His Highness Sheikh Saud warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed his appreciation for the long-standing relationship between the UAE and the United Kingdom
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today received a high-level delegation from the United Kingdom’s Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), marking a significant moment in strengthening bilateral ties in the fields of strategic and defence cooperation.
The meeting took place at His Highness’ palace in Saqr bin Mohammed City, with the delegation led by Philip Parham, Director at the College and former British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Also in attendance was Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah.
His Highness Sheikh Saud warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed his appreciation for the long-standing relationship between the UAE and the United Kingdom. The RAK Ruler was briefed on the academic programmes and global initiatives undertaken by the Royal College of Defence Studies, particularly its role in shaping senior military and government leaders from across the world.
In his remarks, Sheikh Saud praised the RCDS for its enduring contributions to the development of strategic thought and leadership in international defence circles. He lauded the institution’s efforts to enhance analytical and policy-forming capabilities, which he said are critical in today’s complex and interconnected global security environment.
“The Royal College of Defence Studies has played a pivotal role in nurturing a generation of global leaders equipped to tackle the multifaceted challenges of modern security and diplomacy,” said His Highness. “We deeply value the efforts of such institutions in fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and a shared understanding of international stability and peace.”
His Highness also emphasised the importance of cultivating strategic partnerships between nations, particularly in defence and security education. He noted that such collaborations contribute significantly to maintaining regional and international peace, and highlighted the UAE’s continued investment in strategic education as a cornerstone of its vision for the future.
For their part, the RCDS delegation expressed sincere gratitude for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended by His Highness and the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. Director Philip Parham conveyed his appreciation for the UAE’s leadership in advancing security and defence education, citing the country as an exemplar in the region for its proactive approach to global strategic engagement.
“We are honoured to be welcomed by His Highness and deeply value the UAE’s role as a forward-thinking partner in global security affairs,” Parham stated. “The progress the UAE has made in building a strong, strategic, and knowledgeable defence community is truly commendable.”
The visit concluded with mutual expressions of respect and a shared commitment to exploring avenues of cooperation in the fields of defence studies, academic exchange, and strategic leadership development. The Royal College of Defence Studies, headquartered in London, is a globally respected institution under the UK Ministry of Defence, dedicated to developing strategic-level leaders capable of shaping security policy and fostering international cooperation.
