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His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi UAE SUPREME COUNCIL MEMBER AND RULER OF RAS AL KHAIMAH
THIS SPECIAL ISSUE COMMEMORATES THE ACCESSION OF
HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH SAUD BIN SAQR AL QASIMI AS MEMBER OF THE UAE SUPREME COUNCIL AND RULER OF RAS AL KHAIMAH IN OCTOBER 2010.
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CREDITS Publisher & Managing Director Sankarnarayanan • sankar@sterlingp.ae Managing Editor K Raveendran • ravi@sterlingp.ae General Manager Radhika Natu • radhika@sterlingp.ae Design Director Ujwala Ranade • ujwala.art@gmail.com Photographs Sagar, Praveen, Abdul Shukkur Ibrahim Hameed • ibruahameed@yahoo.com Accounts SujayRaj • sujay@sterlingp.ae Distribution Supervisor Ibrahim Hameed
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A TRIBUTE SERIES Published from Dubai Media City Disclaimer: While all care has been taken to avoid mistakes, the publishers do not assume liability for any inadvertent errors or omissions. Third party content has not been independently verified.
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THE LEADER
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The Leader
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eadership is not merely the passing of a legacy. Nor is it about assuming a mantle of responsibilities by default. Leadership is about rallying together all the prevailing diversities, instilling in the team a sense of unprecedented confidence, notching up the collective confidence and above all, proving one’s inherent strengths through action and measurable results. A commitment to meaningful action, which brings about tangible socio-economic progress, is what distinguishes the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. In an age when the words ‘vision’ and ‘mission’ have become jaded through over-use, Sheikh Saud steps forward as a leader, brimming with the enthusiasm of youthful dynamism, and the self-assuredness of a man who knows his goals. His outlook for Ras Al Khaimah could perhaps be summed up in three words: “Explore. Dream. Discover.”
“I subscribe that the government must act and perform like a business unit as it is in many ways the most important company in the country, and one that we cannot afford to fail.”
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UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the Late HH Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi and HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi when he was the Crown Prince
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UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan falicitating His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi on his Accession as UAE Supreme Council member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
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Left : UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and other members of the UAE Supreme Council. From Left: Their Highnesses Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah and Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of RAK with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai
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Left : His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi at the Sheikh Saqr Programme for Government Excellence Award Presentation
HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi at the Palace Majlis Below : His Highness Sheikh Saud and Jihad Quzmar, Legal Advisor to the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, with Rudi Jagersbacher, President, Hilton Worldwide, MEA, at the signing of a management agreement between Al Hamra Group and Waldorf Astoria
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Left : HH Sheikh Saud at the Police Shooting Competition
When he goads his people to explore, he is encouraging them to push their boundaries and to cut through tried-and-tested ways. When he implores them to dream, he is inspiring them to set their goals as high as their dreams could soar. And when he encourages them to discover, he is urging them to become partners in the creation of a new social and economic order, where societal welfare trumps every other consideration. Ras Al Khaimah, the proud cradle of the Emirati civilization, the historic seat of learning, and the once-flourishing port town that bolstered Arab trade, witnessed an unparalleled transformation under Sheikh Saud, after he took over as Crown Prince. By shaping the Emirate as one of the most promising investment destinations in the Middle East, and creating a modern entrepreneurial culture led by the pillars of the knowledge economy, Sheikh Saud was demonstrating his innate leadership qualities that now have come in full bloom, as he leads Ras Al Khaimah into a new era. Sheikh Saud’s leadership outlook is shaped by a two-pronged development approach where he focuses on first creating a dynamic growth environment that assures the flow of foreign investment, and then building on this sound platform by engineering the necessary institutional and organisational changes.
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HH Sheikh Saud visits Bin Majid Folklore Society
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Sheikh Saud and Sheikh Mohammed interacting with people during their tour
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Right : HH Sheikh Saud and HH Sheikh Mohammed visiting British Navy ship HMS Cumberland
This pragmatic approach ensures that the talent base of Ras Al Khaimah – its youth – is actively engaged in nation building, thus strengthening their own knowledge base and skill sets. This leads to the creation of a strong entrepreneurial culture, where the social and economic aspirations of the Emirate’s people are effectively met. Sheikh Saud’s approach to local governance is indeed compared to that of an aggressive chief executive officer, who sets clear milestones for his organisation – in the Ruler’s case, his Emirate. “I subscribe that the government must act and perform like a business unit as it is in many ways the most important company in the country, and one that we cannot afford to fail,” Sheikh Saud once observed. There is an inimitable hands-on approach to the leadership style of Sheikh Saud, which not only prompts but also motivates the bureaucracy to play a more proactive role in addressing the challenges faced by the Emirate’s citizens. He has made clear - in no uncertain terms and in true zeal that characterizes a decisive leader - that bureaucratic hurdles will have no place in his management style. “Change is no longer an option,” he reminded his team, goading them to run with him as he led from the forefront of a development juggernaut.
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Sheikh Saud’s style of leadership not only inspired the public sector but was a perfect match for the private sector, which discovered in Ras Al Khaimah a soil fertile enough to bloom their ideas and catalyze their growth. His ‘leadership by example’ model has earned rich rewards for the Emirate as the ‘sunshine industries’ of Ras Al Khaimah, including RAK Ceramics and Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar), recorded robust growth, despite the challenges of the global financial downturn that were sweeping across the region. It is to the credit of Sheikh Saud that even as the financial turmoil peaked, Ras Al Khaimah remained largely unaffected, recording robust growth in its GDP, not fed by oil riches but by a diversified model of economy that was built on the traditional growth sectors of manufacturing, tourism, trade, logistics and Knowledge Economy.
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Left : HH Sheikh Saud receives a US Trade Mission
There are examples, dime a dozen, to illustrate the path-breaking leadership accomplishments of Sheikh Saud. While the establishment of the RAK Investment Authority and the Investment and Development Office highlights the importance Sheikh Saud plays in creating the infrastructure for investments and growth, his focus on initiating the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Programme for Young Business Leaders underscores the deep-rooted commitment to empowering his people, and promoting the culture of entrepreneurship that, he knows, will lay the foundation for long-term success. Sheikh Saud, indeed, approaches Ras Al Khaimah from all perspectives. He has the uncanny ability to view the Emirate from an outsider’s point of view, thus helping him to identify the lacunae, and address them swiftly. This is embodied in his proven ability to masterplan the Emirate’s growth by focusing on all developmental arms. As a leader, this holistic outlook is perhaps the most priceless asset of Sheikh Saud. This entails that he remains pragmatic, not oblivious to real challenges, not feigning that problems do not exist, not pushing under the carpet issues that must be squarely addressed. However, at the core of his leadership style is a deep-rooted conviction that “it is the people who make a country or city great.” That outlook is also the mark of his humility, and as the world very well knows, a good leader is one who values and respects his team. After all, they are his prime asset.
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HH Sheikh Saud at the inauguration of IWAM 2011
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THE LEADER HH Sheikh Saud with Dr Khater Massaad
“If you have a leader at the helm, who is so proactive and steady about leading his Emirate to success, it is a great example for everyone to follow. Sheikh Saud is always encouraging, and that positive energy helps us,” says Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of RAKIA and Advisor to Sheikh Saud, who describes himself as a ‘loyal soldier in Sheikh Saud’s army’.
further enhance the living standards and the quality of life in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah”.
“Working with Sheikh Saud is a greatly rewarding and fulfilling personal experience because he constantly encourages his people to be creative, to innovate and to focus on excellence as the guiding principle in everything that we do. His concern towards his staff and other people in general is clearly manifested in his unfaltering commitment to undertake development initiatives that ultimately aim to
For a leader who leads by example, Sheikh Saud works 24X7, points out Dr Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, Director-General, Department of Economic Development. “Sheikh Saud is a hands-on ruler and there are traces of his vision everywhere in the Emirate. From the Al Hamra Mall to the industrial belts to the 7-star hotel, everywhere you can see his presence and his vision,” says Dr Hassan.
“Sheikh Saud is a very encouraging man. He always sees the positive aspect of things and strives to do better. His policy is simple: Be 100 per cent professional in what you do,” says Dr Massaad.
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His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
The Investment & Development Office, Government of Ras Al Khaimah salutes the Vision and Leadership of
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, in delivering strong sustainable economic growth and supporting the ongoing development of Ras Al Khaimah as a leading business and investment location.
Investment & Development Office
Government of Ras Al Khaimah
PO Box 12222, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Tel.: 971 7 2277888. Fax : 971 7 2277887. www.ido.ae
HH Sheikh Saud on a tour of southern areas of RAK
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THE LEADER Paulo Coelho describes the warrior of light as one who has no abstractions. “Everything is concrete and everything is meaningful. He does not sit comfortably in his tent, observing what is going in the world; he accepts each challenge as an opportunity to transform himself.�
Sheikh Saud seeks in the challenges not only the opportunity to transform himself, but also to bring meaningful social and economic change for his land and his people. He leads by example. He is the example.
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THE LEADER
Sheikh Mohammed as Crown Prince
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ne of the first decrees issued by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi as Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah was the appointment of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi as the Crown Prince. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is the eldest son of HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Born on February 9, 1987, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi had his schooling at the Ras Al Khaimah English Speaking School after which he joined the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated in Political Science. After his return from the US in 2009, he joined the RAK Ruler’s Court and has ever since steered several initiatives to enhance government-sector competitiveness and efficiency. He has also overseen the implementation of the Mohammed bin Saud Housing Rehabilitation Programme during the last ten years. It helps local people rebuild their houses in the Emirate. The programme, which initially focused on villages and the industrial zones, has now been expanded to cover all of Ras Al Khaimah Emirate.
Sheikh Mohammed is also keen on the expansion of the industrial and tourism sectors of the Emirate and has been instrumental in encouraging entrepreneurship and inspiring new strategies to sustain comprehensive growth and development in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Saud. Sheikh Mohammed is the Chairman of the Al Hamra Holding Group, under which the real estate business, tourism developments and investments have been consolidated as part of a major reorganization. As per the reorganization, the management of the Palace Hotel has been entrusted to Waldorf Astoria, the most luxurious brand of the Hilton Group. The reorganized group also consolidates the management of the shopping malls, making it possible to have an integrated approach to the development of mall culture and shopping options in the Emirate. An avid reader of books and journals on international relations and literature, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud also shares a passion for sports.
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THE LEADER
Sheikh Saud Leads by Example
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mong the many qualities of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, his ability to solve problems is truly remarkable.
takes his own decisions based on the merit of the issue,” says Sheikh Abdulla. His Highness inspires the members of his team with his own dedication to work. “He is a hands-on leader with a 24-7 work commitment and hardly takes a break, except for the very limited periods of rest. His Highness leads by example and thus sets exacting standards for the team members.”
“His Highness has an amazing problem-solving ability,” says HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Director of the Office of HH The Ruler, and Director of HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Humaid Al Qasimi the Ruler’s Court, Government of Ras Al Khaimah. “This helps His Highness make the right decision at the right time and is truly the Sheikh Saud is very passionate about two hallmark of a great leader,” he says. subjects, which are close to his heart: education and care for nature. “You will see that events Sheikh Abdulla describes Sheikh Saud as the and issues relating to education get a heavy builder of modern Ras Al Khaimah and attributes weight in his daily engagements. Similarly, the better quality of life that the RAK residents environment protection is a top priority,” points enjoy to his vision. out Sheikh Abdulla. “Sheikh Saud is so down to earth in his approach that he listens to everybody, irrespective of a person’s standing. He gives a patient hearing to every complaint, every suggestion and, of course,
His Highness’ commitment to environmental protection is best illustrated by his order that makes cutting of ghaf trees illegal and provides for stringent penalty for violators. 29
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Sustainability as Key
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create conditions that would ustainability has been help attract a steady flow of a major plank of foreign investment that would Sheikh Saud’s vision and help tap the Emirate’s potential this has played a key role in various sectors, particularly in the Emirate’s ability to manufacturing, tourism and real successfully cope with the estate. Maximum attention was effects of the global financial devoted to areas and sectors crisis. It is certainly not correct where Ras Al Khaimah enjoyed to say that Ras Al Khaimah distinct advantages by way of has been immune to the natural resources, location and impact of the crisis, which its unique position on the cultural has brought down mighty Dr Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim landscape. corporations and humbled economies all over the Ras Al Khaimah has been rated as one of the world. But the remarkable success that Ras Al most favoured destinations in the Middle East. Khaimah achieved in limiting the impact of the And behind such ratings there are concerted crisis is a testimony to the soundness of the efforts to make it a destination of choice, strategy of sustainable development that His in terms of investment, education, tourism, Highness has expounded. entertainment and health care. “HH Sheikh Saud’s clear vision to lead the Today, Ras Al Khaimah is attracting a variety Emirate towards the path of development, selfof companies from Europe, Americas and the reliance and progress has delivered results,” Indian subcontinent. Nearly every industry is points out Dr Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, Director present on the small strip of land. General, Department of Economic Development, Government of Ras Al Khaimah. Dr Al Alkim says that the stamp of Sheikh Saud’s vision is everywhere. “From the Al Sheikh Saud’s strategy had two main planks: Hamra Mall to the industrial belts…to the world Ensure the success of existing businesses class hotels, you can see this vision in every by engineering the required institutional and facet of development,” he says. organizational changes and, at another level,
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A
s Deputy Ruler and Crown Prince, Sheikh Saud had been in full charge of the reign even before his Accession as the Ruler. Still, after he officially became Ruler in October 2010, a number of new key decisions have been announced. One of His Highness’ most important recent moves relates to the reorganization of the Jihad Quzmar Al Hamra Group as a holding company, bringing the real estate business, tourism developments and investments under its umbrella and making His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, as the Group Chairman.
THE LEADER
New Decrees, Initiatives logos and the new unified logo is expected to promote strong commitment to unified values and commonality of purpose. A landmark decree provides for the amendment of the Emirate’s Judiciary Law, providing for the appointment of female judges, as part of Sheikh Saud’s vision for the empowerment of women. So far, ladies could only become notary public.
“The various operations of the group companies have been consolidated under the new umbrella as a modern conglomerate with the highest standards of corporate governance and accountability”, says Jihad Quzmar, Legal Advisor to HH the Ruler and Government of Ras Al Khaimah.
Another important decree is to change the prevailing tenancy law in the Emirate. Under the existing law, a ceiling was imposed on the commercial and residential rentals following steep increase in the rates so as to regulate the rise in rents. “In view of the change in the market situation, it has been left solely to the supply and demand factors in the marketplace,” explains Jihad Quzmar, who is actively involved in the drafting of new laws and regulations in his role as Legal Advisor to the RAK Government.
Sheikh Saud as Ruler issued a number of decrees, one of which related to the adoption of a unified logo for all government departments as part of a branding initiative. Various departments were hitherto using different
As part of the move to help businesses cope with the impact of the financial crisis, Sheikh Saud has ordered a reduction in government fees and charges so that the small and medium sector gets a much-needed relief.
