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MENAFN- Mid-East Info)
HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi delivers an insightful opening keynote address at the gathering
HH Sheikh Saud:
'The value of science goes beyond knowledge itself; it is fundamental to humanity's progress, resilience and hope for the future'
'Our vision in Ras Al Khaimah is to empower our people and enable our institutions to give them the platform they need to succeed'
February, 2026, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, delivered an inspiring opening keynote address on the first day of the 17th International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM), where he spoke about the critical role of science and research in addressing global challenges and shaping a sustainable future for coming generations.
During his address, HH Sheikh Saud highlighted how science lights the path for long-term progress, emphasizing the importance of discipline, collaboration and responsibility in advancing knowledge that benefits humanity.
HH Sheikh Saud said:“The value of science goes beyond knowledge itself; it is fundamental to humanity's progress, resilience and hope for the future. Throughout history, societies that invested in science were able to adapt, endure and prosper. In a rapidly changing world, it is science that lights the path ahead, as it asks us to look beyond what is known and imagine what is possible.
“Investing in science is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our future. Whether in science or other fields, our vision in Ras Al Khaimah is to empower our people and enable our institutions to give them the platform they need to succeed. We believe strongly that institutions exist to serve people, to make daily life simpler, faster and fairer, and to ensure that opportunity is accessible to all. When institutions function well, confidence follows: confidence to invest, to innovate and to plan for the future.”
HH Sheikh Saud stated that IWAM reaffirms Ras Al Khaimah's long-term commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation, and to strengthening a knowledge-based economy aligned with the national vision of investing in human potential, empowering scientific talent and expanding international partnerships in advanced research fields.
Ras Al Khaimah firmly believes that advanced sciences, particularly materials science, are fundamental to sustainable development, given their pivotal role in advancing industries, enhancing quality of life and delivering innovative solutions to global challenges across energy, health, the environment, technology and other vital sectors, HH Sheikh Saud added.
His Highness commended the Ras Al Khaimah Centre for Advanced Materials (RAKCAM), for organizing this leading scientific forum, and for its continued efforts to attract global expertise and foster a stimulating research environment that encourages constructive dialogue, the exchange of ideas and the formation of research partnerships in service of humanity.
Now in its 17th year in Ras Al Khaimah, IWAM brings together leading scientists, academics and researchers from prestigious academic institutions around the world, including Nobel laureates, for three days of lectures, discussions and academic exchange focused on the role of advanced materials in shaping future technologies and addressing global challenges.
Local participation from UAE universities has been growing year on year, with 128 professors and students from across the country taking part in this year's forum, including 18 from the American University of Ras Al Khaimah.
During IWAM, two sessions will be dedicated to students from UAE universities. The first, on Wednesday, is organized by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and will involve 110 students, who will have the chance to ask scientists questions about advanced materials. The second, on Thursday, will see RAKCAM board members award the winners of a student competition, the Ras Al Khaimah Educational Innovation and Sustainability Competition, organized by Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge, which attracted 403 entries from across the country.
Professor Sir Tony Cheetham, Chairman of RAKCAM and Research Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, said:“The International Workshop on Advanced Materials is a unique platform for scientific discussion on materials that hold great potential for the future of humanity, and we thank His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for his continued support in hosting this forum in Ras Al Khaimah.
“The applications of advanced materials have progressed rapidly in recent years, with current usage in mobile phones, solar cells, LED lighting and water purification. IWAM provides an excellent opportunity for the international scientific community to come together and explore their transformative potential. These materials are not only the foundation of next-generation technologies but they also shape the possibilities of tomorrow's industries, healthcare systems and sustainable solutions. By providing a platform for collaboration and discussion, we ensure that ideas are translated into innovations that improve lives, enhance economies and empower communities worldwide. The dialogue that begins here today will resonate in the technologies of the future.”
IWAM is sponsored by Ras Al Khaimah's Stevin Rock, one of the largest quarrying companies in the world, with a production capacity of more than 80 million tons per year.
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), the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is distinguished by its natural diversity, rich history and forward-thinking vision under His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. With a commitment to sustainable development, economic prosperity, social development and innovation, RAK has become an ideal place to live, work and invest.
Strategically located between East and West – with one third of the world's population within four hours' flying time – RAK is a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Its economy is diverse, with no single sector accounting for more than 27% of GDP. RAK offers a business-friendly environment with customizable services, competitive operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax and one of the world's lowest corporate tax rates. With world-class infrastructure, RAK is home to over 50,000 companies, including industry leaders such as RAK Ceramics and Julphar. RAKEZ and Innovation City support dynamic growth across industrial, manufacturing and digital sectors, backed by a future-focused economy validated by 'A'-range credit ratings for 15+ years from Fitch and S&P.
RAK has a multicultural society of 0.4 million people from 150 countries, offering a high quality of life, accessible luxury living and a serene coastal lifestyle, with bold hospitality projects led by signature luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton. Projects such as RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, while its natural beauty (UAE's highest mountain, beaches and deserts) and rich cultural heritage – dating back 7,000 years – further enhance RAK's universal appeal.
With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up, a competitive cost of living and high quality of life, Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities.
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