During a six-day official visit to the People’s Republic of China, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, met with leaders and officials from several prominent Chinese institutions and companies in the Guangdong and Fujian provinces. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation and investment opportunities across key sectors.
Strengthening Ties for Sustainable Growth
Sheikh Saud emphasised, “The growing ties between Ras Al Khaimah and our partners in the People’s Republic of China are based on a mutual commitment to long-term cooperation, enhancing innovation, and achieving prosperity. We appreciate the opportunities for direct communication with leading Chinese institutions and companies, which allow for the exchange of knowledge and expertise while opening new pathways for investment and joint ventures. Through deepening these ties, we can achieve sustainable value that provides promising opportunities for our peoples.”
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Initiatives
During the visit, Sheikh Saud witnessed the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding between the International Relations Office of the Ras Al Khaimah Government and the global leader in artificial intelligence and human robotics, “UB Tech Robotics.” This agreement aims to establish a framework for collaboration in advanced research, field testing, and the actual operation of human robotic systems in the emirate.
Additionally, Sheikh Saud toured the smart manufacturing facility of “Airdge” in Guangzhou, following the recent signing of a cooperation agreement between the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department, aimed at enhancing advanced air mobility within the emirate. His Highness explored the facility and production lines, observing its manufacturing capabilities and technological advancements.
Exploring Urban Transport and E-commerce Innovations
Moreover, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah visited the Shenzhen Urban Transportation Planning and Research Centre (SUTPC), where he witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding for strategic cooperation in the fields of smart transport and low-altitude economy. This sector encompasses commercial, industrial, and service activities conducted in the airspace close to the ground. The areas of cooperation under the memorandum include intelligent and public transport, low-altitude mobility, applications of artificial intelligence, and exploring opportunities to implement related solutions and technologies in Ras Al Khaimah.
In Guangzhou, Sheikh Saud also visited the headquarters of “Vape Shop,” one of China’s leading e-commerce companies, gaining insight into its operations and activities.
Engagement with Major Industry Players
Throughout the visit, His Highness engaged with representatives from various Chinese institutions and companies, including “China Securities International,” “ZTE,” “Hobo Investments,” “Town Gas,” “Full Vision Capital,” “Chilo Pharmaceuticals,” “YXE China Railway Express,” “Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings,” the Canton Chamber of Commerce in the UAE, the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the “AJT Group,” the “Star Net Group,” Xiamen Airlines, and the Fujian Energy and Petrochemicals Group.
Discussions revolved around collaborative opportunities within technology, advanced manufacturing, aviation, financial services, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and energy sectors. The aim is to broaden partnerships between Ras Al Khaimah and Chinese companies and institutions while leveraging available prospects in mutually beneficial sectors.
Commitment to Long-term International Partnerships
This visit by Sheikh Saud and his accompanying delegation to the People’s Republic of China highlights the emirate’s dedication to building long-term international partnerships, enhancing its connections with major global markets, and opening new avenues that support sustainable economic growth.
Guangdong province, located in southern China, boasts the largest economy in the country with a population exceeding 128.6 million and a projected GDP of around USD 2 trillion (approximately AED 7.34 trillion) by 2025. It serves as a crucial manufacturing hub, particularly in the electronics, automotive, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and advanced industries, along with finance and real estate.
On the other hand, Fujian province, situated on the southeast coast of China, has a population of approximately 41.9 million and a GDP projected at around USD 897 billion (approximately AED 3.29 trillion) by 2025. The province enjoys a robust industrial base, encompassing electronics, machinery and equipment, petrochemicals, and advanced manufacturing, as well as a growing digital economy.