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Vision in Action
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BF RAK is one of the outstanding results of the farsighted move by His Highness Sheikh Saud to organize a World Bank-sponsored investors meet in 2005. The signature event, held in collaboration with the World Bank and support from the UAE Federal Government, provided Ras Al Khaimah’s first major interface with global investors. The event brought top management consultants, global business leaders and representatives of financial institutions to have substantive interaction with the RAK Government. The conference highlighted how Sheikh Saud envisioned sustainable development of Ras Al Khaimah through private investments, backed by strong policy measures and a congenial and investment-friendly environment. The establishment of JBF RAK, initially as a joint venture between Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority and India’s JBF Industries, was an offshoot of these
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Cheerag B Arya, Chief Executive Officer
interactions. The opportunity provided a winwin proposition for both sides. For Sheikh Saud’s pro-business administration it provided an opportunity to attract an industry leader and for JBF Industries, the launch of the Ras Al Khaimah operations provided a springboard to pursue its ambition for an access to the global market. Starting operations in 1982 as a consumer of polyester POY (partially oriented yarn) for
texturising yarns, JBF Industries is today a leading supplier of POY in India. Further backward integrated projects in manufacturing of polyester chips have made the company grow into a dominant force in the business in India. The company’s turnover increased by 250 times since it got listed in 1986. According to BC Arya, CEO, the company chose Ras Al Khaimah for its regional foray because of the abundance of raw materials and cheap energy. The company also found that the project cost in RAK was around 20-25 per cent lower compared with other global destinations, mainly on account of better logistics, absence of duties by way of the location’s status as a free trade zone, low overheads and no bureaucratic delays. JBF RAK’s polyester PET resin packaging chips plant was set up with an initial cost of around
$210 million, with RAKIA as a partner. The plant and machinery for the unit were imported from Europe, US and China. The management has since bought back RAKIA’s entire share and the company is now 100 per cent owned by the promoters. JBF RAK is a state of the art site dedicated to polyester packaging applications, namely SSP Bottle Grade Resins & BOPET Films. The company has built up expertise in providing industrial raw material for polyester packaging application mainly to food & beverage industry. “We have approximately 700 employees striving to provide world class quality product and services to our global accounts. We serve leading converters and brand owners in key markets in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa,” says BC Arya.
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In fact, it is the first Indian unit in the Emirate catering to the US, European Union and GCC countries, he points out. “Since our founding in 2005, we have been moving forward aggressively on many fronts to capitalize on solid growth opportunities, to improve our operating efficiency, and expand our global presence to sharpen our business portfolio. We are actively engaged in creating long-term growth opportunities by developing customized products and solutions for the packaging industry,� he said.
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The Ras Al Khaimah plant has a production capacity of 400,000 MT PET grade chips and 72,000 MT of polyester film per annum. The PET & BOPET production capacities were expanded in 2008 to satisfy the rapidly growing demand for its products sold under ARYA PET brand. JBF RAK has no local competitor and its client base includes all major brands, such as Nestle, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, San Benedetto, Masafi, Al-Ain etc. The company currently has annual sales of about Dh 2.5 billion.
THE STRATEGIST
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The Strategist
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f Invention is the mother of necessity, Strategy is the power that primes it.
To be strategic is to identify what the ordinary eye fails to see. To be a strategist is to envision what doesn’t exist, and create a template for future growth and development. His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, by all definitions of the term strategy, is a masterstrategist. To understand his strokes of genius that guided the transformation of a sleepy Emirate, largely dependent on passive tourism and primary economic services, to a giant cauldron of opportunities across all key sectors, one must take a bird’s eye view of the systematic approach of Sheikh Saud. His focus was to build institutions and establish a thorough framework of growth that assured tangible results for his people and for the investors who trusted in the model of opportunities presented before them.
Sheikh Saud’s focus has been to build institutions and establish a thorough framework of growth that assured tangible results for his people and for the investors
For long, Ras Al Khaimah was principally associated with three key industries – cement, ceramics and pharmaceuticals.
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They were, indeed, building blocks for the economy, which did not rely on oil wealth.
THE STRATEGIST
Left : Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains hold rich resources for construction-related industries
The key to the strategic shift in development, as envisaged by Sheikh Saud, was to set right the fundamentals of the economy. He started with the basics. A hallmark of Sheikh Saud’s approach was that he could see things from an outsider’s perspective, which greatly aided in masterplanning the developmental strategy that was most approriate for his Emirate. This holistic outlook has perhaps been the most priceless asset of Sheikh Saud. And it entails that he remains pragmatic, not oblivious to real challenges, not feigning that problems do not exist, not pushing under the carpet issues that must be squarely addressed. His real masterstroke in this regard was an invitation to the World Bank to become a development partner with Ras Al Khaimah under the global institution’s technical cooperation programme. The move saw the two sides work together intensely, in close cooperation with a team led by his Advisor Dr Khater Massaad, to assess the Emirate’s investment climate, review the legal, regulatory and institutional environment and advise on the steps needed to accelerate development and make Ras Al Khaimah a globally competitive investment destination. What followed was a World Bank-sponsored global business and investment community meeting in Ras Al Khaimah, which until that time would have been considered a most unlikely venue for such a high-profile event. The meeting saw Sheikh Saud’s vision for the future of Ras Al Khaimah unveiled: the vision of an Emirate grounded in a diversified economy, with private sector-led growth and investment at its cornerstone, which was fully endorsed by the World Bank.
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Sheikh Saud transformed the once-sleepy Emirate into a giant cauldron of opportunities
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In simple terms, the plan aimed to make RAK an ideal place for people to come and live and do business, utilizing the tremendous opportunities being created by the new initiatives. Simultaneously, great emphasis was being laid on creating a business-friendly and congenial environment through the establishment of gateways to provide single-window services to investors, so that they were not required to approach multiple government agencies to complete the formalities of setting up business in the Emirate. The creation of institutions such as the RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), and the Investment and Development Office (IDO), RAK Properties, EDRAK etc proved to be landmarks in the strategy of efficiently implementing and managing this vigorous developmental and infrastructural overhaul.
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Saqr Port: The logistics sector received unprecedented boost
The free zone concept that underlined RAKIA’s vision, for instance, leveraged the Emirate’s strategic location, liberal policies and low costs to seed the development of a global manufacturing hub. The brilliance of the initiative was that, in one stroke, it not only opened up the business sector but also ensured the diversification of the economy with a focus on high-value manufacturing. Dr Khater Massaad, Chief Executive Officer of RAKIA, says: “Sheikh Saud’s
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THE STRATEGIST only agenda has been to develop Ras Al Khaimah into a world-class Emirate, and it has indeed paid off very well. He is totally involved in the development to the Emirate, and strives to create genius business propositions that make a big beneficial impact on the economy.” RAKIA has attracted more than $3 billion (Dh11 billion) in foreign direct investment since its inception in 2005. The number of licences issued by RAKIA increased from 290 in 2006 to 1,009 in 2007, and 1,695 in 2008. By February 2011, the total number of licences issued was well over 3,600, highlighting the evolution of Ras Al Khaimah as a robust investment destination. Operating through free zones, RAKIA’s successful growth strategy is underscored by the fact that most of the companies that have invested are blue-chip organisations, including Fortune 500 MNCs. RAKIA, indeed, was complementing the success achieved by the RAK Free Trade Zone, which already has 4,500 companies, and taking the economy to the next realm of growth. Sheikh Saud’s approach was to build unprecedented competitive sets for the Emirate. This meant offering the opportunity to set up a
business at costs that were 20 to 25 per cent less than other similar destinations in the UAE, and to offer the incoming businesses superior logistical advantages. Bureaucratic delays were wiped out with the average time for setting up a fully-equipped manufacturing plant averaging at 8 to 12 months, as against 14 to 16 months – only for construction work – elsewhere. Developing a strong transport network, ramping up the ports and logistics sector, investing in education for creating a local talent pool and capitalizing on the natural splendour of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud carved out a credible and sustainable business model for the Emirate based on the pillar of effective diversification. The Emirate has attracted sizeable number of
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Tower Links Golf Course: Sheikh Saud’s plan was to make RAK an ideal place to work and live
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THE STRATEGIST businesses from India, the wider Middle East and Europe. About 85 per cent of the European investment is from seven countries namely, the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland and Austria. Significantly enough, a number of companies from the Subcontinent and Asia have opened their manufacturing hubs in Ras Al Khaimah to leverage access to global markets. Among the leading names are Ashok Leyland, which set up an assembly unit; Pioneer Steel Industries and RAK Ghani Glass Plant, among others. The new development paradigm emphasized the empowerment of people through knowledge by building up infrastructure along with the development of tourism, taking advantage of the Emirate’s unique geography, landscape and traditions, as well as establishing the foundations of a diversified industrial base that used the abundant natural resources available in the mountains. Ras Al Khaimah had all along been known as the centre of education in the Emirati world. However, in a changing new world order, the educational system had to ramp up its credentials, align with new requirements and serve as the platform for carving a generation of young entrepreneurs who were raring to go and complement the growth outlook Sheikh Saud outlined for the Emirate.
Sheikh Saud focused on a multi-pronged development approach, with education as its cornerstone. Under his leadership, global educational institutes such as the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, the Swiss Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne and Birla Institute of Technology, among others, set up base in the Emirate.
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THE STRATEGIST
Left : Sheikh Saud’s tours involved on the spot reviews
There was order in the developmental logic, as he proved with the inception of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Programme for Young Business Leaders. He matched the creation of infrastructure with legislative reforms, bolstered further with the creation of a GIS-enabled network linking all government departments. With education and business templates in place, he focused on infrastructure development through the creation of a multitude of projects that covered industries, residential developments, leisure attractions, retail centres and tourism hubs. The objective of these fits well into his overarching development strategy. Educated youngsters need jobs. The infrastructure projects met this goal. Enterprising youngsters wanted an environment and support to do business. The free zones and the Young Business Leaders programme met their aspirations. Flagging off its journey to empower young
entrepreneurs and establish a solid foundation for business growth, the Programme signed agreements with eleven key government departments and leading industries to provide new business opportunities for the SME sector. As per the agreement, the SMEs signed under the Programme get preferential treatment in awarding purchase contracts and access to business opportunities relating to these government departments and industrial firms. They are also exempted from the payment of registration and related fees from the authorities concerned to accelerate their growth. This incubator-cum-facilitator approach
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HH Sheikh Saud with dignitaries at the Knauf ground breaking ceremony
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THE STRATEGIST has energized the business sector with unprecedented results. Key among these is the active involvement of young UAE nationals, who can confidently step out of college into the entrepreneurial garb. They not only have an assured field for progress but also a conducive environment for further learning and acquisition of new skills. While the RAKIA initiative and the Investment and Development Office (IDO) aimed at driving investment from around the world, Sheikh Saud also created a Dh1 billion Technology and Industrial Development Fund to drive research and development. That was another master-stroke, which brought in the vital element of innovation to the development plans for the Emirate. Sheikh Saud’s all-encompassing strategy, indeed, covered all sectors. He opened up the property sector with the freehold legislation thus invigorating investments in real estate projects. The establishment of RAKEEN, as a prime vehicle to drive luxurious tourism and real estate ventures, created a new development shift for the Emirate. In a telling statement on the Emirate’s credentials, Financial Times described Ras
Al Khaimah as one of the most promising investment destinations in the entire Middle East. In terms of tangible accomplishments, Ras Al Khaimah continues to be one of the fastest growing Emirates in the UAE, having achieved a 50 per cent increase in GDP from 2006 to 2010. Both Fitch and Standard & Poor’s have ranked RAK with an A-rating, highlighting the strong fundamentals of the economy. The basis of Sheikh Saud’s development strategy is diversification led by innovation. His business development approach reflects in his words: “The world is changing and we have to learn how to adapt and innovate to move to the front.” ‘Unstoppable growth’ is how the Global Investors’ Conference described the Emirate’s potential. ‘Unshakeable determination’ could be how the strategic implementation of Sheikh Saud can be described. The Strategist has set the roadmap of growth for the Emirate. The results, for sure, are there for everyone to see.
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SPONSOR’S CONTENT
Tribute to Entrepreneurship Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, commonly known as Julphar, is perhaps the best tribute to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen
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stablished in 1980 under the guidance of HH Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the then Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Julphar is not only the first pharmaceutical manufacturing company set up in Arab Gulf region, but also continues to be the region’s leading pharmaceutical producer. It is also the only stock market-listed and publicly traded pharmaceuticals company in UAE. Starting with its first plant in 1984, Julphar has rapidly evolved into a true multinational organization, with its products marketed in five continents across the world. The company today has nine world-class, state-of-the-art production facilities located in Ras Al Khaimah, where its entire range of pharmaceutical products are produced and packed in an environment of the most exacting standards. The nine facilities are devoted to nine different classes of products, together forming the core production facility of the company. Julphar has a built-up capacity to produce about 5 billion units in various dosage forms in its facilities. Sheikh Saud, as the Chairman of the company before current Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi took over in 2005, was actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business.
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“Julphar’s success is based on its commitment to worldclass quality, human resource development, innovative planning and strategic alliances worldwide”
Three plants of the company -- Julphar-2 (sterile liquids), Julphar-6 (liquids & semi-solids) and Julphar-7 (biotech) -- were inaugurated by Sheikh Saud.
prosperous regions. Alongside its dynamic growth has emerged one of the nation’s major success stories – Julphar,” Sheikh Saud said.
“Julphar’s success is based on its commitment to worldclass quality, human resource development, innovative planning and strategic alliances worldwide,” Sheikh Saud said in a message on the eve of the inauguration of Julphar-6.
“This is a massively impressive operation, which has been achieved as a result of the dedication and hard work of a highly skilled and motivated workforce led by the top professionals in the pharmaceuticals manufacturing industry.
“Within the three decades since its birth, the UAE has become one of the world’s most advanced and
“Julphar is a company with a proud history and an exciting future,” Sheikh Saud said.
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The company had envisaged in its early years that the vastly under-served healthcare needs of the emerging world can be met only by highly affordable generic pharmaceutical products. Accordingly, the company actively pursued a strategy of delivering low-cost but highly effective generic products to its target consumers. In line with this strategy, Julphar has evolved over the years into a company that offers: • A bouquet of highly affordable, easily available, high quality and high efficacy generic products • Addressing a range of therapeutic segments with high potential demand • In a number of formulations, brands and dosage forms positioned at different price points, and • Targeted at the emerging markets. The RAK government has firmly backed Julphar all along. The support came in the beginning through allotment of free land for setting up Julphar’s plants. The government also supported Julphar through development of adequate
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infrastructure. The RAK government is also the biggest shareholder in the company. There is an increasing trend of the government attempting to lower the cost of healthcare delivery and widen its coverage. Increasing reliance on generics, which are much cheaper than branded drugs produced by the global multinationals, has been an essential part of this effort. Along the way, Julphar has built up huge world-class capacities that give it unique scale benefits, sound product development capabilities, an uncompromising high quality orientation, a highly skilled human resource pool, and a wide geographical footprint. Thus, Julphar today is well poised to attain its vision. Julphar’s production facilities adhere to the highest standards of manufacturing practices. The commitment to quality and a continuous endeavor to surpass its own
high standards prompted the company to procure the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. The accreditation of the injection plant by US FDA, and the Eu-GMP and GLP certifications for all its facilities are a further testimony to the company’s commitment to high quality. Two additional state-of-the-art manufacturing plants are currently under construction. These plants will not only help increase production capacity but also enable it to foray into new, niche products. An upcoming insulin plant is expected to strengthen Julphar’s market presence in the diabetic care segment, an important market as diabetes threatens to become a major disease afflicting sizeable sections of the population in MENA. Julphar currently has 3,537 products registered in over 50 countries around the globe, with more than 800 formulations and 191 brands across all the major therapeutic segments.
Some of Julphar’s leading brands include Julmentin (antiinfective), Mebo (skincare), Triaxone (anti-infective), Risek (gastro-intestinal tract), Adol (central nervous system), Mixavit (nutrition & blood) and Epotin (biotech product for nutrition & blood). Most of these brands are leaders in their respective therapeutic segments in most of the company’s leading markets. Julphar’s products are mostly exported. About 90 per cent of the company’s products are sold in the high-growth MENA countries. Saudi Arabia is a leading market for Julphar products, followed by Iraq, UAE, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Jordan and Libya. The company is looking to launch some significant products which are likely to go off-patent in the coming two or so years. The company is also well poised to enter new therapeutic segments offering more complex and innovative products to address newer and more serious healthcare challenges.
