Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Oxford Business Group (OBG), the global publishing, research and consultancy firm, which is to publish The Report: Ras al-Khaimah 2008, its second annual publication profiling the emirate.

“The 2008 report will present international investors with a comprehensive overview of Ras Al Khaimah’s social and macro-economic environment,” said Sheikh Saud after signing the agreement. “Oxford Business Group will provide an authoritative analysis on the local investment climate and economic trends as RAK forges ahead with its strategic development strategy.”
The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2008, described as an authoritative and invaluable guide for foreign direct investment into the emirate’s vibrant economy, its infrastructure, banking and macroeconomics, will feature an exclusive interview with Sheikh Saud, and a series of other interviews with important political and business leaders in the emirate, including Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, chairman, RAK Finance Department, Dr Khater Massad, CEO of Rakia and RAK Ceramics, Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, CEO of RAK Properties, and Peter Sadler, CEO of RAK Petroleum. Also included will be an exclusive international viewpoint from Liu Yajun, director general of the Chinese Investment Promotion Agency, Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
OBG’s official accountancy partner for The Report is chartered accountants Morison   Menon, offering invaluable guidance and insight for the publication’s Business Guide, which provides a vital analysis of the legal and accountancy regulations pertaining to foreign investments.
Its overview of the business and commerce environment will focus on economic and social development, infrastructure, land and environment, investment climate, and local market trends.
The review of the economy will examine how RAK reaches out to international investors through various free zones, plans for long-term energy sources in the emirate and RAK’s long-term strategic development plan for sustainable growth. The report will also analyse the emirate’s financial services, evolution of the local insurance and the entry of RAK financial City and RAK FTZ’s International Registry.
Construction and Real Estate will be covered with an in-depth analysis of the major real estate developments in progress and groundbreaking of world-class property ventures by various developers locally and internationally.
The section on transport will feature profiles on RAK Airways and the development of RAK Airport, infrastructure support for large property developments, the growth of Saqr and Al Jazeera ports and of the indigenous transport industry, while the one on industry will analyse RAK’s integral position in the supply chain of the UAE’s building boom. 
Tourism will be explored through looking at various initiatives and strategic goals by tourism authorities including a high demand in the market of international hotel groups.
An energy section will focus on solutions to energy shortage, current supply analysis, and district cooling. A segment on health and education will carry profiles of the local and international universities operating in RAK, a review of international standards and requirements in the sector, and the unveiling of RAK’s future development plans in education.
Bebhinn Kelly, OBG director for the Northern Emirates, said:  “Sheikh Saud and the RAK government have expertly implemented a pro-business admin-istrative regime within the emirate, with the new legal and regulatory framework providing investors with exceptional prospects for business endeavours. 
“Our research will be conducted through interviews with Ras Al Khaimah’s leading political figures and business leaders.
“The report will highlight RAK’s enterprising approach to business as the emirate prepares for the groundbreaking of several major projects in real estate, tourism and industry.”
Available in print form and online, The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2008 is part of the range of Oxford Business Group’s publications, which are renowned as leading sources of information for developing and emerging econ-omies around the world.