Amidst a gracious welcome extended by Sheikha Bodour, Sheikh Saud was presented with a comprehensive insight into the ambitious vision of the park.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah visited the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) on Monday, where he was given a comprehensive briefing on the services and solutions offered to local and international companies and projects within and outside the UAE.

Amidst a gracious welcome extended by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of SRTIP, Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi was presented with a comprehensive insight into the ambitious vision of the park, whose prime objective is to cultivate a thriving culture of innovation within the country and the region at large, as elucidated by the chairperson.

During the tour, Sheikha Bodour also expounded upon the park’s future blueprints and brought to light its affiliated centres dedicated to strengthening SRTIP’s stature as the preeminent hub for research and innovation in the region.

Sheikh Saud hailed the tireless efforts of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Dr Sultan Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in furthering the cause of scientific pursuits in both the emirate and the UAE.

He also lauded the accomplishments and the pivotal role played by SRTIP in the preceding years, which, he noted, was a testament to the UAE’s leadership strategy.

His Highness highlighted SRTIP’s contribution in advancing Sharjah’s academic, scientific, and economic landscape, underscoring its significance in effectuating significant strides in research and innovation that are indispensable to the comprehensive and sustainable growth of the region.

The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah was given a firsthand account of the cutting-edge developments and technological innovations that are integral to the park’s operations.

During this visit, the CEO of SRTIP, Hussein Al Mahmoudi, presented a detailed overview of the park’s efforts, activities, and programmes.

As part of his visit, His Highness embarked on an insightful tour of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the thriving hub for entrepreneurial activity headquartered at SRTIP and was greeted by the CEO of Sheraa, Najla al Midfa, who offered a rundown of the centre’s multifarious goals.

The overarching objective of Sheraa, as elucidated by Al Midfa, is to invigorate and foster the growth of startups, entrepreneurs, and students alike, by providing them with a host of platforms, services, and resources to aid in the development of critical skills and to bring their innovative ideas to fruition.

Sheikh Saud’s tour of SRTIP was capped off with a visit to the uSky Innovation Complex, where he was welcomed by Dr Anatoli Unitsky, Founder of uSky Transport. During this visit, Dr Unitsky provided an overview of the complex’s ambitions, goals, and benefits it has derived from SRTIP’s forward-thinking and cutting-edge environment.

Recently, Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi issued an Emiri Decree organising the management of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park “Free Zone Authority.”

According to the decree, the SRTIP “Free Zone Authority” will be managed by a board of directors, which will be formed by a decision of the President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), after the approval of the university’s Board of Trustees.

In her capacity as President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), Sheikha Bodour is appointed as Chairperson of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) “Free Zone Authority” and Chairperson of its Board of Directors.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Saud received at his palace in the Saqr Bin Mohammed City, Simon Penney, UK Consul-General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, who came to greet him.

The RAK Ruler welcomed the Consul-General, and discussed with him opportunities to strengthen relations between their two countries across various aspects, praising the UAE-UK friendship ties.

On his part, Penney thanked Sheikh Saud for his hospitality and warm welcome.