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Defining Moments “The establishment of RAKIA in 2005 will be remembered as one of the defining moments in the economic diversification programme of Ras Al Khaimah� - Dr Khater Massaad
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Defining Moments
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as Al Khaimah today presents a picture of its fortunes having been completely turned around, with unprecedented development and growth all across. And this is solely attributable to the pragmatic leadership and business insight of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. The RAK economy has achieved enormous growth over the last five years, driven mainly by the surge in investment activities across a diverse range of industries, including tourism, health, education, industrial, trading, commercial, media and consulting as well as services, among others. His economic paradigm, based on sustainable development, helped the Emirate cope with the effects of the global financial crisis more successfully. “Sheikh Saud has always been focused on organizational and economic reforms so as to benefit local businesses and also attract a steady flow of foreign investment. It is his economic acumen and business savvy that brought about an unprecedented level of development,” says Dr Khater Massaad, Advisor to His Highness and CEO of RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA).
Under Sheikh Saud’s guidance and direction, RAKIA has developed into a world-class provider of investment solutions to local and foreign business establishments and investors
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HH Sheikh Saud and Dr Khater Massaad with David Rothberg, President, Laticrete International, at the inauguration of Laticrete RAK
“The establishment of RAKIA in 2005 will be remembered as one of the defining moments in the economic diversification programme of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKIA has been largely responsible for opening Ras Al Khaimah to a diverse range of industries, attracting both local and foreign investments in the last five years that are now worth up to Dh3 billion,” says Dr Massaad. RAKIA is the brainchild of Sheikh Saud and it was under his direction and guidance that RAKIA has developed into a world-class provider of investment solutions to local and foreign business establishments and investors. Economic diversification has been a key component of Sheikh Saud’s longterm development plans for Ras Al Khaimah.
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THE STRATEGIST Over the last five years, RAKIA has attracted over 8,000 businesses from various nonoil sectors, which include offshore firms as well. This clearly shows that Sheikh Saud has successfully moved forward with his vision of economic diversification and growth in Ras Al Khaimah. The Emirate has issued licences for consulting/service companies, trading/general trading enterprises, commercial businesses, industrial firms and media companies that operate in the Emirate’s strategically located free-zone facilities. The number of trade licenses issued to local and foreign investors has increased year-on-year. Last year, 1,108 business licences were issued by RAKIA, representing an impressive 27 per cent growth over 2009 and up to 62 per cent over 2008 figures. “These are unprecedented growth figures that were unheard of during the pre-RAKIA years, clearly showing that Sheikh Saud’s economic diversification programme – with RAKIA at the helm – has yielded very positive results for the Emirate’s economy,” says Dr Massaad.
Dr Khater Massaad
RAKIA has been largely responsible for opening Ras Al Khaimah to a diverse range of industries, attracting both local and foreign investments in the last five years that are now worth up to Dh3 billion 59
RAK Ceramics: The ceramics pioneer put RAK on the global industry map
Investors have come from different countries with companies such as Guardian Glass from the USA, Arc International from France, Duscholux from Germany, Posco from South Korea, Mitsui from Japan, Kludi from Switzerland, Ashok Leyland from India, A. Schulman from Belgium / USA, Argon Kimya from Turkey, Pan United Industries from Canada, Global Supplies from Egypt, U PACK from Kuwait, and Ithihad Aluminum from Pakistan.
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THE STRATEGIST His Highness was also instrumental in the rejuvenation of Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) and for the establishment of the world’s largest ceramics manufacturer RAK Ceramics. “He renewed governmental focus to build a diverse economy which enjoys strong and sustainable growth, while at the same time, revamping the legal and regulatory framework to provide clarity, objectivity and transparency in dealings to RAK’s investors,” points out Dr Massaad.
Sheikh Saud’s comprehensive economic development plan saw tourism activities blossom across the Emirate, with the establishment of world-class hospitality and tourism amenities such as internationalstandard golf courses, spas, and upscale hotels such as the Waldorf Astoria Palace Hotel, Al Hamra Fort Hotel, Cove Rotana, Khat Springs and Hilton Beach Resort, among others.
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Al Marjan Islands: The world-class hospitality and tourism development project adds a new dimension to RAK’s growth
Adding to the portfolio of top-class tourism projects is a 120acre mega theme park called WOW RAK, which is a part of RAK Government’s strategy to transform the Emirate into a premier tourist destination in the Middle East. According to Dr Massaad, WOW RAK is a reflection of Sheikh Saud’s vision to turn Ras Al Khaimah into a leading tourism hub by increasing hotel infrastructure and offering world-class facilities.
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THE STRATEGIST Another landmark initiative undertaken by Sheikh Saud is the comprehensive reorganization of government departments to ensure a more efficient, proactive and productive delivery of public services and to create a genuinely business-friendly environment. Sheikh Saud has also been credited for encouraging the implementation of training programs that help equip citizens with invaluable entrepreneurial skills, and the creation of an e-government facility that allows government transactions to be processed faster and without any hassle. Sheikh Saud’s valuable contributions towards social development in Ras Al Khaimah should not go unnoticed, stresses Dr Massaad. “He views education as a core element of Ras Al Khaimah’s sustainable development, and initiated many important projects such as the Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi Excellence Award, and the RAK Center for Advanced Materials, which promotes research into nano-technology and other advanced sciences”. His Highness is also very passionate about the environment, supporting high-profile initiatives such as the establishment of CSEM-
UAE, which is an independent applied research and development center specializing in solar energy and clean technology solutions. Health is another top priority in the strategic growth plan of Sheikh Saud, as clearly seen in the development of healthcare facilities across the Emirate. There are now three government hospitals in the Emirate, including RAK Hospital, which is managed by Swiss Sonnenhof Health Group of Switzerland, while there are large number of Primary Health Centres in strategic locations all over Ras Al Khaimah.
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Sheikh Saud has also given his full support to the establishment of a university campus that will be under the supervision of EPFL, the worldrenowned Swiss-based academic institution that is strongly committed to education, research and technology transfer at the highest international level. The partnership with EPFL is an important initiative that shows Sheikh Saud’s deep concern for education, research and the development of a knowledge-based economy. In addition to EPFL, Sheikh Saud has encouraged several other international academic institutions to open campuses in the Emirate, including the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and the American University RAK, Birla Institute of Technology RAK, Ittihad
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THE STRATEGIST University and RAK College of Dental Sciences, RAK Medical & Science University, Higher College of Technology, and Royal College of Applied Science and Technology. It is Sheikh Saud’s emphasis on sustainable development that helped the Emirate tide over the global financial crisis more effectively. “The global downturn actually gave us an opportunity to demonstrate the resilience and effectiveness of Sheikh Saud’s economic diversification program. It likewise validated the thrust of Sheikh Saud to focus more on local development projects and to further strengthen the Emirate’s business policies and infrastructure, with the ultimate aim of catering to a wider range of business sectors. Another key element in the Emirate’s development strategy is to maintain highly competitive business costs, which can be up to 30 per cent cheaper compared to other investment destinations in the region,” points out Dr. Massaad. “The recession helped highlight the fact that Ras Al Khaimah is a much more attractive investment base in the Middle East because of the strategic advantages it offers, such as lower business costs, a centralized and highly accessible location, top-of-the-line business infrastructure and value-added services, and a genuinely business-friendly environment,” says Dr Massaad.
Dr Massaad forecasts a future that is even more reassuring. Sheikh Saud has been working closely with his team to further finetune the business landscape and to introduce more investor-friendly policies, programs and incentives in the Emirate. “Sheikh Saud is not one who sits on his laurels and stays contented. He always looks forward to new challenges and constantly searches for new possibilities to further drive the social and economic growth of Ras Al Khaimah. We can expect more positive changes in the Emirate that will create more lucrative business opportunities and enhanced lifestyle amenities.
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A competition point from the in-port Sailing Arabia-The Tour race
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THE STRATEGIST “Over the past several years, investor feedback has been very positive and encouraging and we expect this trend to continue as the Emirate, under the leadership of Sheikh Saud, remains proactive in understanding and addressing the needs of the investors, citizens, residents and visitors. “The economy of Ras Al Khaimah is beginning to thrive under the favorable conditions offered by the Emirate. Looking ahead, the main aim is the diversification from hydrocarbon factories to other industries, and the fast-growing investor confidence in Ras Al Khaimah is opening up even more opportunities to extend its economic diversification program into niche areas,” Dr Massaad points out.
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Responsible Development Corporate governance is the cornerstone of Sheikh Saud’s management policy for utilizing RAK’s rich natural resources
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SPONSOR’S CONTENT
“Our main strength is the reliability for providing excellent quality products and services to customers in a safe and efficient manner and by maintaining corporate integrity and profitability while satisfying the customers in all their needs at competitive market rates” Naser Bustami
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esponsible development is a cardinal principle of His Highness Sheikh Saud’s development strategy. This is best illustrated by the manner in which His Highness has guided the exploitation of the Emirate’s natural resources. The Hajjar Mountains have been a real blessing to Ras Al Khaimah. Although RAK does not have oil resources, the mountains have been a rich source of raw material for various industries. The Emirate has a flourishing minerals and metals industry, but the strategy for tapping these resources lays special emphasis and commitment for the protection of the
environment so that the future generations are not deprived of their due. A number of entities engaged in this key sector are in the government sector and managed with the direct involvement of His Highness Sheikh Saud. These include Stevin Rock, Ras Al Khaimah Rock Company, Saqr Port Authority, Raknor and RAK Centre for Advanced Materials. The group is fortunate to be chaired by Sheikh Saud and as such benefits from his insight and guidance. Group General Manager Naser Bustami points to the high priority that Sheikh Saud has
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assigned to corporate governance in the management of the business as essential to protect the interests of the Emirate and the region’s development. “Business is conducted in accordance with the highest levels of openness, integrity and accountability. The company is committed to applying and enforcing appropriate corporate governance principles, policies and practices within each of the operations,” says Naser Bustami. RAK government has invited foreign investors to join hands with the company, given its
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expertise in mining and quarrying, to invest in any part of the world, which would indirectly be beneficial for RAK’s development. Developing green field mineral reserves and investing to build infrastructure where there is none forms part of RAK government’s long term strategy. Stevin Rock has been the leading quarry operator in the Middle East for over three decades. The company has been operating since 1975 in Ras Al Khaimah, producing and selling in excess of 36 million tonnes of highgrade limestone, gabbro rock, concrete and asphalt aggregates for the construction
markets. The company presently owns and operates three quarries located at Khor Khuwair, Al Ghail and Kadra. Stevin Rock acquired Ras Al Khaimah Rock Company in 2007, thus becoming one of the largest quarrying companies in the world and producing more than 56 million tonnes per year. Since 1973 Ras Al Khaimah Rock Company has been producing aggregates for construction, cement Industry in local and Gulf region and the Indian steel industry. Stevin Rock’s rocks and aggregates are proven by their quality. “Our main strength is the reliability for providing excellent quality products and services to customers in a safe and efficient manner and by maintaining corporate integrity and profitability while satisfying the customers in all their needs at competitive market rates,” says Bustami. The key role of Stevin Rock is to ensure that financial gains are steady and sustainable to safeguard and spur the march towards the betterment of the community and its well-being, he points out. As part of the strategy to deal with the economic downturn of 2009-2010, Stevin Rock had been very cautious in its expansion plans and even postponed certain projects as it closely monitored the market. “However, market signs in early 2011 hold out good
promise and we expect to kick start with a few pending projects in terms of increasing productivity and environmental factors,” he says. As for business development, Bustami says the company would complete its projects for the installation of Mechanical and Specialist Screens on the state of art plant Cr16 to produce more saleable products, stage 2 of the cascade system, further alterations on selected crushers to improve yield and recoveries, expansions in the workshop and other equipments to cater to the requirement of very stringent projects in the oil fields of Abu Dhabi and emerging markets such as India. Also, the pending environmental projects such as sewerage plants in other sites and completion of sound proof wall in harbour are expected to be taken up soon. Stevin Rock built its own 5-berth all-weather harbour at Khor Khuwair, which is dredged to a depth of 6.5m ACD to enable entry of barges up to 25,000 tonnes cargo capacity. The berths are equipped with static ramp systems enabling the loading of barges from 2,000 to 25,000 tonnes cargo capacity at all stages of the tide. In addition, the neighboring Saqr Port has facilities to handle ships with capacities up to 60,000 tonnes. Saqr Port, with its modern facilities, has helped develop the company’s export markets throughout the Gulf region and beyond.
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HH Sheikh Saud at an event of RAK Marathon
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HH Sheikh Saud at a RAK Marathon event
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The Reformist
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eforms demand will power and a foresight to see beyond the obvious. The ability to reform is indeed a test of determination, and a mark of the power to take risks, when often there is not even a felt need to do so. The reformist in His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi was the force that elevated Ras Al Khaimah from a rather complacent existence with a smattering of heavy industries and a fledgling tourism sector into the most promising investment destination in the Middle East. Sheikh Saud’s reforms were indeed allencompassing as he turned his attention to modernizing the governance process. He was committed to removing all administrative and legal hurdles, fully aware that an economy on the march could not afford to waste time and resources on bureaucratic dilly-dallying.
Sheikh Saud considers Government as the most important company in any place, because what the Government does has a bearing on everything that happens there
Sheikh Saud considers Government as the most important company in any place, because what the government does has a bearing on everything that happens there. “In our minds, the number-one issue that needs to be addressed by any country is that 75
HH Sheikh Saud with HH Sheikh Mohammed at RAK Marathon
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HH Sheikh Saud attends the RAK Terry Fox Run
of governance. No country can be successful without a successful government. It is like a roof under which the business community and the people live, providing shelter and stability. It is important, therefore, to create a financial structure in the government whereby it becomes a model for the private sector,� he said once. So, he believes that the government has to be run like an efficient company, which will be responsive as well as responsible, and will constantly strive for improvement in whatever it handles. All his reform initiatives stem from this cardinal thought. He realized that If 77
The traditional Rezeef performance
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THE REFORMIST properly utilised, the government apparatus and the bureaucracy could be great assets capable of creating common wealth for the society, rather than a liability, a description that is very apt for bureaucracy all over the world. No wonder, reforms in the bureaucracy have been a key component of the new agenda. Sheikh Saud impressed the bureaucracy that ‘change was no longer an option’. Government employees were told that they have to perform the role of facilitators, rather than create hindrances to change. At the same time, it was ensured that change was not being forced arbitrarily on the bureaucracy by exposing them to a process of empowerment, to which the bureaucracy responded very positively. There was greater awareness about the need to embrace change, which worked in favour of everyone. As part of the move to reform the governance process and bureaucracy so as to upgrade the performance of local government departments and underline the importance of the government sector in bolstering development in the Emirate, Sheikh Saud decreed the setting up an award for government excellence. Simultaneously, Sheikh Saud succeeded in creating a pro- business administrative regime through critical changes in the Emirate’s legal system and stepped up efforts to improve infrastructure. In fact, one of the earliest announcements Sheikh Saud made after his Accession as Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler was about the commitment to remove all hurdles in the administrative, legal and other levels, to promote new investments and facilitate businesses in the Emirate.
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The traditional boat: RAK has a rich maritime tradition
No wonder, the transparent and proactive business culture promoted by Sheikh Saud captured the attention of big-ticket global investors. A number of other initiatives also followed, including changes in systems and procedures to help businessmen and entrepreneurs and attract new investments in the Emirate. Similarly, great emphasis was laid on increased partnership between the private and the public sectors to create a sustainable economic model for the future. Sheikh Saud saw this as very important for creating a business friendly environment which would help realize his plans for RAK’s overall development.
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THE REFORMIST HH Sheikh Saud attends the Holy Quran Award function
To understand his reformation model, it is important to gain an insight into how the Ras Al Khaimah economy was conditioned to function traditionally. The typical business model of the Emirate was to have a National sponsor for business, who often played a very silent role in driving the business. The Government, as a facilitator, invested in infrastructure development and in overall societal welfare, and the businesses moved at their own pace. Sheikh Saud turned round the model on its head with the inception of establishments like the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), and the Investment and Development Office (IDO). With these path-breaking initiatives, the Government was not only stepping out of being a facilitator but also serving as a catalyst to boost businesses.
