(New York City, New York) ? The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for a breakfast at the Jumeirah Essex House Hotel in New York City last Friday morning.

His Highness was accompanied by a delegation from Ras Al Khaimah, including his daughter, Sheikha Amneh bint Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Senior executives representing U.S. and U.A.E. industry joined the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and his delegation for a discussion aimed at exploring areas of potential commercial partnership between the two countries.

(Pictured) His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi (left) with daughter, Sheikha Amneh bint Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, and Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council at the Jumeirah Essex House in New York City.

Following welcome remarks from Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, His Highness outlined his vision for the further development of Ras Al Khaimah and how that progress fits into the broader development of the U.A.E. His Highness underscored the viability of Ras Al Khaimah as a flourishing regional commercial destination for investment and business.

In his remarks, His Highness emphasized the importance of education to the success of the U.A.E.’s economic development strategy in the coming years.  Furthermore, he said that educating the younger generations of Emiratis would help meet today’s opportunities, while ensuring that the country is fully prepared to meet future challenges.

Following his formal remarks, His Highness took questions from the group, and stressed the importance of establishing trusting and reciprocal commercial partnerships.  He pointed to the transparent commercial environment in Ras Al Khaimah as a key indicator of its economic growth potential. He cited the rapid development of Ras Al Khaimah’s industrial zones and logistics capabilities to emphasize the Emirate’s commitment to becoming an industrial hub, nationally and regionally.

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and his delegation were in the U.S. for the Clinton Global Initiative conference and other diplomatic events on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Mr. Saud Al Nowais, the U.A.E. Commercial Attache to the U.S., was also in attendance at the breakfast, representing the U.A.E. Embassy in Washington, D.C.