RAK Ruler's biography launched

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attended the launch of the authorised biography of H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, at a glittering function held at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah here last evening.

Launched to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Saud as Crown Prince of the Emirate, the book also details the extraordinary changes and fast-paced economic growth that has taken place in RAK since 2003. The book has been published by Media Prima.
"Sheikh Saqr's life has been a saga of not just words, but action. His discipline and unflinching commitment to his ideals should inspire us all in our endeavours for the development of Ras Al Khaimah and UAE," Sheikh Saud said at the launch of the book.

He said that Sheikh Saqr had a very practical concept of development which rested on the premise that dreams about the future held no sense unless they are coupled with action. "He firmly believed that there could be no development without the development of the individual. And he was one of the pioneers who strived to educate young children in Ras Al Khaimah by establishing a number of schools," he added.

In his foreward for the book, Sheikh Saud says about his father "Sheikh Saqr has carried Ras Al Khaimah forward through the most dramatic period of history, from Trucial States backwater to a vibrant and socially developed member of the United Arab Emirates. Yet he remains a man notable for his humility, kindness and wisdom".

"When he took charge of the Emirate in 1948, the Arab world was reeling after the partition of Palestine, Harry Truman was in the White House and Europe in the midst of depression following the end of the Second World War. From an historic perspective, the subsequent six decades have been eventful and somewhat difficult, particularly for the Middle East. Yet throughout this time Sheikh Saqr's aim has remained singular. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of his people", added Sheikh Saud.

He said that the country was lucky to have leaders like H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and other Rulers who made the dream of UAE nation a reality. "We are now fortunate that President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, share the same spirit and determination for the success and development of the UAE," he said.

"This story is unique, not only because of Sheikh Saqr's longevity, but for his achievements. When he became Ruler, in 1948, Ras Al Khaimah teetered on the brink of collapse. Sheikh Saqr turned the situation around and transformed the fortunes of a sheikhdom not blessed with great oil or gas deposits," said author Graeme Wilson, whose biographical titles include Presidents of the UAE, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

"As a writer, it is exciting to get one's teeth into such a human story and, I believe, the product is an exciting read".

"From a more modern perspective, it is interesting to see how Sheikh Saud has brought Sheikh Saqr's vision into the 21st century, and how the vibrancy of Sheikh Saud's leadership has driven Ras Al Khaimah forward," said Media Prima Managing Director, Lara Marrouchi.

Khalid Saffarini, Legal Advisor to the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, also spoke at the function which was attended by Sheikhs, dignitaries and top officials.

The English version will be launched in Britain in the summer and an Arabic version is planned towards the end of 2007.