A Note on RAK Leadership
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi became the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah on October 27, 2010. He was appointed by his father, Sheikh Saqr to succeed his brother Sheikh Khalid as Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler in 2003, who held the position since 1958. In a decision endorsed by the Supreme Council, Sheikh Saqr chose to appoint Sheikh Saud to address concerns over the rate and degree of economic progress being made in the emirate. In January 2008, Ras Al Khaimah received an investment grade rating from both Standard & Poor's and Fitch, and over the last six years per capita GDP has increased 63% from 35,000 AED to 56,000 AED.
