The appointment of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi as Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah on June 14 was not a mere change of duties for the man who has been the Chairman of the Emiri Court for more than 20 years, but it came as a jolt to the traditional system of transferring power.

The post was occupied by Sheikh Khalid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the eldest son of His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, since 1968.

Traditionally, the eldest son of the Ruler becomes the Crown Prince. Hence, some in the emirate could not accept the change, and they took to the streets to express their support to the former crown prince.

Two days after the announcement, the situation seems to be calming down. The new Crown Prince has started receiving well-wishers, and he seems to be very confident about his plans for the development of the emirate.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, the Crown Prince says he is not happy about the rift being created between him and his brother over Sheikh Saqr's decision, but he is ready to accept his father's order and the trust reposed in him. He feels he has a lot to do for the emirate and citizens. He is ready to assume the responsibility.

He states Ras Al Khaimah's focus will be on building its economic base on the pillars of tourism and industrial endeavours, while creating the right atmosphere for investors and private businesses, and striving to offer nationals a good quality of life through providing suitable employment and housing.

Interestingly, Sheikh Saud also visualises Ras Al Khaimah establishing an executive council, to be followed by a consultative council, in order to "give people more participation in the decision-making process".

There will also be "no contradiction" on the islands issue with Iran, or on the support of Arab and Palestinian causes.

The full text of the interview follows:

Gulf News: His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has issued decree No 10 of 2003 appointing you the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah. How do you view this assignment and what are your broad plans?
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi: We have been following the clear path set by President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brother Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. We will follow their policies and try to imitate them.

Sheikh Zayed today is a prominent international figure because of the economic and social development he has achieved and the care he gives to his people. The development we have achieved is a result of their sincere policies, and I will continue to serve the people, develop the country, ensure justice among people, recognise good work and honour good workers.

Our country is rich in resources, its leader and its people. I'll follow the leader's policies and place myself on the right path.

You have a strong academic and practical background in business and economy; what are your plans for the development of the emirate?

Economic climate
I have big plans for the emirate and I am confident of achieving them. Ras Al Khaimah has a unique geographical position and the most important factor is the support and the care we receive from Sheikh Zayed who will spare no effort to develop the emirate and enhance the living conditions in this part of the country.

My plan is to change the economic atmosphere in the emirate to lure investments. Our brothers in Dubai have succeeded in their endeavour.

My brother, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, is a pioneer in modifying the system of economic performance in Dubai. He has changed the setting of the government to be in service of investors and to promote economic growth in the emirate. We will try to follow them.

Do you have a specific plan?
I am planning to focus on tourism that has proved to be a very successful industry in the UAE, with millions of people visiting the country from all over the world to enjoy its tourist features, and the industry is growing steadily. Ras Al Khaimah has unique tourist features.

It has mountains, desert and beautiful beaches, and the government will capitalise on these aspects. We are planning to develop the mountains to become a popular destination for tourists from the UAE and all over the Gulf.

On the other hand, I am planning to open up the industrial sector to local investment. Today, industries in the UAE have proved to be a success in terms of quality. The establishment of more successful industries in Ras Al Khaimah will help the emirate and will contribute to the overall growth of the UAE.

You are the chairman of two successful establishments in the UAE, Julfar and RAK Ceramics. Do you have plans to expand industrial activities in the emirate and attract investors from other emirates to invest in Ras Al Khaimah? You have stressed the development of tourism. In my opinion this development cannot be achieved without cooperation from the tourism sector in Dubai – similar to the cooperation between Emirates airlines and Fujairah. Do you plan to have such an agreement?
We will emphasise cooperation between Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates. We are one country and it is about time we cooperate at all levels. Our cooperation will be for the benefit of Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We all are trying our best to build the country that we are proud of.

All of us can take pride in this. Our main asset in this endeavour is the leadership of Sheikh Zayed who has promoted the nation to its current status. He has drawn the right path for us to follow.

Direction is key

The speed of achieving our targets is not a target in itself, the crucial point is the correctness of our direction… there is no point in moving fast without being on the right track. My main target at this stage is to set the priorities of development in the emirate and move in the right direction to achieve the plan.

The decree did not specify the Deputy Rulers. Who are they?
Sheikh Khalid and Sheikh Sultan will remain Deputy Rulers. I have total respect for my elder brother Sheikh Khalid and at the same time I have to obey my father's decision.

Did the decree come after consultations with the President and the Rulers? Or was it the decision of your father Sheikh Saqr?
The Ruler is duty-bound to work for the benefit of his nation. He is like the judge who sometimes issues decisions and is not comfortable issuing them. Sheikh Saqr felt that the decree will benefit the people of the emirate. He consulted Sheikh Zayed and got his blessings.

You were recently appointed Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, but you have been an active participant in government work in the emirates over the past 20 years. Have you ever seen a tendency from businessmen from Dubai and other emirates to invest in Ras Al Khaimah?
I strongly believe that capital investment and money are like birds. They land wherever