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THE REFORMIST
Left : HH Sheikh Saud receives a UAE - Sloveninan Research Team
A major step in improving the legal infrastructure of RAK was the launch of Ras Al Khaimah Commercial Arbitration Centre to provide conciliation and arbitration services to business and commercial sectors in the Emirate and outside. The arbitration centre was meant to provide a mechanism for quick and efficient settlement of commercial disputes that would boost business confidence and improve the business climate in the Emirate. Another important legislation opened up the Emirate’s freehold property sector, only the second Emirate after Dubai to open property to non-Arab expatriate ownership, but in another respect RAK took one step ahead of even Dubai, by becoming the first Emirate to provide for registration of the ownership titles with the Emirate’s Land Department. RAK was also closely behind Dubai in providing for Guarantee Accounts for real estate development projects. A decree in this regard made it mandatory for all developers wishing to sell off-plan units to register with Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) and to open a Guarantee Account in which amounts paid by buyers towards property purchases or by project financing parties were to be deposited. Sheikh Saud’s approach to reform is indeed holistic. He studies the diverse mosaic of the economy, dissects its warp and weft, identifies the ‘soft spots’ and takes visionary measures to strengthen them. This style has a clinical precision. And above all, it is backed by a steely determination to make the change happen.
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Regional Heritage Regional Expertise RAK Petroleum has a growing portfolio of regional oil and gas assets
His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member of the UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, with Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of RAK Petroleum Public Company Limited
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SPONSOR’S CONTENT
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nspired by the vision of His Highness Sheik Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member of the UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, RAK Petroleum Public Company Limited was founded in 2005. The Company was funded by initial capital of AED 3 billion, raised by private placement. Its shares are closely held by public entities and individuals in the Middle East.
covering exploration, appraisal, development and production.
The Company holds an interest in and is operator of four concessions in the Sultanate of Oman and three in the United Arab Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and holds a minority non-operated interest in an offshore Tunisia block. The Company has an extensive work programme
RAK Petroleum also holds a 30 percent shareholding stake in DNO International ASA (www.dno.no), a Norwegian oil and gas exploration and production company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange whose principal operations are in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Yemen.
Its two producing fields, Bukha and West Bukha, located offshore Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, yield up to 10,000 barrels per day of oil and 35 million cubic feet per day of natural gas (gross).
Bukha Platform, Block 8, offshore the Sultanate of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz
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Waldorf Astoria signing ceremony : The agreement paved the way for only the second Waldorf Astoria property in the Middle East to be located in RAK
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THE BUSINESSMAN
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The Businessman
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elivering results is the mark of success, no doubt. But creating an environment that ensures the delivery of results is the hallmark of visionary thinking. For His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, setting entrepreneurial goals – as the Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Inc – is not only about identifying and strengthening business opportunities in the Emirate. It is also about promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, especially in youngsters. “The future success of our economy in the global marketplace would depend on the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of our younger generation,” he observed, announcing the launch of the Saud bin Saqr Programme for Young Business Leaders. “This programme recognises the role of young people in driving economic growth, and would play a leadership role in promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing skills, and offering facilities for young people to set up new businesses.”
RAK Ceramics is undoubtedly the most outstanding showpiece of Sheikh Saud’s business acumen. Starting with one manufacturing plant in 1991, the company is today the global leader in ceramic and porcelain tiles
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THE BUSINESSMAN
Left : HH Sheikh Saud with Dr Khater Massaad at the inauguration of Kludi RAK factory
The drive to involve the young generation in business, especially in setting up small and medium enterprises that contribute to the exchequer, is a perfect testament to Sheikh Saud’s ambitious initiatives in boosting the industrial and business climate of the Emirate. Unlike the other Emirates in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah has limited hydrocarbon reserves. The economic growth thus had to derive its impetus from the next-best revenue earner – industries. To achieve this, it was imperative that Ras Al Khaimah create a platform for foreign investments. The astute business mind of Sheikh Saud envisioned the development of free zones and specialised organisations to ensure that a robust platform is laid out for investors, especially in industries. The concerted efforts to boost industrialization has paid rich dividends with the sector already contributing more than 9 per cent to the GDP, and its share is all set to grow in the coming years, as more businesses enter their operational cycle. Three industries tower the landscape of Ras Al Khaimah – cement, ceramics and pharmaceuticals. The Emirate offers a natural geographic advantage for the production of cement with its mountain ranges being a favourite source for quarried building materials. The same mountain ranges also meet the requirements of the cement industry for stone.
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HH Sheikh Saud and HH Sheikh Mohammed with Ashok Leyland owners Hinduja brothers and HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and the Emirates Group, and HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, at the inauguration of the Ashok Leyland factory
The 30-year-plus pharmaceutical industry of the Emirate is dominated by the Gulf Pharmaceutical Company (Julphar), which now leads the region in the industry. RAK Ceramics, similarly, is the largest single ceramic tile manufacturer in the world with 12 plants spread across the UAE and other international markets.
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THE BUSINESSMAN RAK Ceramics is undoubtedly the most outstanding showpiece of Sheikh Saud’s business acumen. Starting with one manufacturing plant in 1991, the company is today the global leader in ceramic and porcelain tiles with around $1 billion global sales annually. Inspired leadership, technology innovations and quality milestones have transformed the company into a world class organization and this exemplary success has prompted its inclusion in the syllabus for management studies. Apart from its state-of-the-art Ras Al Khaimah plants, the company has fully-equipped plants in China, Sudan, Bangladesh, India and Iran. RAK Ceramics manages over 8,500 employees in the UAE and over 15,000 employees in its various manufacturing facilities and distributions networks through its subsidiaries in Germany, UK, Italy, Belgium, Georgia, Australia, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Bangladesh and Iran. The company exports to more than 150 countries across 5 continents, which is a testimony to its excellent reputation in the ceramic industry. As part of a comprehensive diversification strategy, the company joined hands with Laticrete International Inc of US to form
HH Sheikh Saud with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili
LATICRETE RAK to produce tile installation products and German kitchen and bathroom fitting leader KLUDI to establish KLUDIRAK, while the launch of RAK Porcelain and RAK Paints ensured that customers had the complete option to buy related-products under one roof. The collaborating companies also leverage their marketing and distribution channels to maintain a significant share of the regional and international markets.
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HH Sheikh Saud opens the 16th Arab International Cement Conference
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THE BUSINESSMAN HH Sheikh Saud with Lebanese leader Saad Hariri
Manar Mall, another early initiative of Sheikh Saud, has celebrated a decade of success and is today the Emirate’s favourite shopping centre. In fact, Manar Mall is Ras Al Khaimah’s first shopping mall and when it opened in 2000, the Etisalat building and the Hilton were among the very few landmarks, standing on narrow roads. The mall opened with a parking capacity of 2,200 cars and people used to joke that the whole of RAK did not have that many number of cars, implying that the idea was
simply overambitious. However, with passage of time and the increasing popularity of the mall, additional parking had to be provided for and further expansion of capacity is now under way. Many of Sheikh Saud’s other business ideas found expression through partnerships, joint ventures and incubations under the umbrella of RAKIA, which was a masterstroke initiative by His Highness to accelerate the growth of non-oil
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HH Sheikh Saud along with Russ Ebeid, President of Guardians Glass Group, at the inauguration of Guardian RAK plant in 2008
industries. Leading names from various parts of the world, such as India’s Ashok Leyland, Pioneer Cement, JBF Industries, Guardian Glass etc, came to RAK through this route. Dr Khater Massaad, Advisor to Sheikh Saud and Chief Executive Officer of RAKIA, says: “The Emirate’s business friendly policies, developed by Sheikh Saud, have contributed significantly in accelerating the growth of the nonoil industries and sustained the Government’s economic diversification programme. We issued a maximum number of licences in 2009, when other economies were facing difficulties”.
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The same business model blooms in the Al Hamra Village development, which builds on the tourism appeal of the Emirate, while providing investors with unprecedented opportunities to benefit from investing in hotels, residences, offices and leisure attractions.
Just as the Emirate focuses on attracting inward investments, Sheikh Saud’s knack for business has also manifested itself in the form of RAK investments and businesses in international markets.
And as CEOs in the know do, Sheikh Saud provides the opportunity for talented professionals to build on them, while also enabling the youth population – the future and true asset of Ras Al Khaimah.
THE BUSINESSMAN
The Emirate has since attracted sizeable number of businesses from India, the wider Middle East and Europe. About 85 per cent of the European investment is from seven countries namely, the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.
HH Sheikh Saud with former Georgian Prime Minister Vladimir Gurgenidze in RAK
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Betting on the Future
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as Al Khaimah lies in the northernmost part of the UAE, located between the famous Hajar mountains in the east, and entrance of the Arabian gulf in the west. These two literally speaking normal features enabled RAK to hold its today’s position as UAE heavy industrial base, thanks to the revolutionary and comprehensive vision of H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and the Member of the Supreme Council. His Highness spared no efforts towards locating region’s best limestone which is the backbone for diversified building construction materials with clear emphasis on cement industry. Subsequently, backing up the Emirate’s cement industry on various levels at competitive prices, in addition to incessantly
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securing un-interrupted energy supply, heavy infrastructure expenditure, investing significantly in Mina Saqr sea port which became by far the biggest local break-bulk import/export hub… to name a few of his highness never-ending carefully planned gestures. The above mentioned points, among others have helped the cement industry to flourish in Ras Al Khaimah. Accordingly, and in no time, RAK has become the largest cement producer Emirate in UAE with clear emphasis on high quality, un-interrupted local and global supply. Thanks to His Highness envisaged perspective. As we are all aware, construction sector plays a major role in growth. Accordingly, and by adopting H.H. Sheikh Saud’s vision, we as cement producers were always asked to offer our high quality end-product in Ras Al Khaimah at very reasonable price in addition to offering a free of cost tutorial gatherings to various RAK construction firms in our state-of-the-art R&D centers to exchange latest construction ideas and/or techniques which again contributed to the significant constant construction activities in Ras Al Khaimah.
“Sheikh Saud was among the first to recognize the potential of RAK’s natural resources and spared no efforts towards the development of a strong building materials industry”
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H.H. Sheikh Saud’s words became our motto on different aspects, we gave an extra care towards our environment, adopted the green vision in a pollution notorious industry. Nowadays, RAK is the cement hub not only in UAE, but throughout GCC.
regionally. As a live example, his generous patronage again enabled us to be well placed among global cement industry by hosting one of the biggest cement exhibitions ever which took place recently in RAK in December 2010 and was globally appreciated within various prominent publications.
From 1.2 Mtpa of cement in mid 70’s of the last century reaching a today’s significant production figure of 11.0 Mtpa, this figure couldn’t have been achieved without the never-ending support and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.
Now, we as local cement pioneers are implementing H.H. comprehensive vision and considering our today’s success as a launching pad towards a brighter and more prosperous future by implementing latest production technologies with keen environmental interest which will guide us to an another breakthrough, not only for us as cement producers, but for Ras Al Khaimah under H.H. inspiring leadership. We are betting on the future.
Ras Al Khaimah has become a major power in the cement world. H.H. again has spared no political efforts in maintaining our position and supporting us locally and
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THE NATURALIST
“It is not the buildings or roads R U WK H P R X Q WD LQ V R U WK H E HD F K HV WK D W P D N H D F R X Q WU \ R U D F LW\ J U HD W U D W K H U LW LV W K H S H R S OH µ
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The Naturalist
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as Al Khaimah is perhaps the yet untapped Arabian Gulf tourist paradise. The rocky mountains, red deserts and vast coastline of sandy beaches complement the traditional, warm hospitality of its people, setting the stage for a compelling tourist destination for all seasons. The natural richness of the Emirate, however, owes to the visionary zeal of its leader in sustaining the pristine splendour, especially as Ras Al Khaimah embarks on an aggressive and unprecedented development spree. That is where the naturalist instincts of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi come to full flourish. Committed to upholding the bounty of nature, reflected in the precious ghaf trees and the abundance of its exotic fauna, Sheikh Saud has rolled out a plan for sustainable development and environmental conservation that serves as a model for emerging economies in their quest to fast-paced growth.
In the development of the Al Marjan island, over 2 million pieces of natural rock were used instead of the usual practice of laying concrete blocks that are not only aesthetically unappealing but also harmful to marine life
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HH Sheikh Saud on a tour of the Hawailat Region
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THE NATURALIST Sheikh Saud follows a stringent policy when it comes to environmental protection, especially in managing industries such as cement and quarrying. The rigorous checks instituted by the government departments have played a key role in ensuring that pollution is minimized and very well within manageable limits. He has advised his team on a sound tourism policy that not only integrates the conservation of Ras Al Khaimah’s natural splendours, but also places emphasis on celebrating its architectural heritage. The conservation of the Khatt Springs, only 20 km from the city centre, featuring three natural springs of hot mineralized water, is one of the key elements in this nature-first development policy. Today, the Khatt Springs, famed for its medicinal properties, is one of the key attractions in the Emirate, drawing visitors from all over the Gulf region. While embarking on new tourism development programmes too, the meticulous approach of Sheikh Saud to conservation and sustainable development comes to the fore. In driving the development of the Al Marjan Island, under the aegis of RAKEEN, the key consideration is an abiding respect for the environment.
To build the essential breakwaters for the manmade island project that aims to energize the hospitality industry, Sheikh Saud instructed that utmost care had to be taken, which resulted in the project employing over 2 million pieces of natural rock instead of the usual practice of using concrete blocks that are not only aesthetically unappealing but also harmful to marine life. The result was that an additional 400,000 sqm of area was created for marine life to flourish. The natural breakwaters are expected to attract coral life and help in a reef formation that will potentially create a new wonder in Ras Al Khaimah.
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RAK’s tourism development seamlessly blends with nature
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The focus on integrating sustainability with modern-day development is upheld in projects such as the Al Hamra Village, set on 5 million sqm, with a scenic marina, private beaches and sports club. The tourism development model seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, as proven by the Al Hamra Fort Hotel and the Khatt Springs Hotel & Spa, leveraging its exquisite surroundings to create spectacular modern resorts.
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THE NATURALIST Sheikh Saud has placed equal emphasis on conserving the rich architectural heritage of Ras Al Khaimah. The National Museum, formerly a fort and once the residence of the Ruler of the Emirate, captures the old world charm of Ras Al Khaimah, providing visitors unique insights into the region and its history.
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Wadi Bih, considered as the ‘Grand Canyon of the UAE’, offering spectacular views from above 1,000 metres, is another natural marvel that has been conserved in all its original splendour. Sheikh Saud goes the extra length in advising his government officials on the importance of conserving the forts and watch towers, scattered along the coastline. Under his directives, RAK Tourism is working with the RAK Department of Antiquities and Museums to promote the historical sites too. These sites, selected on the basis of their historical importance, include the Dhayah Fort, where the last battle with the British troops took place in 1819;
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and the summer residence of the ruling family in Falayah, where the peace treaty was signed a year later. It is, therefore, only strategic that the Emirate now highlights nature and heritage tourism as one of the key drivers in sustaining a strong tourist contingent from all over the world. Outdoor adventure sports and nature-based activities have been added to the itinerary, giving the visitors unique insights of the picturesque land. Bringing all the heritage initiatives together is the Tourism Action Plan, outlined under the guidance of Sheikh Saud, to restore historical
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Bountiful: RAK has very fertile soil in some parts
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monuments, reconstruct archeological structures and create a vibrant tourist infrastructure. A Heritage Tourism Plan is also being envisaged that will encompass the prehistoric tombs that are partially reconstructed in Shimal; the Sheeba’s Palace; and a proposed heritage theme park. From camel racing festivals to relay runs and bird watching, from water sports to aviation, camping, shooting and heritage attractions, the multifaceted charm of Ras Al Khaimah beckons visitors, who leave enamoured with the attractions that nature rolls out before them. But knitting them all together is the strategic vision of Sheikh Saud, who puts sustainability at the heart of all operations – which is indeed his way of investing in the future of the Emirate and its people.
