(MENAFN- Mid-East Info)

• HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi: 'We look forward to building a dynamic partnership that reflects our shared values and ambitious visions for the future'
• City planning and public security, business promotion and tourism, sustainable development and Smart City technology among areas covered by agreement

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, in the presence of Sheikh Khalid bin Saud Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of the Investment and Development Office, today witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ras Al Khaimah and Miami, Florida, with a view to strengthening and promoting exchange and cooperation across a number of sectors of mutual interest.

The agreement was signed by Senior Advisor to HH Sheikh Saud, His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Omran Alshamsi, and the Mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez.

HH Sheikh Saud said:“This agreement marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration for Ras Al Khaimah and Miami, though it is a continuation of the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the United States. By encouraging greater collaboration and exchange, we open new pathways for innovation, investment and cultural dialogue. We look forward to building a dynamic partnership that reflects our shared values and ambitious visions for the future.”

Through the MoU, Ras Al Khaimah and Miami intend to establish a cooperative relationship across several sectors and areas of mutual interest, including city planning and public security, business promotion and tourism, Smart City technology, innovation and start-ups and sustainable development, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

During the meeting, discussions also focused on enhancing economic, trade and investment ties, as well as the many existing US companies based in Ras Al Khaimah, such as Hilton, Guardian Glass and Caresoft Global. HH Sheikh Saud also highlighted the Emirate's vibrant economic landscape and the investment opportunities it offers to support business growth and innovation.

Mayor Suarez expressed his sincere appreciation to HH Sheikh Saud for the warm hospitality, praising the strong ties between the UAE and the US and an agreement that will mark an exciting new chapter in relations between Ras Al Khaimah and one of the US's most prominent cities.

The full list of areas of cooperation in the MoU are:

• City Planning and Public Security
• Business Promotion and Tourism
• Sustainable Development and Resilience (Sustainable Development Goals framework set forth by the United Nations)
• Smart City, Technology, Innovation, Start Ups and Digital Inclusion
• Public Management, Participation and Accountability Mechanisms
• Urban Mobility, Traffic and Mass Transportation Management
• Primary Care, Health and Social Inclusion
• Logistics and Airport Services
• Culture, Sports and Education
• Promotion of Creative Economy

About His Highness Sheikh Saud:

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is a Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Born in Dubai in 1956, he was educated in Ras Al Khaimah before attending the American University of Beirut. He later moved to the University of Michigan, graduating with an Economics Degree.

He returned home in 1978 and was appointed Chief of the Ruler's Court before becoming Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council in 1986. In this period, HH Sheikh Saud founded RAK Ceramics and restructured Julphar Pharmaceuticals and Stevin Rock to ensure both became the industry leaders they are today.

HH Sheikh Saud was named Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah on 14 June 2003. In this role he oversaw the introduction of free zones, efficient business licensing procedures and offshore corporate registration.

On 27 October 2010, after the passing of his father H.H. Sheikh Saqr (May he rest in Peace), HH Sheikh Saud became the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. As Ruler, he has continued to expand and diversify Ras Al Khaimah's economic base and improve the quality of its social services, while working hard to make high-quality education and healthcare services available to all the Emirate's population.

HH 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 in 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.

About Ras Al Khaimah:

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northernmost of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its diverse landscape, from 64km of beaches, to deserts and imposing mountains, as well as its rich history, dating back 7,000 years. It has many archaeological sites, four of which have been shortlisted on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The Emirate's Jebel Jais, which is the highest mountain in the UAE, boasts attractions including Jebel Jais Flight, the world's longest zip line at almost 3km, and 1484 by Puro, the UAE's highest restaurant. Ras Al Khaimah is centrally located at the modern crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, with one third of the world's population within four hours' flying time, making it an ideal location for businesses to expand into the UAE, the Middle East and Africa region and beyond. The Emirate boasts one of the most diverse economies in the region, with no single sector accounting for more than 30% of the Emirate's GDP – a critical advantage that enhances Ras Al Khaimah's economic flexibility and strength. Ras Al Khaimah has been rated in the 'A' range by Fitch and Standard & Poor's international ratings agencies for 15 years. Ras Al Khaimah is a multicultural society, with a population of 0.4 million people. The Emirate is known for its tranquil, coastal environment, attainable beachfront living and high quality of life. With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up and a competitive and affordable cost of living, Ras Al Khaimah is the informed choice for business, lifestyle and exploration.

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