RAK sets sight on becoming magnet for global talent

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Saud conveyed his Ramadan greetings to the media fraternity and appreciated the role played by the media
in nation development.

In the lively interaction that followed, Sheikh Saud outlined his vision for the development of the emirate and noted that the current developmental wave sweeping the UAE and Ras Al Khaimah was just the beginning of a quantum leap towards progress and prosperity. He said that UAE has been able to achieve and sustain rapid growth under the able leadership of 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.

"As a country we are fortunate that our paths towards nation building were led by visionary leaders like H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan who always reaffirmed the centrality of people in social development", he said.

Outlining his vision for development, Sheikh Saud said that he would like to see Ras Al Khaimah as a magnet for talent from across the
world. "I would like to make RAK the destination of the global citizen of today. Our master plan for development would address what kind of
requirements and facilities needed to make the emirate his destination of choice to work and live in", he said.

Sheikh Saud said that the development plan for the emirate would see the creation of several industrial zones, an Education City, world
class healthcare facilities, mega tourism developments and creation of excellent logistic facilities.

He said that on the real estate and tourism front, RAK would target the creation of at least 50 hotels in the near future. Sheikh Saud said that the emirate was currently undertaking several mega real estate projects like Al Marjan Islands, Al Hamra Village, Mina Al Arab
project and Saraya Islands. He said that the emirate will soon undertake another mega project for the creation of a new city called Gateway City. The tourism developments that will come up in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah will also be truly unique.

"On the educational front, we are creating an Education City which will have the presence of international varsities like George Mason
University, USA and several other prominent institutions. The Education City would become a learning centre for the whole of the Emirates and the region", he said.

Sheikh Saud said that the container terminal being developed at the Mina Saqr port in RAK will be operational by next year. He said that
the emirate has also attempted to have a legal system that is on par with international standards.

Replying to a question on the upcoming Federal National Council (FNC) elections, he said, "We would like to create a political process that
really makes all our people proud of their country. At the end of the day, we have only one goal and that is how to make the country better".

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Chairman of RAK Ruler's private affairs department, Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al
Qassimi, Chairman of the RAK Finance Department, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Chairman of RAK Customs and Ports, Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan
Al Qassimi, Chairman of the RAK Civil Aviation Department, and a number of sheikhs and officials.