Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the UK Government to strengthen trade and industry ties while exploring new collaboration opportunities in education, culture, and heritage.
The signing took place in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah; and the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP.
This agreement aims to build on the strong foundation between the two nations and expand their cooperation across diverse sectors.
The agreement between Ras Al Khaimah’s Investment and Development Office (IDO) and the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade was signed by Sheikh Khalid bin Saud Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of the IDO, and His Excellency Oliver Christian, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan and His Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
It states that the parties “seek to encourage and explore opportunities to develop co-operation in the field of industrial growth” and that they “intend to support and facilitate trade in both directions between the UK and the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.”
Sheikh Khalid bin Saud Al Qasimi said that, “Today marks a significant milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s ongoing commitment to fostering robust international partnerships that drive economic growth and innovation. The signing of this growth partnership agreement with the UK Government’s Department of Business and Trade will enhance trade relations and it opens the door to collaborate in other fields.”
Sheikh Khalid added that, “The agreement embodies Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for a prosperous future, where both parties can leverage each other’s strengths to create sustainable development opportunities. We look forward to exploring new avenues that will empower our businesses and create a dynamic environment for innovation and growth.”
Jonathan Reynolds MP commented that, “It is an honour to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United Kingdom and the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which will pave the way for significant industrial cooperation, building on our deep and historic relationship with the UAE.”
The agreement highlights several sectors where enhanced collaboration between the UK and Ras Al Khaimah could drive mutual growth, focusing on trade, investment, education, culture, and heritage.
It also includes plans to establish a joint business incubator in Ras Al Khaimah, offering UK companies a gateway to expand into the UAE and broader Middle East markets.
Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah and the UK have expressed a shared interest in exploring partnerships on significant development projects in the emirate, initiating dialogues on food security and agricultural strategies, supporting Ras Al Khaimah promotional events in the UK, and fostering cooperation in art, culture, and education.