To ensure the adoption of sustainable practices across all areas of the public and private sectors in Ras Al Khaimah, in 2018 His Highness Sheikh Saud instigated the roll-out of the Emirate’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040. The strategy aims to cut energy use by 30%, water consumption by 20% and ensure a 20% contribution from renewable energy sources across the Emirate by 2040. Led by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality’s Energy Efficiency and Renewables Office (Reem), the comprehensive strategy touches upon practically every aspect of government policy and public life, with key programs including Green Building Regulations (Barjeel), Energy Management and Water Reuse and Efficient Irrigation.

Established by Ruler’s decree in October 2018, Khor Mazahmi is Ras Al Khaimah’s first wetland nature reserve, home to mangroves, flamingos and the critically endangered green turtle. The site contains more than 112 species of terrestrial and marine plants, and His Highness Sheikh Saud requested Ras Al Khaimah’s Environment Protection and Development Authority to set up a nursery for mangrove tree seedlings there, to ensure the reserve’s ongoing sustainability.

His Highness Sheikh Saud instigated and oversees the Environment Protection and Development Authority’s ‘Green Lung’ initiative, through various projects helps reduce Ras Al Khaimah’s carbon footprint through increasing green spaces and replacing invasive flora with indigenous alternatives. The initiative also aims to plant one million trees across Ras Al Khaimah and is supported by an innovative decision to replace environmental penalties with tree planting for violators.

With tourism Ras Al Khaimah’s fastest-growing sector, His Highness Sheikh Saud has moved to ensure that the growing hospitality industry is adopting sustainable practices and is aligned with the Emirate’s environmental and sustainability ambitions. Ras Al Khaimah’s sustainable tourism strategy, named Responsible RAK, is run by the Emirate’s Tourism Development Authority and has been devised to ensure that the vast growth in this sector takes place with sustainability at the heart of all decision-making. As a result, Ras Al Khaimah has been awarded a Silver Certification from EarthCheck, the world’s leading certification group for sustainable destinations, making it the first place in the Middle East to attain this accolade.

His Highness Sheikh Saud carefully balances his pro-business outlook with environmental preservation and sustainability, leading to multiple initiatives to ensure companies operating in Ras Al Khaimah apply environmentally friendly practices. One such initiative is Eco-Label, which certifies companies involved in manufacturing, the Emirate’s largest sector, when they are adjudged to be adopting sustainable practices.