Country Profile
From The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2015
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RAK is ruled by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, who has ruled since the passing of his father, Sheikh Saqr, in 2010. The emirate’s population has grown significantly over recent years, rising from 267,000 in 2009 to 413,000 in 2010. Despite its relatively small geographic size, the emirate nevertheless boasts a varied landscape and considerable natural resources. Indeed it is home to the largest rock quarry in the Gulf, while the high-quality deposits of limestone and clay found in the emirate underpin RAK’s thriving cement and ceramics industries. Meanwhile the various industrial free zones remain core pillars of the emirate’s growth, with attractive incentives in place for foreign companies continuing to attract international players.

This chapter contains an interview with Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; and a viewpoint from Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

On course: Benefitting from its location and natural resources the emirate continues on the path of development and growth
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Ras Al Khaimah holds a unique position among the seven emirates that make up the UAE. It has a rich and long history that revolves around trade, with its exports mainly driven by copper and pearl in the past. Making the most of its vast reserves of clay, limestone and sand found on the Hajar Mountains, RAK has built a flourishing manufacturing sector that has served as an engine for growth over the past two decades, and in recent years the emirate has also raised its profile as a tourist destination.…

Interview

Progress report: OBG talks to Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
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Interview:Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Are you concerned that the numerous projects that are currently under way, along with the increasing drive to attract foreign nationals to the emirate, could dilute Ras Al Khaimah’s heritage and traditions somewhat? SHEIKH SAUD BIN SAQR AL QASIMI: I am not concerned about this at all. If we believe in the strength of our culture and heritage, and if we also believe in our ability to marry these cornerstones of our identity to those of progress and…

Analysis

Looking east: Trade with Asia is growing and diversifying
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Following a difficult period for the international shipping market, in 2012 the container route from Shanghai to the Gulf through Dubai saw the second-highest rate of freight growth in the entire Asian region. This was part of an emerging trend of the maturation of GCC-Asia trade. A relationship that was once just based on energy demand is diversifying and the GCC is seen as a viable market for Asian goods and investment, a key transit point – given its developed infrastructure – for the fast-growing…

Analysis

Looking east: Trade with Asia is growing and diversifying
OBG
plus

Following a difficult period for the international shipping market, in 2012 the container route from Shanghai to the Gulf through Dubai saw the second-highest rate of freight growth in the entire Asian region. This was part of an emerging trend of the maturation of GCC-Asia trade. A relationship that was once just based on energy demand is diversifying and the GCC is seen as a viable market for Asian goods and investment, a key transit point – given its developed infrastructure – for the fast-growing…

Analysis

A stable supply: Drivers and change in GCC-Africa investment
OBG
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The push among GCC states to invest in Africa came about in earnest following the 2007-08 global food price crisis, and targeted agricultural land and strategic commodity production. Agribusiness, sovereign wealth funds and other agri-investment vehicles were the main players. Primarily state-led, the investments at that time centred on framework agreements with the host market, guaranteeing purchases and providing subsidised credit. Fast forward and in October 2014 the Dubai Chamber of Commerce…

Analysis

A stable supply: Drivers and change in GCC-Africa investment
OBG
plus

The push among GCC states to invest in Africa came about in earnest following the 2007-08 global food price crisis, and targeted agricultural land and strategic commodity production. Agribusiness, sovereign wealth funds and other agri-investment vehicles were the main players. Primarily state-led, the investments at that time centred on framework agreements with the host market, guaranteeing purchases and providing subsidised credit. Fast forward and in October 2014 the Dubai Chamber of Commerce…

Viewpoint

A stronger partnership: Tony Abbott, Former Prime Minister of Australia, on Australia’s deepening relationship with the Gulf states
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Australia’s links with the Gulf states are close and getting closer. Australians and citizens of Gulf states are spending more and more time in each other’s countries, the security relationship is growing and business relationships are booming. In 2014 Australia and the GCC traded $11.7bn in goods, an increase of 7.2% over 2013. Negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC have been suspended since 2009. This is far too long when we know that an FTA is in the interests of all our…