformed Ras Al Khaimah’s education sector, which now encompasses over 100 public and private schools of various curricula across the Emirate, multiple domestic and international universities, a research foundation (Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research) and a government department to regulate and continually improve educational standards (Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge). Since coming under his patronage in 1988, His Highness has nurtured the development of RAK Academy, which now offers British and International Baccalaureate curricula to more than 3,000 students at three campuses across Ras Al Khaimah, each of which were rated either ‘good’ or ‘very good’ in the UAE Ministry of Education’s 2024 quality evaluations. His stewardship has also resulted in numerous other prominent schools setting up campuses in the Emirate, including the International School of Choueifat, WellSpring Private School and GEMS Westminster School.
Higher Education
His Highness Sheikh Saud firmly believes that high-quality higher education can unlock the potential of the Emirate’s young people and so has worked to establish respected academic institutions in Ras Al Khaimah, such as the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, which opened in 2005, and Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU), which opened in 2006, while attracting select overseas university campuses to the Emirate, such as the University of Bolton, the University of West London and the University of Stirling, all from the UK.
Educational Oversight
His Highness Sheikh Saud established Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge (RAKDOK) to enhance the quality of private education in the Emirate and support innovation across all educational fields. RAKDOK works to develop an inclusive, world-class education ecosystem that promotes sustainability and innovation, empowers young learners to achieve their full potential and enriches the quality of life in Ras Al Khaimah.
International Recognition
Ras Al Khaimah was ranked the fourth best city globally for expatriates to live and work, according to the 2023 InterNations annual report, which polled over 12,000 expats living in 172 countries. In 2024, Ras Al Khaimah secured the number one spot out of 53 cities internationally for expatriates ‘to get started abroad’, according to InterNations’ Expat Essentials Index. The Emirate has also achieved honors in the tourism sector, becoming the first destination in the Middle East to be awarded Silver Certification under EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations program. Ras Al Khaimah was also the first city in the world to be certified as ‘safe’ by Bureau Veritas after the Covid-19 pandemic, and the first emirate to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘safe travels’ stamp. These accolades are the result of His Highness’s unwavering and ongoing efforts to provide a welcoming environment and uphold a high quality of life for all who choose to call the Emirate home.
High-Quality Healthcare
His Highness Sheikh Saud established RAK Hospital, an internationally recognized and accredited healthcare facility, in 2007 to deliver high-quality healthcare outcomes for patients to the highest international standards and utilizing the most advanced technologies. The hospital has been accredited by internationally recognized names such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission International (JCI) and has received several accreditations from Temos International. His Highness has also overseen the ongoing pursuit of excellence at many other healthcare facilities in the Emirate, including Saqr Hospital, Ibrahim bin Hamad Obaidullah Hospital and Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital.
Research Capacity
The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research was established in 2009 to aid in the social, cultural and economic development of Ras Al Khaimah. The Foundation generates world-class research, boosting capacity in the public sector and engaging the community in its work, which encompasses four main pillars – education, health and wellness, urban development and arts and culture.
Protecting the Vulnerable
His Highness Sheikh Saud has long been a proponent of tolerance, equality and integrity, coupled with a strong sense of humanity and a commitment to protect the vulnerable in society. These beliefs led His Highness, in 2017, to establish the Aman Shelter for Women and Children, which offers a sanctuary to help women and children in need, or who have experienced trauma and equip them with new skills, while raising awareness in the community about the perils of human exploitation.
Supporting the Disadvantaged
The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Charitable Educational Foundation was established by His Highness to aid those struggling to access education and to ensure fairness and equity across the sector. The Foundation supports students with financial aid, equips them with materials and technology to support their studies, offers grants and provides scholarships. A center dedicated to helping students with autism also falls under the Foundation’s remit.
Societal Progress
His Highness Sheikh Saud set up the Emirates Association for Social Development in 2011 to strengthen a sense of belonging through the delivery of social programs and services, as well as a variety of educational and cultural activities, for all segments of society, though with a focus on young people, in particular. Its programs are aimed at creating a strong and cohesive society, which in turn helps to achieve the sustainable development goals of Ras Al Khaimah and the entire UAE.
Economic prosperity
Under His Highness Sheikh Saud’s visionary leadership, Ras Al Khaimah has evolved into a thriving economic hub, driven by transparency, collaboration and a pro-business approach. His focus on infrastructure development…
Safety, security & justice
His Highness Sheikh Saud has prioritized safety, security and justice as cornerstones of Ras Al Khaimah’s pursuit of prosperity. His leadership has made the Emirate an extremely safe place to live and his commitment to good governance…
Government modernization
His Highness Sheikh Saud’s philosophy of governance emphasizes integrity, vision and empathy, seeing government as an enabler for people and businesses to thrive. His leadership has modernized and grown the capacity…
Environment & sustainability
His Highness Sheikh Saud is championing sustainability in Ras Al Khaimah through a number of initiatives, including the Ras Al Khaimah Integrated Sustainability Strategy 2050, a comprehensive policy that aims for significant reductions…