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Bringing distinction to RAK
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is Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi has assigned topmost priority to preserving Ras Al Khaimah as one of the greenest areas of the UAE. His overriding interest in the conservation of forest areas, agricultural fields, palm groves and mangroves has found expression in a number of campaigns for environmental protection. The initiatives include the setting up of desalination projects, reuse and renovation of wastewater, groundwater recharge plans and implementation of water conservation measures.
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Al Marjan Island
Drawing inspiration from Sheikh Saud’s concern for environmental protection is Utico, which has brought to Ras Al Khaimah the greenest power and water project not only within the country, but the entire region. The company is currently constructing one of Middle East’s largest integrated water desalination and power plants in RAK. The largest full service private utility is also the largest privately funded integrated water and power project and incorporates the largest integrated membrane system. It is one of the most environment-friendly facilities. The facility has a capacity to produce 25 million
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gallons of water per day, 70mw of power and 10,000 tonnes per hour of chilled water. Utico serves more than 300 Industrial units in Jazeera Al Hamra and RAKIA Industrial Zones. The company supplies water to Ras Al Khaimah’s new townships, golf courses and other commercial establishments like WOW RAK Polo theme park, Al Hamra Palace Hotel, Zamil Steels, Dabur International, RAK Ceramics, etc. The company has laid its own water distribution network of over 120km, capable of delivering water 24 hours a day. Utico is a complete utilities company specializing in water, wastewater, steam, power and related services reliably and at low cost. The company specializes in full service contracts, which involve the development of utilities services from concept to design, including financial resources, transmission and distribution as well as billing and collection, apart from providing consultancy and undertaking feasibility studies.
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Mina Al Arab
It is a unique private sector undertaking and demonstrates the ideal public-private partnership that can be emulated in other areas of the region and the world. The company participates in the policy formulation process of regulatory authorities for large industrial parks and townships and lays particular emphasis on efficiency building and development in utilities infrastructure, including investment. Utico-installed utility facilities are lifetime guaranteed. Utico is a subsidiary of the Ghantoot Group of companies, a $3 billion privately owned conglomerate, with interests in infrastructure, manufacturing, construction, real estate developments, hotels and utilities. The company was launched as a separate entity in 2004. It is run by a group of experts in utilities management, engineers and scientists in the utility field specializing in water, waste water and energy.
Al Hamra Palace Hotel
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“We provide innovative and cost effective solutions in water management and treatment solutions. We can claim as being the leading single company that takes care of the overall utility needs pertaining to water, power, waste and steam. Being the trendsetters in the region for offering water treatment solutions, waste water re-use and assistance to large scale Developments using water, Utico promises reliable solutions, simultaneously treating waste to environmental friendly standards,” says Ravi Bondada, Chief Executive Officer of the Utico Group. Wth the support of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, under the guidance of HH Sheikh Saud and the support of RAKIA CEO Dr Khater Massad, Utico is serving the Emirate commendably. Utico’s offerings include: • Design Build-Operate (DBO): Complete concept to design, project management, installation, commissioning and operations of the facility • Build-Own-Operate (BOO): Complete concept to design, Capital investment, project
management, installation, commissioning, operations and maintenance • Build-Lease-Transfer (BLT): Complete concept to design, capital investment with lease, project management, installation and commissioning, maintenance and facility transferon expiry of lease. • Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT): Complete concept to design, capital investment, project management, installation, commissioning, operations and maintenance and facility transfer on expiry of tenure • Concession Contract: Supply concession for provision of utilities to the client’s end users, tenants, residents for a fixed fee to the client. Complete concept to design, Capital investment, project management, installation, commissioning, operations and maintenance. • Equity Participation: Equity participation of the client for provision of utilities to the clients (end-users), tenants, residents on a joint profit sharing basis. Complete concept to design, Capital investment, project management, installation, commissioning, operations and maintenance. www.uticome.com
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THE EDUCATIONIST
“We recognize that we in RAK D U H R Q O\ D V J R R G D V W K H V F K R R OV Z H K D Y H D Q G Z LW K R X W J R R G V F K R R OV Z H F D Q Q R W U H D OLV H R X U G U H D P V R U W D N H K R OG R I R X U IX W X U H µ
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The Educationist
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he American philosopher John Dewey describes education as a social process. “Education is growth. Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself,” he observes. While the power of education to bring about transformational change does not need the endorsement of philosophers, the significance of education to Ras Al Khaimah must be appreciated from a larger societal and historical context. For several decades, Ras Al Khaimah had upheld a proud tradition as the centre of educational excellence in the region. It is a recorded fact that the Emirate even had ‘school police’ that penalized parents who did not send their children to school. Such was the importance placed on education by a people, who were not privileged to enjoy the riches of oil wealth, unlike their counterparts in the region.
“Our country is in the end only as strong as the knowledge we possess, and for us to prosper and reach greater heights we need to cultivate a robust culture of innovation and research”
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While his father, the late His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, built on this proud tradition by encouraging the youngsters to attend schools as mandatory, and helped them attain respectable jobs in the government and private sector, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi took concerted efforts to truly internationalise education in the Emirate.
THE EDUCATIONIST
Left : HH Sheikh Saud with students at Childhood Development Centre, Al Dhait
He once observed: “We recognise that we in Ras Al Khaimah are only as good as the schools we have, and without good schools, we cannot realize our dream or take hold of our future.” He translated this vision for education into everyday reality, by not just building schools but laying the foundation for an educational infrastructure that today serves as a platform for global institutions to provide world-class training to students from across the region. “The Arab world is yet to reach its capacity and is yet to realize its dreams,” reminds Sheikh Saud. To achieve this, “we need to encourage excellence in our schools now more than ever.” One of Sheikh Saud’s key initiatives in this direction was the establishment of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research. The Foundation is focused on meeting tomorrow’s challenges and inculcating in the future generations the indispensable value of research and innovation. “Our country is in the end only as strong as the knowledge we possess, and for us to prosper and reach greater heights we need to cultivate a robust culture of innovation and research. In the Foundation we are beginning in the area of education policy research but we will be expanding in coming years across all policy areas,” Sheikh Saud said at the opening of the Foundation.
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“We want to create policies that are based on a foundation of sound research to improve the quality of education and life in our Emirate and the UAE as a whole. The Foundation for Policy Research is a strong proponent of research in policy making across all the social sectors. We realise that we must continually adapt to meet— and to anticipate—the needs of an evolving society. We must be prepared to rethink what we do and how we do it, and willing to explore new paths through collaboration with the best new scholars from around the world,” he said.
THE EDUCATIONIST
Left : Convocation Ceremony at Birla Institute of Technology
A report published by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program at the University of Pennsylvania has ranked the Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation as one of the Best New Think Tanks of 2010. The Global Think Tanks Index, published annually, ranked Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation 13th in the Best New Think Tanks of 2010 established in the previous 18 months. The Foundation’s responsibilities include advising the Government of Ras Al Khaimah on ways to turn research into action, developing strong relationships with educational institutions both within the UAE and from across the world and contributing to the improvement of quality of education at all levels in Ras Al Khaimah. Also established was the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Scholarship Program to improve the quality of education in RAK. The Program would sponsor research and partner with educational institutions to develop guidelines for an efficient education policy and practice.
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THE EDUCATIONIST Viewing education as an important part of Ras Al Khaimah’s sustainable development, he also instituted the Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi Excellence Award and ordered the establishment of the RAK Center for Advanced Materials to promote research into nano techonology and other advanced sciences.
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HH Sheikh Saud and HH Sheikh Mohammed attend a function at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah
One of the pillars of Sheikh Saud’s vision for education is embodied in the Ras Al Khaimah Education Company (EDRAK). The Dh1.5 billion initiative aims to build the Emirate as a world-class educational hub by establishing top-notch centres of learning in all spheres of education including primary, secondary and tertiary education that will facilitate development of the entire region.
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THE EDUCATIONIST HH Sheikh Saud at the foundation stone laying ceremony for Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) campus in RAK in May 2009
HH Sheikh Saud launches Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing programmes at the RAK Medical and Health Sciences University
One of the first EDRAK projects was the Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAK MHSU) established by the RAK Human Development Foundation under the patronage of Sheikh Saud with the vision to be a leading medical and health sciences university in the region.
All the programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Government of UAE. Clinical training and internship is offered in Government Hospitals based on the agreement between the Ministry of Health, UAE and RAK MHSU.
RAK MHSU commenced operations in September 2006 with four constituent colleges - RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK College of Dental Sciences, RAK College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and RAK College of Nursing.
EDRAK also joined hands with the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University – the only independent school of nutrition in the US – to launch a Masters Progamme in Nutrition.
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The sprawling campus of Western International College
The one-year programme, in line with the global education vision of Sheikh Saud, is trained by a US faculty, and instruction is offered through a hybrid model that includes residency sessions. The programme has already earned recognition from students as far afield as Egypt, Morocco and Qatar. Sheikh Saud also laid the foundation stone for the prestigious Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), through a partnership with RAKIA. EPFL is one of Europe’s foremost institutions in science and technology and was ranked 26 by Newsweek in the world’s Top 100 Universities.
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Other headline accomplishments in the educational sector include the launch of American University of Ras Al Khaimah, which features state-of-the-art facilities on a sprawling campus, the Birla Institute of Technology- International Centre (BIT-IC), the Royal College of Applied Science & Technology, the University of Bolton, Vatel Emirates School etc. Sheikh Saud, as an educationist, sets his eyes far ahead. While on the one side, he
supports and encourages the traditional model of education which establishes the basics in students, on the other, he envisages a brighter and wider role for them in advanced sciences and skills. This, in fact, paves the foundation for a Knowledge Economy, while simultaneously creating in the Emirate a large pool of skilled ‘knowledge workers’ who can effectively contribute to Ras Al Khaimah’s growth, as it systematically diversifies to new sectors.
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Towards Excellence in Healthcare RAK MHSU forms an integral part of RAK Government’s vision to focus on human resources development as a key to achieving sustainable progress
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“RAK MHSU forms an integral part of RAK Government’s vision to focus on human resources development as a key to achieve sustainable progress. We believe that knowledge is the gateway to bring development to the Emirate and RAK MHSU is the torch bearer to herald a new beginning in the Medical and Health Sciences education in the region,” says His Highness Sheikh Saud 133
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is Highness Sheikh Saud considers RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (RAK MHSU) as the flagship of professional higher education in Ras al Khaimah. Sheikh Saud considers investment in human resources to be a key priority for the Government in the development planning for Ras Al Khaimah as investment in education and healthcare would lay the foundation for sustainable development. “RAK MHSU forms an integral part of RAK Government’s vision to focus on human resources development as a key to achieve sustainable progress. We believe that knowledge is the gateway to bring development to the Emirate and RAK MHSU is the torch bearer to herald a new beginning in the Medical and Health Sciences education in the region,” says His Highness. Sheikh Saud is the Chancellor of RAK MHSU and the Government of RAK has made significant investments in the University. Established in 2006, RAK MHSU is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Government of UAE. The University offers five-year Undergraduate Programs in Medicine (MBBS) and Dental Sciences (BDS), four-and-half-year Undergraduate Program in Pharmacy (BPharm), four-year Undergraduate Program in Nursing (BSc Nursing), besides a two year Bridge Program for working nurses (RN BSN Bridge). Shortly, the University will be offering Masters Programs in Nursing and Pharmacy. RAK MHSU moved into its state of the art permanent campus in 2009. The new facility is constructed adjacent to Saqr Hospital and RAK Hospital. The building, constructed in lush green surroundings, extends to 220,000 square feet. It is a Ground + 3 floor structure with all facilities, including Medical, Nursing and Pharmacy Colleges. The new campus has 10 lecture halls, 10 labs and rooms for small group discussions, a large library, Student Centre, including cafeteria, student’s gym, indoor sports facility etc. The classrooms and labs have extensive IT facilities, including Wi-Fi, Audio-Visual equipments and other teaching aids. The
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University also has a sprawling auditorium that has 650 seating capacity. The University library currently occupies 12,000 square feet area and has a provision to extend to additional area to meet the growing requirements of the University. The library currently has 11,816 books and 104 printed journals. The digital library of the University facilitates the students to access more than 900 online e-journals from anywhere. Dr S Gurumadhav Rao, Vice Chancellor of the University says the University is resolved to create caring and compassionate health care professionals of international quality. The University currently has on its rolls 412 students from 40 nationalities and faculty numbering 139 from 19 nationalities. The Saqr Hospital and Ibrahim Bin Hamad Obaidullah Hospital, both under the Ministry of Health, Ras Al Khaimah, and several Community Health Care Centres of Ministry of Health, spread across the Emirate, are associated with the University for providing clinical training to its students. Very soon, the two Ministry of Health hospitals of Fujairah will also be associated with the University. The curriculum encourages problem solving. There are sessions where students are split up into groups of 8-10 and given a problem to solve. The teacher is the facilitator who guides the students. Through this exercise, students get to discuss, tolerate other’s mistakes and develop good team spirit. The faculty also undergoes faculty development programs. The University conducts Institutional Research Surveys about performance of the faculty and staff. RAK MHSU’s Office of the Student Affairs ensures a speedy acclimatization of new students by promoting healthy friendships. It holds regular meetings to organize activities such as orientation, sports, cultural programmes, competitions and magazine publication. The University also organizes social, cultural and sports programmes. Housing facilities, separate for male students and female students, are available, with both single and sharing options.
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Education @ AURAK Ras Al Khaimah is on its way to becoming an educational hub as students come from far and wide
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ducation plays a significant role in the development of society and higher education in particular has become an important indicator of prosperity. Though, in general, we look at the government to provide the means for acquiring education, in reality the task falls on both the government and responsible citizens of the world. Education cannot exist by itself; it has to be nurtured and developed with a lot of effort from all parts of society. Education is not confined to classrooms. It happens around the dinner table, when family members try to make sense of whatever
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happened that day; in the coffee shop, where students share their thoughts and ideas about the day’s lectures; or in the dorms where they find a solution for their assignments. These are places where they learn the real issues of living. Hence for a proper education, you need more than an airconditioned classroom; you need a good faculty, a good campus atmosphere, a good surrounding and a good society. No wonder then that Ras Al Khaimah is on its way to becoming an educational hub as students from far and wide come to Ras Al Khaimah to study. For example, the American
University of Ras Al Khaimah, established in 2009, has students from 27 countries. And still, UAE nationals make up almost 35 per cent of the student population, a clear indication that it is fulfilling the aspirations of the local population. This is the result of the long-term vision of the late Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, and the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler. Another factor behind the exponential growth could be that the Emirate offers a safe and secure environment, where everyone respects everybody else without looking at religion, caste or cadre. The cost of living is also low compared to other places. Today AURAK offers a wide range of undergraduate programs — BS in Business, BS in Biotechnology, BS in Electronics and Communication Engineering, BS in Computer Engineering, and English Language Programs — at an affordable cost with qualified faculty and the necessary facilities. The aim is to produce intellects with high morals. All the programs are designed to meet the market demands and students from around the world speak about the diversity at AURAK, which enables them to learn to co-exist in a diversified culture. At AURAK, one will discover: • A safe and student-friendly environment • Curricular activities co-existing with social, cultural and sports activities
• Career Services • Separate world class male and female residence halls with round the clock security • A food court, mini mart, book store, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, local and inter-Emirate transportation. • These are only few to count and a short tour of the campus will provide immense satisfaction to any seeker of education. It also offers a variety of scholarships to all categories of students. We insist upon the students and the parents that while enrolling in an educational institution in Ras Al Khaimah, they must know the difference between a branch campus and an accredited university. AURAK is an accredited university and an accredited university is a licensed institution. It has the governance, regulations, policies, resources, faculty and quality assurance measures as set by the Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA) in the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. A branch campus of an overseas institution does not go through this sort of quality assessment. This is why while the Bachelor’s degree from a branch campus of a foreign university will be recognised in the home country, it may not be recognised by most of the employers and the government of the UAE.
