HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi:
- ‘The friendship between Ras Al Khaimah and China is deeply rooted in history and revitalized by a shared vision for modern economic transformation’
- ‘By aligning Chinese industrial and technological leadership with Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location, vast manufacturing capabilities and abundant opportunities, while honoring our shared cultural heritage, we unlock sustainable progress for both of our peoples’
- ‘We extend our warmest invitation to our partners in China to join us in Ras Al Khaimah as we collaborate, innovate and shape a prosperous future together’
FUZHOU, China, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has concluded a momentous week-long official visit to South China, by signing an agreement to formalize the sisterhood agreement between Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, and Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China, to establish friendly relations and seek to build partnerships across a variety of sectors.
The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for deeper economic, maritime, and cultural ties between Ras Al Khaimah and Fujian Province, driving joint initiatives in green supply chains, port logistics, sustainable building materials and cultural exchange. The signing ceremony in Fuzhou was attended by His Excellency Zhao Long, Secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, together with senior provincial leadership, marking a new milestone in bilateral governance and sovereign trust.
H.E. Mohamed Omran Al Shamsi, Special Advisor to H.H Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Zhao Zenglian, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, Vice Governor of Fujian Provincial People’s Government, sign the Agreement on the Establishment of Friendship Emirate and Province Relationship.
HH Sheikh Saud said of the signing: “The friendship between Ras Al Khaimah and China is deeply rooted in history and revitalized by a shared vision for modern economic transformation. Signing this Friendship Agreement with Fujian Province cements a partnership with mutual respect, shared ambition and centuries of maritime connection, which creates a formal foundation for our communities and enterprises to collaborate closely.”
During the stay in Fuzhou, the delegation engaged in multi-dimensional dialogues that extended beyond commercial investment to embrace shared cultural heritage and academic research. HH Sheikh Saud also visited the Zheng He Memorial Hall, a heritage landmark marking the starting point of Zheng He’s Maritime Silk Road voyages. Complementing this, Ras Al Khaimah’s Department of Antiquities and Museums highlighted historical research into 13th-century Yuan Dynasty porcelain discovered in the Emirate, a connection first established through collaboration with the Palace Museum in Beijing. Building on these foundational discoveries, the delegation engaged with Sun Yat-Sen University to reaffirm the Maritime Silk Road trade routes that connected the ancient trading post of Julfar, the precursor to Ras Al Khaimah, with South China for centuries.
This historic signing marks the successful conclusion of an intensive delegation tour across Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Fuzhou from 17 to 23 October. The journey began in Shenzhen with the RAK-China Business Summit, themed “Together Towards Shared Value”, alongside CEO matchmaking sessions that connected Chinese innovators in AI and future technologies with Ras Al Khaimah’s core economic entities. The delegation then travelled to Guangzhou for high-level meetings and the inauguration of RAK International (Guangzhou) LLC in China, establishing a permanent bridge for trade and cultural exchange, before concluding the trip in Fuzhou. The business consultancy in Guangzhou will strengthen business-to-business engagement, facilitate closer collaboration with Chinese partners, support investment and trade promotion, coordinate high-level visits and projects and serve as a dedicated gateway connecting China with Ras Al Khaimah.
Underscoring the visit’s breadth and ambition, the delegation concluded 11 strategic agreements spanning frontier innovation, advanced infrastructure, and cross-border finance. Highlighting the Emirate’s future-facing agenda, key MOUs included a pioneering humanoid robotics research and testing partnership with UBTECH Robotics, smart mobility and urban transport planning with the Shenzhen Urban Transport Planning Center (SUTPC), and major infrastructure development cooperation between Marjan and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The agreements also established critical financial frameworks with Bank of China, advanced industrial manufacturing ties through RAKEZ, and heritage research collaborations, cementing Ras Al Khaimah as an agile commercial launchpad for Chinese industry.
UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and ARIDGE (formerly known as XPENG AEROHT) founder Zhao Deli jointly unveil the first flying car to enter the UAE’s advanced low-altitude flight regulatory demonstration zone.
This October tour builds on continuous momentum, including April’s landmark MoUs with ICBC and Bank of China, as well as Ras Al Khaimah’s foundational 2024 collaboration agreement with Guangdong Province. Together, these strategic frameworks provide a seamless, multi-pillar foundation for long-term bilateral collaboration.
HH Sheikh Saud noted: “Our engagements in China have reaffirmed that true progress stems from an enduring partnership. By aligning Chinese industrial and technological leadership with Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location, vast manufacturing capabilities and abundant opportunities, while honoring our shared cultural heritage, we unlock sustainable progress for both of our peoples. We extend our warmest invitation to our partners in China to join us in Ras Al Khaimah as we collaborate, innovate and shape a prosperous future together.”
About His Highness Sheikh Saud
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is a UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Born in Dubai in 1956, he was educated in Ras Al Khaimah before attending the American University of Beirut. He later moved to the University of Michigan, graduating with an Economics Degree.
He returned home in 1978 and was appointed Chief of the Ruler’s Court before becoming Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council in 1986. In this period, HH Sheikh Saud founded RAK Ceramics and restructured Julphar Pharmaceuticals and Stevin Rock to ensure both became the industry leaders they are today.
HH Sheikh Saud was named Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah on 14 June 2003. In this role he oversaw the introduction of free zones, efficient business licensing procedures and offshore corporate registration.
On 27 October 2010, after the passing of his father H.H. Sheikh Saqr (May he rest in Peace), HH Sheikh Saud became the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. As Ruler, he has continued to expand and diversify Ras Al Khaimah’s economic base and improve the quality of its social services, while working hard to make high-quality education and healthcare services available to all the Emirate’s population.
HH Sheikh Saud received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bolton, UK, in 2010; an Honorary Fellowship of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in India, in 2013; and an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics from Incheon National University, South Korea, in 2018, a year in which he was also named Visionary Leader of the Year by Arabian Business.
About Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is known for its nature, rich history and progressive vision under HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Committed to sustainable development, economic prosperity, social development and innovation, RAK is an ideal place to live, work and invest.
Strategically located – with one third of the world’s population within a four-hour flight – RAK is a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Its economy is diverse, with no sector accounting for more than 23% of GDP. The Emirate offers a business-friendly environment with competitive operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax and low corporate tax. It is home to over 73,000 companies, with RAKEZ and Innovation City supporting growth across industrial, manufacturing and digital sectors, backed by a future-focused economy validated by ‘A’ range credit ratings since 2008.
Its 0.4 million population comprises 150+ nationalities, each appreciating RAK’s high quality of life and accessible luxury living. Its bold hospitality projects involve luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton. RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, while RAK’s natural beauty (UAE’s highest mountain, beaches and deserts) and rich heritage further enhance its appeal.
With year-round sunshine, simple business set-up, a competitive cost of living and great lifestyle, Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities.
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