The UAE’s achievements are not accidental — they are the result of consistent, principled leadership and the active participation of every person living within its borders, according to Ras Al Khaimah ruler Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.
Sheikh Saud, who sits on the UAE Supreme Council, delivered the remarks in a video released by Ras Al Khaimah Media, where he pointed to honesty, long-term vision, and a sense of collective responsibility as the foundations of the country’s development.
“All we need is for each of us to play our part, and the world will be better. Today, what you see is the product of an honest sense of duty and leadership, not something whimsical, not up and down, but consistent,” he said.
His confidence in the country’s trajectory was clear. “Greater times are ahead of us,” he added, framing the UAE’s future as a continuation of the values laid down by the late founding father Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — values he described as rooted in wisdom, sincerity, and enduring commitment.
Sheikh Saud has also credited President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for maintaining that continuity, pointing to his leadership as central to the UAE’s ongoing progress on unity and sustainable development.
The President himself has spoken in similarly candid terms about the nation’s character. “The UAE is beautiful, the UAE is a pioneer, but I tell you, don’t let all of that fool you. Know that the UAE’s skin is thick and its meat is bitter; no one can eat us. And we will always be responsible for our citizens and our second family,” Sheikh Mohamed said, referring to the country’s large expatriate population.
He also acknowledged how both citizens and residents had conducted themselves under pressure. “UAE residents and citizens have truly made us proud and have done a great job while facing this situation,” he said, adding recognition for the military, security personnel, and medical teams whose work he said enabled many of the injured to fully recover.
Sheikh Saud’s engagement with residents has extended beyond formal statements. He was recently seen at Mannoor cafe, meeting people in a relaxed, informal setting — a gesture consistent with his broader message that leadership in the UAE is meant to be accessible and grounded in the lives of ordinary people.