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Hub for Medical Tourists RAK Hospital is envisaged as the cornerstone of the mission to position Ras Al Khaimah as a pre-eminent destination for quality healthcare in the region
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is Highness Sheikh Saud has an integrated approach towards investment and tourism development. The local availability of skilled workers is no doubt an important criterion for attracting investment. But a high-quality healthcare system is a precondition for all categories to come: investors, tourists and the highskilled. This RAK Government’s endeavour to provide quality healthcare with international standards can be attributed to this strategy. Sheikh Saud has followed a phased plan of action in this regard. The first phase aimed at equipping and staffing the existing facilities so that emergency care at international standards was available locally; the second phase looked at primary care and the third envisaged the development of Ras Al Khaimah as a premium healthcare destination, adhering to international accreditation standards for local and regional community. A milestone in this strategy of His Highness was the establishment of RAK Hospital, a multi- specialty healthcare facility managed by Sonnenhof Swiss Health, a leading healthcare group in Switzerland. A joint initiative between the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and ETAStar Healthcare, which is part of the Dubai-
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Raza Siddiqui
based ETA Star Group, the ultramodern hospital ensures comprehensive medical care by internationally renowned doctors using state-of-the-art medical facilities. “RAK Hospital will be the cornerstone of our mission to position Ras Al Khaimah as a pre-eminent destination for quality healthcare in the region. The venture, seeking to redefine excellence in medical care, is in line with our broad vision to improve the quality of health care, and ultimately, the health status of our people,” Sheikh Saud said while inaugurating the hospital in November
2007. In February this year, the hospital crossed the 50,000 patients mark. RAK Hospital is unique in that it brought both public and private healthcare delivery systems together to create an environment that allows for premium quality care. Located adjacent to Saqr Hospital, RAK Hospital blends hi-tech medical care and patient comfort in an environment of luxury and functionality. The three-level complex, spreading across 140,000 square feet, offers three suite rooms, nine super deluxe rooms, 24 deluxe rooms, eight intensive care units, six nursery units and four NICU - all equipped with most modern medical facilities. Designed by US- based Ellerbe Becket of Mayo Clinic repute as per American Institute of Architects (AIA) standards, the hospital features carefully planned Intensive Care units, treatment rooms, laboratories and surgical suites to facilitate leading-edge medical care, says Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of ETA Star Healthcare, a seasoned hospital administrator who helped set up India’s famed Apollo Hospital chain of Dr Prathap Reddy. RAK Hospital is among the select few hospitals in the region to be designed as per Joint Commission international
(JCI) standards. The unique design elements will reduce noise, increase patient comfort and support the latest medical technology, he points out. “We are very sensitive about better patient recovery. Wellappointed rooms with plenty of natural light, beautifully done corridors free from typical ‘hospital smells’, a well-stocked gift shop and an international coffee shop with a premium hotel style ensure an enhanced healing environment,” says Raza Siddiqui. “We have had two accreditations within 11 months of operation – from leading Swiss hospitals based on European EFQM and top of the line hospitality standards and American standards of accreditation (JCI). We offer rates at par with India and are located in the Arab world. Can it get any better?” says Siddiqui. According to him, RAK’s strategic location makes it ideal for tourists from the Middle East, Yemen, Oman, East and West Africa. “We are promoting RAK Hospital in the African countries and the CIS countries. We are talking to local embassies to meet
up with the Ministry of Health and are engaged with insurance companies, local hospitals and general practitioners. We have realised that RAK has all the potential to pull tourists from all over the world,” he says. This is in line with the vision of His Highness, which is to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination for quality healthcare. Siddiqui says RAK Hospital has made arrangements with top doctors in India, who would come on short visits to attend to special cases. The hospital has also established relationship with leading medical institutions to share their expertise when required. For instance, RAK Hospital recently tied up with India’s L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad, a tertiary level eye health facility which is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Prevention of Blindness. The institute offers comprehensive patient care, sight enhancement and rehabilitation services, and high-impact eye health programs. It also pursues cutting-edge research and offers training in human resources for all levels of ophthalmic personnel.
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HOLIDAY Emirate Dramatic desert dunes, prestine beaches, WHP S HU D WH P R X Q WD LQ R X V D U HD V K R W Q D WX U D O VS U LQ J V D Q G E U H D W K W D N LQ J OD Q G V F D S H LQ IX V LR Q Z LW K F X OW X U D O OH J D F LH V D Q G the warmth of Arabian hospitality, make Ras Al Khaimah a great tourism destination Section Sponsor
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Holiday Emirate
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as Al Khaimah has a unique character and natural beauty of its own. It’s no wonder that with its mountainous terrain, scenic landscape and long stretches of pristine coastline, the Emirate sets itself apart as a tourist destination. The diversity and beauty of Ras Al Khaimah’s landscape has attracted visitors from all over the globe and has become the regular holiday destination for a large number of tourists. The Emirate has an impressive archaeological heritage and rich history as well. This area had always enticed settlers with its unique combination of four types of landscapes: the fertile plains, the mountainous region, coastal areas and the desert environment. The stunning landscapes also have plenty to offer to hiking enthusiasts- great scenic beauty, yet un-crowded and unpolluted. The wadis traversing through the mountains present tough, rocky and challenging terrain, which is a trekker’s delight.
Ras Al Khaimah has something to offer to every type of tourist: everything from scenic beauty, adventure and a true Arabic experience to fun for the family, shopping and entertainment
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RAK is also the short break destination for many UAE residents. UAE national families regularly travel to Ras Al Khaimah for their annual holidays and as a peaceful hideaway from the bustle of neighbouring Emirates. For many UAE residents, RAK is the virtually the ‘holiday Emirate’. Sheikh Saud has laid great emphasis on tourism development in his vision for the future of Ras Al Khaimah. As such, tourism development has been a major priority in the government programmes over the past few years. “RAK Government has identified tourism and infrastructure development as key elements in its development strategy. The Emirate is endowed with unique and diverse geographical features and has all that is needed to become a major tourism destination in the region in the near future,” said Sheikh Saud said in one of his speeches. Ras Al Khaimah has something to offer for every type of tourist, providing everything from a true Arabic experience to several sporting facilities including golf, water sports, biking and trekking to name a few. Further attractions include the breathtaking Al Hajaar Mountains and the Oasis area of Khatt, containing world famous hot springs. In addition, the Emirate is
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home to a number of malls, souks and markets providing tourists with the complete shopping experience. RAK’s tourism assets received another boost with the recent addition of WOW RAK, a 120-acre mega theme park developed by Polo RAK Amusements in partnership with RAKIA. The theme park is conceived as a complete family destination, including one of the biggest water parks in the world, with the capacity to handle around 15,000 people each day. Considering that the Mina Al Arab project includes plans for 14 hotels, annual visitor numbers are expected to cross a million. Dr Khater Massaad, Adviser to Sheikh Saud and CEO of RAKIA, says the project is part of RAK Government’s strategy to transform the Emirate into a premier tourism destination in the region. “Wow RAK is the reflection of the vision of HH Sheikh Saud to turn the Emirate into a hub of tourism by increasing hotel infrastructure and offering world class facilities,” says Dr Massaad. Sheikh Saud’s multi-dimensional tourism development plan envisages the addition of a series of new hotels, expansion of airport facilities, strengthening of other tourism infrastructure and the addition of significant leisure, entertainment and shopping options. 145
A number of new hotels and resorts have already opened, pushing the Emirate’s hotel room capacity to more than 3,000. Recent additions include Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, Cove Rotana Resort, Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Acacia Hotel and others. A further prestigious addition is the Waldorf Astoria Palace Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah, which will be managed by Waldorf Astoria.It will only be the second Waldorf Astoria property in the Middle East, following the opening of the Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2005.
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The Palace is set to become the pinnacle of Arabian hospitality in the region. Set along the southern coast of the Emirate with 1.2km of private sandy beach lapped by the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, the resort is conceived as a royal residence that embodies the quality of life and rich history of the Emirate. Exotic and evocative of the fables of Arabia, the resort offers 345 rooms and suites, along with 63 contemporary stuido apartments, with a choice of 14 restaurants and bars, a chic and stylish spa and two sparkling pools set within extensive gardens.
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The Al Hamra Village, of which the Waldorf Astoria Palace Hotel is a part, offers a perfect blend of shopping, entertainment, dining and recreational options. The uniquely themed Al Hamra Mall has been rated as one of the most beautiful malls of the UAE and houses a wide range of products and services catering to international clients and tourists, Â at the same time synchronizing perfectly with the demands and wishes of the multi cultural resident
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Connecting the World RAK Airways sees its operations as a major part of His Highness Sheikh Saud’s vision for boosting tourism to the Emirate
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ommitted to realizing the latent potential of Ras Al Khaimah, His Highness Sheikh Saud has focused on improving the sectors in which the Emirate has a comparative advantage: tourism, real estate, and manufacturing. But he was equally clear that the success of Ras Al Khaimah as a destination was intimately aligned to the success of the aviation sector. RAK Airways is focused on aligning its objectives with that of RAK Tourism. The airline’s mandate is to provide the best connections in and out of Ras Al Khaimah at affordable prices with high quality to support Sheikh Saud’s vision of connecting the world with Ras Al Khaimah.
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“Of course our main objective is to be a successful airline, but we would also like to grow our operations in Ras Al Khaimah as a hub, acting as a regional gateway for a number of routes in the future,” says Omar Jahameh, CEO of RAK Airways. “We see our operations very much as a major part of His Highness Sheikh Saud’s vision for boosting tourism to the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah,” he points out. The Emirate is aiming to quadruple tourist numbers by 2012, and plans to push the number of five star hotel rooms to 7,500 and have at least 30 hotels. The international airport in Ras Al Khaimah is also being developed to equip it to handle more
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aircraft and passengers, with plans for a parallel runway to be built to allow more planes to taxi at any one time. According to industry analysis the demographics of airlines’ customer base is changing dramatically. The middle class will nearly triple from 1.3 to 3.5 billion people. India and China will account for a quarter of these potential travellers. “A look at our home market and nearby Middle East countries will confirm this fact. The highest expatriate population in RAK is from the Indian subcontinent and from emerging countries. RAK will be dependent on this target demographic to grow RAK Airways and in turn develop the aviation sector,” says Jahameh. “We want expatriate families to travel more frequently to visit their near and dear ones. We are also working very hard to boost demand by enabling people to travel more frequently by providing complete travel packages for them.” Jahameh explains that the re-launch of RAK Airways is set to play a key role in the promotion of Ras Al Khaimah as a favoured destination. “As a RAK-headquartered carrier, we see ourselves very much as ambassadors for the Emirate, and strive to raise
awareness about RAK’s diverse offerings in all the countries we currently fly to”. Since its re-launch in October of last year, RAK Airways has grown its route network to five destinations which include Calicut, Jeddah, Cairo, Dhaka and Chittagong. With high passenger numbers leading to excellent loadings, the airline is actively considering further destinations to add to its growing route network. RAK Airways received over 400 bookings within the first few hours of the launch of its website. Since then load factors have typically averaged around the 80% mark with many flights totally sold out. In addition, due to the heavy demand for RAK Airways’ services, the frequency of flights to Calicut has been increased to five flights a week from its initial three. Active consideration is also being given to increasing the number of Jeddah flights.
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Symbiosis at its best
RAK International Airport is set to enter the next stage of development
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n airport is much more than a landing and takeoff strip for the flying machines: it provides a vital link between a place and the world. As such, the airport plays a critical role in the overall development strategy of Ras Al Khaimah. According to Roland Blaney, Chief Executive Officer, RAK International Airport, the ultimate objective of the airport facility is to promote Ras Al Khaimah: the economy, the businesses, the destination and, not the least, the positioning. “One organisation’s growth is of benefit to another” says Roland. Roland Blaney With several plans on the drawing board, the airport is about to enter the next stage of its masterplan, including expansion and modernization, he says. Market analysis has shown the existence of a vibrant air travel market in the northern Emirates with Ras Al Khaimah leading the growth, having the largest market share of over 45 %.
The data also indicates that there are strong business opportunities and prospective routes between Ras Al Khaimah and many overseas destinations. The success of RAK Airways has already shown an indication of the market potential. Apart from the excellent accessibility to other parts of UAE , with Dubai being just 45 minutes’ drive, Ras Al Khaimah directly services a very dynamic and popular tourism destination. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport as the gateway to the northern Emirates is not only a ‘value for money’ option with competitive tariffs, but also offers efficient airport ground handling for quick turnarounds, zero congestion, ample runway, terminal and apron capacities and professional airport services and facilities. The management is in talks with a number of companies who are keen to get involved with the airport. One of these proposals relates to the establishment of a workshop for the retirement of
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airplanes that are no longer economical to keep in service. A phased plan for upgrading the Departures Terminal will boast more gates for boarding, with better duty free zone, catering facilities, additional seating, as well as a new Business lounge. The Passenger Arrivals Terminal is a brand new building, equipped with state - of- the art Facilities and is already operational. “The airport is geared to handle a million passengers a year�, says Roland. Ras Al Khaimah is also in an ideal location to serve as a freight hub. With access to growing industries, major seaports, and commercial hubs of the UAE, it is strategically positioned to reach not only the major economies in the East and West, but also has aggressive plans to be seen as a gateway to Afghanistan and the reconstruction efforts of the global international community. Origin and destination freight have steadily increased at RAK Airport and the airport is currently focusing on increasing transshipment freight via a road feeder network to the rest of the Emirates. The airport provides 24-hour cargo handling operations and custom clearances. One of the projects on the drawing board relates to the development of a new module-based cargo apron, which will
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accelerate the cargo volume development that is predicted over the next 24 months. The development of free zones in RAK is helping to stimulate local exports that can then be flown on freighter aircraft to many destinations, while the establishment of many quality hotels has brought more chartered flights from Europe. The signing of an MOU between the RAK Customs and the Airport, was a major breakthrough for exporters who would be benefitted by choosing to use RAK Airport as their gateway. The new cargo terminal features state-of-the-art handling equipment, comprehensive air cargo security, loading docks, electronic weighing equipment, and a professional management and operations team. RAK Airport prides at having much land for development, and is in discussions with several airlines relating to requirements for facilities for both light and heavy aircraft maintenance that would include new hangars, workshops and training facilities. A new ATC Tower is planned which will enable enhanced runway and airfield operations, and which will be supported by the already up and running new radar station. The team at the Airport are now geared up for growth and development and are actively looking for new business partners to join the Aviation community in Ras Al Khaimah.
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Signature lifestyle destination A diverse range of leisure and commercial facilities, premium selection of shopping outlets, boutique hotels and restaurants, spas and water sports makes Al Hamra an experience to relish
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dyllic with its old world charm, and yet contemporary: that is quintessential Ras Al Khaimah for you. The unspoiled natural heritage, the pristine beaches, dramatic desert landscapes and the majestic Hajjar Mountains, with their full complement of shopping, leisure and hospitality offerings, make it a stunning lifestyle destination, thanks to the visionary initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Sheikh Saud envisioned RAK as a place where business and lifestyle converge. “The goal of the Emirate is to create an atmosphere that is conducive to work and to live. The guiding principle has always been to enhance the quality of life in Ras Al Khaimah, both on the social and economic fronts, and we are making excellent progress towards establishing the Emirate as a place where business and lifestyle converge,” he said in one of his speeches. The crown in the Emirate’s lifestyle offering is the Al Hamra Development, which consists of the Al Hamra Village, the Al Hamra Golf Course and the Al Hamra Mall, combining the
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best of three worlds-- lifestyle, sport and shopping, making it unmistakably RAK’s signature lifestyle haven. The boutique lifestyle destination encompasses a diverse range of leisure and commercial facilities, a premium selection of shopping outlets, boutique hotels and restaurants, including fine dining, refreshing spa experiences, private beaches, water sports etc. Al Hamra Village is a 5-million square meter coastal development built around its own yacht club and marina, with water views and an 18-hole championship golf course, the longest golf course on a sea site. Situated about 400 meters away from the well-known Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort and embedded between mountains and the deep-blue ocean, The village is architecturally designed in an eastern style similar to the fort and there is a cozy and luxurious oriental atmosphere about the place, centred on the theme of ‘village life’. Offering 100 per cent freehold properties that redefine the meaning of luxury living, Al Hamra Village features more than
1,000 villas, town houses and 2,500 apartments. Al Hamra Village also offers a novel investment concept wherein property owners at Al Hamra Residences have the option to generate additional income through a special management agreement with Hamra Hotels and Resorts. The destination provides residents and visitors the option of choosing their own lifestyle in a safe and secure community that offers excellent amenities, making it an experience to relish. A 200-berth marina and a super luxury hotel named Al Hamra Palace are among the key attractions of the coastal community. The offerings of the Marina at Al Hamra Village include deep-sea fishing trips, catamaran rides, scuba diving and snorkeling and various other water sports like kayaks, paddle boats, parasailing, speedboats and water skiing.
