Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has concluded a six-day official visit to the People’s Republic of China. During this time, he witnessed the signing of a significant friendship agreement and ten memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between entities in Ras Al Khaimah and counterparts in various Chinese cities and provinces, most notably the agreement with Fujian Province aimed at fostering friendly relations and developing partnerships across multiple sectors.
Strengthening Historic Ties
In reflecting on the visit, Sheikh Saud stated, “Ras Al Khaimah’s growing ties with Chinese cities and provinces are rooted in deep historical connections and a shared vision to achieve advanced economic transformation. The establishment of a friendship agreement with Fujian Province embodies a strong partnership based on mutual respect and common ambition, extending over centuries of maritime trade relationships. This sets a formal framework for closer cooperation between our communities and business sectors.”
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
He further emphasised that the meetings in China reaffirmed the belief that true progress is founded on sustainable and solid partnerships. “By combining China’s industrial and technological leadership with Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location, manufacturing capabilities, and promising opportunities, while preserving our shared cultural heritage, we are paving the way for sustainable growth that benefits both our peoples,” he added. He also extended an invitation to Chinese partners to join in Ras Al Khaimah to collaborate, innovate, and shape a more prosperous future for all.
Key Agreements Signed
The friendship agreement, signed in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, was part of a formal ceremony attended by members of the Ras Al Khaimah delegation accompanying Sheikh Saud, alongside senior leadership from Fujian. This comprehensive framework solidifies cooperation in economic, maritime, and cultural fields, supporting joint initiatives in areas such as green supply chains, port logistics, sustainable building materials, and cultural exchange.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ras Al Khaimah Government by His Excellency Mohammed Imran Al Shamsi, Special Advisor to Sheikh Saud, and by Mr Zhao Zhenglian, a member of the Standing Committee of the Fujian Provincial Committee.
In addition to the friendship agreement with Fujian, ten memoranda of understanding were signed between Ras Al Khaimah entities and their Chinese counterparts.
Notable Collaborations in Various Sectors
In Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, Sheikh Saud witnessed the signing of a strategic MoU between the International Relations Office of Ras Al Khaimah Government and ‘UP Tech Robotics’. This memorandum establishes a framework for testing and demonstrating human robot systems in Ras Al Khaimah, covering sectors such as industry, commercial services, elder care, and cultural tourism.
The Ras Al Khaimah Transportation Authority also signed an MoU with the Shenzhen Urban Transportation Planning Centre (SUTPC). Furthermore, the Marjan Group and Ras Al Khaimah National Bank entered into separate agreements with the Bank of China – Dubai branch.
Other memoranda included agreements between the Ras Al Khaimah Government’s International Relations Office and ‘Phoenix New Media Information Technology’, as well as between the Marjan Group and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). Two additional MoUs were signed by the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the Tianhe Central Business District and the Chinese International Small and Medium Enterprises Exhibition Office. The Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras Al Khaimah also collaborated with the History Museum of Sun Yat-sen University, while the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zones (RAKEZ) signed an MoU with Fujian Jihong Packaging Technology Company.
Cultural Engagements and Discussions
During their visit, the Ras Al Khaimah delegation also explored cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Fuzhou from October 18 to 23. They toured the historical and cultural area of Sanfang Qixiang and the Cheng He Hall, a heritage site linked to the maritime Silk Road voyages of Zheng He. Moreover, the delegation participated in several meetings in Fuzhou, which addressed investment, commercial cooperation, shared cultural heritage, and academic research.
The visit’s programme commenced in Shenzhen with the ‘Ras Al Khaimah – China Business Summit’, themed ‘Together Towards Shared Value’, which included business meetings bringing together Chinese innovators in artificial intelligence and future technologies with key economic players from Ras Al Khaimah.