Ras Al Khaimah on Wednesday marked 10 years since Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi became Ruler.
In those years the emirate has transformed.
New roads, schools and hospitals have been built, while Ras Al Khaimah has built a reputation as an adventure tourism destination.
Sheikh Saud has driven this change over the past decade, leading Ras Al Khaimah to a bright new future.
From cycling to reuniting families, Sheikh Saud has been at heart of the emirate's rise caring for its people, respecting tradition and embracing development.
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The Ras Al Khaimah Ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, attends a ceremony at Al Qawasim Corniche, Ras Al Khaimah in November 2019. Wam -
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, greets guests before the start of the RAK Half Marathon in February 2009. Jeff Topping / The National -
Sheikh Khalifa receives Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, in November 2016. Wam -
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, carries a girl while visiting the family members of an Emirati soldier who died in action, in February 2017. Wam -
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, cycles on at Jebel Jais in September 2020. Courtesy: Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed , Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, meets Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, at Falaj al Mu'alla Palace in Sharjah in February 2012. -
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, consoles a family member at the funeral of WO Rashid Ali Mohammed Al Duhouri in Ras Al Khaimah in February 2017. Wam -
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, joins the leaders of the Emirates during a Commemoration Day ceremony, at Wahat Al Karama in November 2016. Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi -
(R-L) Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attends the UAE's 43rd National Day celebrations at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre with the UAE's Rulers in December 2014. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi -
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, now Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, speaks about the future of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah at his palace in February 2008. Ryan Carter / ADMC -
Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, attends the opening of Ice Land Water Park in Ras Al Khaimah in September 2010. Amy Leang / The National -
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, speaks to reporters at his palace in July 2010. Amy Leang / The National -
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and the UAE's leaders attend a Commemoration Day ceremony at Wahat Al Karama, a memorial dedicated to the memory of UAE’s National Heroes in honour of their sacrifice and in recognition of their heroism, in November 2017. Omar Al Askar for The Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi -
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attends the Terry Fox Run in February 2019. Wam -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, speak during an Eid Al Adha reception at Mushrif Palace in August 2019. Ryan Carter for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and the UAE's leaders stands for a photograph in February 2020 during a reception to honour members of the UAE Armed Forces who participated in the Arab coalition in Yemen, at Zayed Military City. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
This year alone, he helped reunite a boy with his mother. Archie Appleyard wrote to Sheikh Saud to explain his mother, Jessica Fitzjohn, was stranded in Britain after the UAE closed its borders in March. He ensured Ms Fitzjohn was flown back to the Emirates.
Then Sheikh Saud turned to the UAE's efforts to curb Covid-19, delivering a powerful message of unity and cohesion.
A more light-hearted moment followed in September, when the ruler was spotted cycling on Jebel Jais.
The footage was posted by Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office, which said that cycling at Jebel Jais is part of Sheikh Saud’s morning routine.
“[In the] very early morning, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, on his daily mountain ride at his beloved Jebel Jais," it said.