Al Hamra Mall Al Hamra Mall is a 37,000 sqm two-storey shopping center set amid the iconic residential development Al Hamra Village in Ras Al Khaimah offering a perfect blend of shopping, entertainment, dining and recreational options. Al Hamra Mall houses a wide range of products and services cater to the International clients, synchronizing perfectly with the demands and wishes of the multi-cultural population in UAE. Al Hamra Mall is uniquely themed and exudes an aura that makes it most beautiful. Designed in a distinctive traditional
Arabic style, capturing warm colours and exquisite accessories, the mall creates a unique atmosphere for shopping. The young energetic shopper can revel in the modern spacious outlets whilst the more casual shopper will enjoy the relaxed and easy layout. The interior design, reflecting the traditional Arabic style with warm colours and exquisite accessories, creates a unique atmosphere. Visitors have rated Al Hamra as one of the most beautiful malls in the UAE.
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The Mall was opened in early 2009 with retail space for at least 186 shops. The mall now features over 125 major retail outlets and leading brands, including Spinneys, Adidas, Starbucks and Esprit among others. The stores offer designer clothing, electronic appliances, furniture and daily groceries. The mall also has a children’s play area sprawled over 5,000 square feet with state-of-the-art equipment, a food court, coffee shops and casual dining with a variety of international cuisine.
The result is a stunning Par 72 Championship Golf course, measuring 7,325yards at full length, but with five varying tee options, it provides fun and enjoyable test of golf for the seasoned professional or fledgling enthusiast. Real estate projects along the golf course include the Al Hamra Village Golf Resort villas and the Golf Apartments.
Al Hamra Village Golf Resort Al Hamra Village Golf Resort is located along the northern beach front of Ras Al Khaimah and has put together the best of golf destinations in the Middle East, in terms of luxurious settings and championship courses. The Al Hamra Golf Course is the first taste of ‘Links Style’ golf in the Middle East. This 18-hole golf course, designed by Peter Harradine, is built along the seashore and meanders around a large open seawater lagoon with four interconnected sublagoons, all being used as integral parts of the development. Originally planned to be built on the salt flats bordering the water edge, some five million cubic meters of sand, combined with expert shaping have come together to create gentle elevation changes as the terrain moves around the lagoons, rising and falling from plus one to plus eight meters. As many traditional links and courses do the front nine, measuring 3,578 yards makes its way out and away from the clubhouse, while the back nine measuring 3,747 returns home around the lagoon to the clubhouse.
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Favourite Family hotspot Manar Mall celebrates a decade of success with its well-appointed retail portfolio, dining and entertainment fare
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anar Mall is Ras Al Khaimah’s premier family hotspot and the first of its kind in the Northern Emirate. With a decade of success behind it, Manar Mall has become a favourite place for people to meet, socialise, shop and dine. Built on an expansive area of over 100,000sqm, the mall currently has over 100 retail outlets spread over 44,000sqm in a well designed and spacious architecture and anchored by Carrefour Hypermarket. The parking area has a capacity to accommodate 2,500 cars. The well-appointed retail outlets encompass a wide range: luxury goods,, beauty products, apparel, books, jewelry and more. The spacious food court has 12 outlets with over
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600 seats, offering an eclectic choice of cuisine and fantastic ambience overlooking the mall’s corniche. Grand Manar Cinema is a state of the art seven-screen multiplex, screening local cinema, blockbusters from Hollywood and Bollywood and other world cinema. There is also a family entertainment centre with custom built play units, redemption games and themed concession stands, making it an ideal family hangout. The mall’s extensive range of services include money exchange, banks and ATM facilities, coupled with valet and purchase assistance service, tourism kiosks, exclusive room for mother and child, baby strollers and a host of other amenities.
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Al Hamra Fort Hotel And Beach Resort
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elax and enjoy the difference with luxurious comfort and personal service at one of the leading beach resorts in the region. The Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort is located along stunning white washed beaches of Ras Al Khaimah in United Arab Emirates , ornamented by beautiful landscaped gardens, offering to its guests an experience of luxury Arabian hospitality with 5 Star comforts. Facing the warm blue ocean, the hotel captures the essence of Arabian heritage, with a magnificent private beach stretching over 1.5 km and offering guests a variety of water sports, three large swimming pools, kids club, fully equipped gym, mini golf course, tennis courts, water sports club, sauna and spa and is only 100 meters away from the enticing 18 holes Golf Club and Al Hamra Village Golf Resort. The beach resort offers 266 comfortable rooms and suites. 83 Deluxe guest rooms are Mediterranean in style, 50 sq. with large balconies offering sea view. 183 individually styled luxury villa rooms and suites are located by the beach and in
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the garden, designed as a traditional Arabian village with wind towers. All together there are 14 different bars and restaurants, with international and regional specialties offering: theme nights, Lebanese cuisine, Mongolian BBQ, delicious seafood, Italian cuisine, Friday brunch, al fresco dining and many more. Exclusive Malibu Night Club lets you dance the night away to the sounds of our Resident DJ and in-house guests can enjoy a complimentary access. With state-of-the-art meeting facilities and extensive synergies with surrounding properties, Hamra Convention Center is Ras Al Khaimah’s one-stop solution provider for all M.I.C.E. requirements such as celebrations, conferences, product-launches and seminars up to 800 persons. Friendly and efficient service in a tranquil and peaceful area away from the noise, traffic and pollution is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort have something for every traveller – we are created for you… www.alhamrafort.com
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Al Hamra Village Golf Resort
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l Hamra Village Golf Resort is located in Ras Al Khaimah, and is a 40-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. The Resort is only 400 meters away from the very known Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort and exemplifies true Arabian heritage in its architecture, design and hospitality. The Al Hamra Village Resort has 54 individually-styled villas offering 219 rooms and suites. The rooms are furnished with authentic hand crafted interiors, offering guests a unique Arabian experience. Each town house consists of two floors, a ground floor offering a Junior Suite with a master bedroom and a separate sitting room and on the first floor, one standard and two classic rooms, one with balcony and one without a balcony. There are a variety of restaurants and bars available for guests during their stay. The Village Restaurant is an All-day dining restaurant in Al Fresco terrace, situated next to the swimming pool, offering theme nights buffets and A la carte. You can simply enjoy in the Molly Malone Pub by listening the life
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music and playing billiard. A complimentary valet shuttle is available for hotel guests wishing to dine at any other themed and specialty restaurants and bars located in Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort. Al Hamra Village’s guests can relax in the sauna, or make use of cardio vascular equipment in the fitness center in addition to the golfing facilities, tennis, mini golf and other recreational services which are available for guests, the hotel also provides a wide variety of water sports activities and excursions. If golf is what you desire, a golf vacation is what you shall find. Al Hamra Village Golf Resort is located in 400m away from Al Hamra Golf Course, the first taste of “Links Style” golf in the Middle East. This eighteen-hole golf course designed by Peter Harradine is built along the shores and rolling waves of the Arabian Gulf. The course meanders around a large open sea water lagoon with four interconnected sub lagoons all being used as integral parts of the development. Experience superb leisurely comfort: www.alhamratownhouse.com
P.O.BOX: 1468 | Ras Al Khaimah | United Arab Emirates | Tel : + 971 7 244 6666 | +971 7 204 2222 | Fax: + 971 7 244 6677 | E-mail : reservations@hamrahotels.com | sales@hamrahotels.com | www.alhamratownhouse.com
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Al Hamra Residences
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l Hamra Residences features 158 stunning apartments, all boasting relaxed ambience and exceptional views. Whether it’s a seafront location or the mesmerizing landscape of the Al Hajar Mountains that inspires you, we can find the perfect home for you. It is merely a 45 minute car journey from Dubai International Airport along the Emirates Road highway, or a 20 minutes’ drive from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Evoking the area’s rich culture, the residences feature traditional and stylish design with a modern twist. All apartments are fully equipped with luxury amenities, including state-of-the-art kitchens, cable television with plasma screens, high-speed internet access and bespoke maid services. Ideal for both long- and short-term rental, Al Hamra Residences come in a range of styles from spacious studios with balconies and generously sized one, two, three and five-bedroom apartments. Enjoy all-day dining at Sea Breeze restaurant, offering a blissful Gulf vista and nature’s own soundtrack of tumbling waves. The lavish menu features fresh and local ingredients offering a true taste of Arabia. Nearby, further dining options
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abound with over 11 restaurants and bars to choose from in Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort or alternatively, stay in and take advantage of the in-room dining services. Ras Al-Khaimah’s varied terrain provides several opportunities for fun. An awesome 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Swiss architect Peter Harradine, is so impressive it’ll convert even a golfing novice into an enthusiast. And if you’d rather swing a racket, there are superb tennis courts. Along the stunning 500 kilometer coastline you can soak up some rays, carve waves on a surfboard, skim the surface on a wakeboard or master your cruise control on a jet ski. Set along the southern coast of the Emirate, overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and the magnificent Al Marjan Islands, Al Hamra Residences are part of this Royal retreat that embodies the quality of life and very rich heritage of the Emirate. Exotic and evocative, the resort is a unique and special experience that is brought to life with quiet efficiency and the warm, kindness and generosity spirit of its people. Discover True Arabia and visit us: www.alhamraresidences.com
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Expression of Arabic Hospitality
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heikh Saud’s vision for tourism development is marked by an unwavering commitment to the integration of Ras Al Khaimah’s natural richness with modernity and the traditionally warm hospitality of the local people. The policy builds on RAK’s unique geographical position and tourist attractions like mountains, beaches and the desert. The irresistible combination is best captured by the Cove Rotana Resort. Surrounded by rugged mountains, scenic hot springs and dunes, The Cove Rotana is located on an idyllic water inlet on the Ras Al Khaimah beach front overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Located at just 8km from the city centre and 20km from the RAK Airport, the resort presents an ideal destination for leisure and business travelers alike. It is Rotana’s first property in Ras Al Khaimah.
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The Cove Rotana prides itself for being a combination of traditional charm and the uniqueness of the Arabian culture. The resort offers 204 rooms and 76 one, two and three bedroom villas as part of an integrated resort, ideally designed to accommodate families or groups with modern in-room facilities matching various requirements. All villas have a terrace with gardens, while the two and three bedroom villas are also equipped with a private plunge pool. The hotel rooms have a distinct Nubian touch in their design. “It’s all about choices,” says Joe Batshoun, general manager. “If you are looking for the typical urban experience of staying in a multi-storey with all its hustle and bustle, this is not the place for you. But for those desirous of seeking a fascinating holiday in the natural setting of an idyllic Arabic village and yet
with all modern amenities, Cove Rotana presents an irresistible option”. Cove Rotana has the distinction of being the only resort located on a hill, with every room having a view of the sea, he points out. RAK’s fascinating desert safaris, mountain excursions and heritage sites, coupled with its splendid golfing facilities make it a truly rewarding experience. While RAK’s appeal as a treasure of natural beauty is a powerful reason for tourists to choose the northern Emirate as a destination
by itself, being just a 45-minute drive from Dubai, it is also a compelling addition to the itinerary of all travelers to the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah offers a fascinating slice of Arabian charm that is flawlessly blended with modern day aspirations and it remains so not by default, but by design, says Batshoun. That’s how His Highness has envisioned tourism development. Sheikh Saud has his hands on the pulse of every tourism project undertaken in the Emirate and keeps himself regularly updated with the progress of various projects.
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Global Leader in Ceramics
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AK Ceramics is currently the world’s largest manufacturer of ceramic and porcelain tiles with global production output of 115 million sqm per annum and accounts for around $1 billion global sales annually. Established in 1991, this public share holding company has technology, quality and inspired leadership at the heart of the heart of its organisational philosophy. Since its inception, its visionary founder, H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO, RAK Ceramics, have directed the company towards global competitiveness, technological advancement and high-quality production into turning the company into a world-class organisation. Specialising in high-quality ceramic wall and floor tiles, Gres Porcellanato, and Bathware, the ceramics specialist has developed a wide range of top-quality products and exquisite designs over the years. The RAK crest is now being increasingly taken as an assurance of good value for money in ceramics markets worldwide. As it continues to set new benchmarks, RAK Ceramics rivals major Italian and Spanish manufacturers in terms of quality and aesthetic standards in all market segments.
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RAK Ceramics uses more than 8,000 production models, with new designs added almost every week to its product portfolio. Tiles are manufactured in a variety of sizes, from 10 cm x 10 cm up to 125 cm x 185 cm, the widest range offered in the ceramic field. Also, the 125 x 185 Gres Porcellanato slab, the largest of its kind in the world. Exquisite vanity tops are also manufactured from these slabs as well as Exclusive Water Jet Designs.
Innovative Technology RAK Ceramics introduced new technologies such as Roto Printing, Double Charge, Granitech, Technoslate, Twin Press and Nanopix Technology as it consistently adds innovative technologies and techniques to its ever-growing product portfolio, helping it sustain its rapid growth. It has adopted the latest digital printing technology that allows producing unique tile designs with detailed finishes and this includes launch of new exquisite tiles such as Stone Art, Orion, Top Class and Jewel Tile Collections. It was one of the industry pioneers in integrating the PH 7200 Press into the production line to create slabs and large format tiles for multiple applications such as vanity tops, steps, and facades, which before were solely based on natural stone. The company has thus been able to produce very realistic machinemade products. RAK Ceramics is the first company to launch Luminous, Golden and Silver Glazed tiles in the world. In addition, it became the first company in the world to launch RAK Antimicrobial, a super specialty tile for the hospital industry. The company’s latest creations include the recently launched ‘Elegance Ceramics’ and ‘RAK SLIM’. Elegance Ceramics is a highfashion brand that caters to the needs and modern demands of a high-value niche market. RAK Ceramics has opened exclusive Elegance Ceramics Boutiques in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah to complement the RAK Ceramics showrooms, providing an extensive array of concept designs created by leading Italian designers. The state-of-the-art Ras Al Khaimah plants produces approximately 227,000 sqm of tiles per day and over 8,500 pieces of sanitary ware. The global production of tiles exceeds 360,000 sqm and 12,000 pieces of sanitary ware per day from its fully-equipped plants in China, Sudan, Bangladesh, India and Iran. These numbers make RAK Ceramics one of the world’s multinationals in the world
manufacturing ceramic and porcelain tiles along with sanitary ware. RAK Ceramics manages over 8,500 employees in UAE and over 15,000 employees through its various manufacturing facilities and distributions networks in several countries through its subsidiaries in Germany, UK, Italy, Belgium, Georgia, Australia, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Bangladesh and Iran. Presently the company exports to more than 150 countries across 5 continents, which is a testimony to its excellent reputation in the ceramic industry.
Diversifications RAK Ceramics has joined hands with the world known Laticrete International Inc of USA to form LATICRETE RAK Co. LLC to offer extremely useful, high strength and durable tile installation products having unique properties. RAK Ceramics has also tied up with KLUDI, the leading German manufacturer in the European kitchen and bathroom fitting segment. KLUDI RAK offers high quality kitchen and bathroom products to reflect the current demand of a well designed timeless bathroom architecture. Earlier RAK Ceramics diversified into tableware range of products by launching RAK Porcelain and recently it launched RAK Paints that should give the customers the complete option to buy relatedproducts under one roof. The collaborating companies leverage similarities in their marketing and distribution channels to maintain a good share of the regional and international markets.
Awards and International Accreditations RAK Ceramics is a consistent recipient of industry honours and awards, the latest being the SuperBrand status in the UAE it achieved in 2009 and 2010. In 2007, it was given an AA rating and was ranked among the top four brands in the UAE by UK-based Brand Finance Middle East. It was also acknowledged in the same year as one of the leading manufacturing companies in the country. RAK Ceramics was also recognised as Company of the Year in 2004 by the Arabian Business Awards
and bestowed the MRM Business Award for Manufacturing, the highest manufacturing award of the UAE, by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Dr. Khater Massaad was presented with the Visionary CEO Award during the 1st Middle East Business Leaders Summit and Awards, Dubai in 2010. RAK Ceramics was also honoured with the Best Brand Award at the same event, which recognises decades of business excellence and outstanding leadership. Recently RAK Ceramics won the Innovation Award for its revolutionary RAK Slim range of products at Kingfisher Supplier’s Award in Hong Kong. RAK Ceramics was recently honored by the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for complying with good governance and transparency according to best international practices. RAK Ceramics is a ISO 9001 : 2008 & ISO 14001 : 2004 certified organisation that speaks for the quality management and ensuring the highest standard of quality products are maintained consistently. As part of Corporate Social Responsibilities, RAK Ceramics is constantly in the quest of producing newer range of eco-friendly products and contributes to the society by embarking on eco-friendly projects and supporting social campaigns. Recently RAK Ceramics won the CSR Awards endorsed by Federation of Gulf Chambers of Commerce and Dubai Chambers of Commerce during the 2nd Middle East Business Leaders Summit and Awards, Dubai in 2011. With its strong commitment to technology; quality; sound production processes; and customer satisfaction, RAK Ceramics will continue to be a leading force in international ceramic and sanitary ware manufacturing, maintaining its market leadership.
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Admiration on the Table RAK PORCELAIN a major force on global tableware market
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AK PORCELAIN, launched in 2006 under the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and under the able supervision Chief Executive Officer Dr Khater Maassad, has grown into a formidable force in the business in a short span of five years. Catering to the high growing demands of the tableware industry, RAK PORCELAIN tableware is being admired in more than 115 countries and more than a 5,000 five and four star hotel properties. RAK PORCELAIN is one of the prime manufacturers of high alumina porcelain tableware for the hotel and catering industry. One of its kind in the entire Middle East, RAK PORCELAIN is established in the Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah. Spread over an area of 65,000 square meters, RAK PORCELAIN has a production capacity of 15 million pieces of premium quality porcelain dinnerware per annum. RAK PORCELAIN is an integral part and profit-centered unit of RAK Ceramics. Today RAK PORCELAIN is known for its truly world class product at a value for money proposition, catering to the demanding needs of high chip and scratch-resistant products suited for the hotel and restaurant industry. RAK PORCELAIN has more than 20 ranges in its product portfolio, with more than 3,500 individual articles and 100 design patterns to offer a wide array of choices to customers. New designs and shapes are a particular strength of the RAK PORCELAIN offering. RAK PORCELAIN has marked a global presence with its easy to reach distribution network in more than 115 countries in all five continents, which ensures easy access to the entire range of products. With strong sales and after sales service, the company ensures quick deliveries and high customer
satisfaction. Today RAK PORCELAIN is proud to be associated with some of the renowned hotels, groups and properties such as the Marriot, Starwood Group hotels, Hyatt, Hilton, Rotana and so on. Some of the projects successfully furnished by RAK PORCELAIN in the region are the Burj Al Arab, The Atlantis, The Mazagan - Morocco, The Fairmont – Makkah, The Sheraton - Convention Centre in Doha etc. The products draw admiration not only on the ground but also in the air and on water as they adorn the table on Cruise Lines and airlines across the region. The quest for service and excellence has seen RAK PORCELAIN grow from a factory that manufactures porcelain tableware to a brand that’s available in more than 100 countries. Bucking recessionary trends and a weak market, RAK PORCELAIN registered an impressive growth of over 40 per cent for 2010.
Email : rakporcelain@rakceram.com • www.rakporcelain.com
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Global Vision with Universal Values Culture of trust, humility, faith and transparency drives dynamic multinational conglomerate
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elcome to the ETA Ascon Star Group, a pre-eminent corporate entity whose global vision is matched by its universal values. In a journey spanning more than three decades, the Dubai-based group has grown into a dynamic, multinational and multi-dimensional business conglomerate under the leadership of Chairman Abdullah Al Ghurair, Vice-Chairman B S Abdur Rahman and Managing Director Syed M Salahuddin. Operating in a diverse range of industries in 22 countries worldwide, the group employs over 73,000 people and has a turnover in excess of $6 billion. At the core of ETA Ascon Star’s phenomenal success lies its unflinching set of values. ‘Built on Trust’ as the company’s logo proclaims, the ETA Ascon Star family subscribes to a culture of trust along with humility, faith and transparency, which gives its members a rare confidence to perform and deliver. This is sustained by the group’s ‘Power of (Indo-Arab) Partnership’ and its ‘Strength in Diversity’. A role model in human resource management, ETA Ascon Star is self-reliant when it comes to sourcing and training manpower at all levels. Building up trained manpower from a base of loyal and reliable newcomers, the group has always believed in the decentralization of power although formulation of strategy, systems, rules and HR functions is retained at the corporate level. The diversity of the group’s operations is represented by more than 16 industry segments, which include contracting and engineering, trading, shipping, manufacturing and
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assembly, facilities management, automobiles, real estate, retail, services, travel and leisure, healthcare, aviation, learning and education, insurance and hospitality. The growth of the group over the years has been organic in both directions: vertical and horizontal - backward and forward integration. The establishment of the initial businesses has been complemented by a sustained sense of entrepreneurship, which has pushed the group to constantly explore new opportunities, resulting in a second generation of ETA Star companies. The starting point was the setting up of a construction company called Ascon in 1973 as a joint venture between the Al Ghurairs of Dubai and Amana Investments Limited of Hong Kong. In the initial years, the company was engaged in the construction business and supplied building materials. As the company made headway in the field of construction, it began to think of ways to add value by offering allied services like sanitary installations, air-conditioners, elevators, switchgear and other electro-mechanical works. This led to the formation of the Mechanical & Electrical division, a pioneer in its field. Over time, the division expanded. ETA MELCO was also set up as a separate escalator and elevator company. Today, both ETA M&E and ETA MELCO, along with other divisions like Trading & Shipping and Modem Building Maintenance, are number-one in their respective fields in the region. A highly diversified group, each division of the ETA Ascon Star Group has had a logical beginning. A keen sense
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of entrepreneurship has pushed the group to constantly explore new opportunities. For instance, as Dubai grew and its requirement for power increased, the group made a bold foray into power, covering distribution, installation of substations, transmission lines and generation. Furthermore, it expanded into desalination projects. With respect to Trading & Shipping, it can be said that the seeds of the division were sown at the very outset when ETA was trading in building materials. Today, it has grown into a multi-faceted global enterprise that includes high-end shipping services and trading in commodities like cement, agro-products, minerals, raw materials and fertilisers and chemicals. The division, which is a market leader, owns a vast fleet of vessels and carriers that meet the needs of clients worldwide. With the group engaged in such a wide range of activities, involving an array of products and commodities, manufacturing seemed a logical step forward. Therefore, the group got into the manufacture of power control systems and switchgear (ETA PCS), cement (Star Cement), air-conditioners, steel fabrication, air distribution systems, aluminium cladding and PVC windows and doors, among other fields. The group’s commitment to quality, backed by its infrastructure and expertise, saw the emergence of the Engineering Maintenance Co, which is making great strides today. The need for facilities management in other areas was also felt and the result was the establishment of another set of pioneering companies like Modern Building Maintenance and Zenath. The group began to offer janitorial and security services, waste management, paper and plastic recycling, land transport and also forayed into automobile workshops, taxis (CARS) and public transport. Eventually, it entered into oil and gas services as well. As diversification knows no limits, the group also ventured into retail and leisure. From casual apparel (Giordano) and jewellery (AI Haseena) to corporate and travel management services (ANTA), automobiles (Western Auto), consumer
electronics (Kitchen House) and food outlets, there are many areas that the group covers.
ETA as a Social Responsible Citizen ETA is a socially responsible corporate citizen and makes sustained efforts to share the benefits of its success with society. It regularly makes donations in cash and kind during natural calamities around the world, imparts free education, training and scholarships for the deserving, poor, sick and physically disadvantaged through ETA Star Foundation for Education, provides aid to special needs organisations and orphanages, promotes arts, culture, sports and entertainment besides providing free healthcare and medical services and extending help during Amnesty. It also accords top priority to the health, safety and welfare of its own employees in keeping with wellformulated policies.
Awards and Honours The ETA Ascon Star Group has earned many accolades and awards for its valuable contributions to industry and society over the years. Some recent honours include the ABA Outstanding Asian Contribution to Middle East Development Award 2007 and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2006 conferred on Managing Director Syed M. Salahuddin for his outstanding contributions. Divisions 1ike ETA M&E have also walked away with many awards, like the MEP Contractor of the Year 2007, Middle East Facilities Management Excellence Award by Facilities and Asset Management, Major Project of the Year Award 2007 and Specialist Contractor of the Year Award 2007. ETA Star Properties was voted as a SUPERBRAND by the Superbrands Council UAE in 2007 while Giordano Middle East received the regional SUPERBRAND status in 2006. The group has also won quality appreciation certificates from the Dubai Government, including the prestigious Certificate of Appreciation under the DUBAI QUALITY PROGRAM AWARD 2002 in recognition of the work done by the Electro Mechanical Division.
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Providing Comfort Zones for Investors Bank of Baroda plays its part in promoting RAK industrialization
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hat Ras Al Khaimah has withstood the storm of global financial crisis like the rugged fort on its government emblem is by itself proof of the efficacy of His Highness Sheikh Saud’s strategy of sustainable development. It is no mean achievement that when businesses were folding up all around, Ras Al Khaimah’s free zones were attracting more industries than they did in the years before the crisis. The RAK Government, pursuing the visionary policies of HHSheikh Saud, has always recognized the importance of banks in contributing to this confidence. Bank of Baroda, the only Indian bank offering full-fledged banking services in the UAE, has been in the forefront of this process. As India has been a key market for promoting the Emirate’s free zones, The presence of India’s International bank ,Bank of Baroda (BoB), one of India’s top ranking banks is reassuring to investors and entrepreneurs -- a large majority of whom are from India. When a bank like BoB has an MoU with RAKIA for supporting entrepreneurs in Ras Al Khaimah, it makes investment decisions that much easier for industries venturing in the Emirate,” says Ashok Gupta, the bank’s Chief Executive of GCC operations. The bank has supported many ventures in the Emirate, such as RAK Ceramics, Al Hamra Village, Al Hamra Power, RAK Minerals, Guardian Glass, JBF RAK, Prime Builders and Ashok Leyland, among others. “As a majority of the entrepreneurs coming to the UAE are from India, it is easy for them to invest in the Emirate’s free zone which has the financial support of our bank,” says Gupta. For many Indian entrepreneurs, the presence of Bank of Baroda is a huge comfort factor that solves half their problems. For the bank, it is an opportunity to contribute in the economic growth of Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE. In the process, the bank plays no mean a role in strengthening the economic ties not only between India and the UAE, but also between UAE and other
Ashok Gupta
countries where the bank is present. Bank of Baroda is the third largest bank from India, established way back in 1908 in the then princely state of Baroda in western India, spreading across the country with more than 3,300 branches and 84 offices in 26 countries. With a customer base of 38 million, the bank inspires awe and confidence across the world. In the GCC region, the bank has branches in three countries -- UAE, Oman and Bahrain. In UAE, the bank is present for the last 37 years. It has 13 branches and Customer Service Centres across the UAE. With a branch in RAK and a customer service centre in the RAKIA free zone, the Emirate is well-served by the bank, that sees its partnership with the RAKIA as a win-win situation.
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Energizing Entrepreneurship ElectroRAK’s success testifies power of creative ideas
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ne of the foundations on which His Highness Sheikh Saud formulated his vision for Ras Al Khaimah’s future was the creation of congenial conditions for entrepreneurial spirit to flourish. The process saw the laying of a framework for proper legal, administrative and financial support systems to help people with business acumen pursue their dreams. The story of ElectroRAK, with its growth into a major player in the engineering and power sector in the Northern Emirates in a short span of time, is a stunning testimony to the success of this policy. The company’s managing director N Zakkir Hussain is a N Zakkir Hussain first generation businessman and today he is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s very successful businessmen. Before ElectroRAK was established, N Zakkir Hussain was working with RAK Ceramics. In 2006, he proposed to CEO Dr Khater Massaad that it would be a good idea to set up a separate power and utilities business. Impressed with the suggestion and seeing the potential for growth, Dr Massaad gave him the go-ahead and a new company was formed with the majority ownership held by RAK Ceramics and Dr Massaad as Chairman and N Zakkir Hussain as partner. ElectroRAK is today a leading provider of end-to-end Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP), civil contracting and infrastructural engineering services, covering complex to medium industrial, commercial, residential and tourism projects. The company is a licensed FEWA contractor having achieved an ‘A’ grade certification for low voltage and high voltage installations with several prestigious projects under its belt. Since its incorporation in 2006, ElectroRak has completed projects worth Dh650 million and has ongoing projects worth Dh350 million in hand. These include the successful installation of two power generation plants in the RAKIA free zones: The 45 megawatt power plant in the Al Hamra Al Jazeera industrial area and the 84 megawatt power plant in the Al Ghail Industrial park.
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The company built on the success in RAK by spreading its wings to other Emirates as well. For instance, on the infrastructure and industrial side, Electro RAK executed the turnkey erection of the 3 MIGD Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) plant in Kalba for the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) and is currently carrying out turbine maintenance works at Dubal in Dubai. ElectroRAK has also won the contract for the complete MEP works for over 600 villas in the Al Ghadeer Development Phase – 1 project in Abu Dhabi, which is another landmark in the growth of the company. As part of the growth plan, ElectroRAK has added three group companies to its fold: Encom Trading, Emirates Heavy Engineering and RAK Industries. Apart from undertaking projects for the parent company, the new companies have a diverse portfolio that includes fabrication of HVAC ducts, electrical switchgear assembly, design of power plants, infrastructural engineering as well as engineering, construction and industrial materials supply. The company primarily focuses its activities in Ras Al Khaimah, but has spread its wings to other Emirates increasing the size of the revenue pie. “Keeping in line with the company’s vision of continued growth and diversification, the company has opened branches in the Emirates of Fujairah and Abu Dhabi”, says N Zakkir Hussain. He attributes the company’s success to Dr. Khater Massaad, who as Chairman has been a pillar of strength for the company. The company’s ongoing projects in RAK include projects at Mina Al Arab – a leisure and holiday beach resort, Bab Al Bahr - residential apartments in the coral shaped Al Marjan Island and the Royal Breeze apartments in Al Hamra Village. In the Emirate of Fujairah, the company is engaged in the Mina Al Fajer development - a project involving a combination of residential apartments and villas, the high-rise Rotana Suites and modification of the Fujairah Tower. “The company is presently studying the feasibility of expanding its operations to the Asian and European markets while it has already started operations in India”, Hussain says.
Hearty Felicitations to
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi on his Accession as member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah And
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah
We are delighted to work in fulfilling His Highness’ vision to develop Ras Al Khaimah, an Emirate with all modern facilities and infrastructure.
P.O. Box 14521, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Tel: + 971-7-2445310, Fax: + 971-7-2444905 Email: office@eheavyengineering.com - Website : www.electrorak.com
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