Ras Al Khaimah and Miami: The two cities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in urban planning, public security, tourism, innovation, and sustainability, building on growing US-UAE economic ties and aiming to boost investment, job creation and cultural exchange.
Ras Al Khaimah and Miami, Florida, have taken a significant step towards enhancing their collaborative efforts by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting cooperation across numerous sectors of shared interest. This agreement was formalised in a ceremony attended by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Francis Suarez, the Mayor of Miami.
The MoU establishes a framework for partnership in key areas such as city planning, public security, tourism, innovation, smart city technologies, and sustainable development, notably aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sheikh Saud expressed optimism about this new chapter of collaboration, emphasising that it builds on the longstanding relationship between the UAE and the United States. “By encouraging greater collaboration and exchange, we open new pathways for innovation, investment, and cultural dialogue,” he stated, underscoring Ras Al Khaimah’s status as a thriving economic hub with abundant opportunities for investment and business growth.
This MoU is part of a broader trend of increasing economic ties between Ras Al Khaimah and various US states. Recent initiatives highlight a surge in cooperation, including a strategic agreement with Michigan aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This partnership not only aims to create job opportunities but also seeks to cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in both regions. Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan expressed a similar sentiment during her visit, noting the importance of public-private collaborations in driving economic growth.
The economic relationship between Ras Al Khaimah and the United States has exhibited remarkable growth, with a reported 67% increase in bilateral trade over the last five years. The USA is considered a crucial trading partner for Ras Al Khaimah, currently ranking as its second-largest export market. This growing economic integration is further evidenced by the presence of 113 US companies operating in Ras Al Khaimah across various sectors.
In a related move, the Florida Chamber of Commerce also aims to strengthen ties with the UAE through a recent MoU with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, underscoring the significance of trade and investment partnerships between the two regions. Such agreements are pivotal in facilitating global business opportunities for Florida companies, reflecting a wider commitment to international economic collaboration.
As Ras Al Khaimah and Miami embark on this new venture together, the focus remains on fostering innovation, creating economic opportunities, and enhancing cultural exchanges, all of which are anticipated to yield significant benefits for both communities in the near future.
Reference Map
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/ras-al-khaimah-miami-sign-pact-to-boost-economic-and-innovation-ties – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/ras-al-khaimah-miami-sign-pact-to-boost-economic-and-innovation-ties – Ras Al Khaimah and Miami, Florida, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and promote exchange and cooperation across several sectors of mutual interest. The agreement aims to establish a cooperative relationship in areas such as city planning, public security, business promotion, tourism, smart city technology, innovation, start-ups, and sustainable development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The signing ceremony was attended by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Francis Suarez, the Mayor of Miami.
- https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2025/02/mou-economic-partnership-between-michigan-and-uae/ – Governor Gretchen Whitmer, along with leaders from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the University of Michigan, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ras Al Khaimah to advance global innovation, entrepreneurship, economic growth, and job creation. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering dynamic innovation ecosystems, strengthening public-private collaborations, creating good-paying jobs, and cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
- https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/02/14/kmr19 – Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, welcomed Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of the US State of Michigan, in Ras Al Khaimah. They discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral ties and cooperation, exchanging views on various economic and commercial topics of mutual interest. Following their meeting, the Ras Al Khaimah Ruler and the Governor of Michigan witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ras Al Khaimah Startup and Entrepreneurship Hub, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and the University of Michigan, aimed at strengthening collaboration across key sectors of mutual interest, including technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and education.
- https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/international/3265801-ras-al-khaimah-and-michigan-strengthen-economic-ties-with-strategic-mou – Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Supreme Council Member, hosted Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan, for discussions on expanding bilateral cooperation. Their meeting focused on tapping into a diverse array of economic and commercial interests shared by both the UAE emirate and the US state. In a significant move following the discussions, both leaders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement, involving Ras Al Khaimah’s Startup and Entrepreneurship Hub, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the University of Michigan, targets enhanced collaboration in pivotal sectors such as technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- https://www.rakmediaoffice.ae/en/media-center/press-releases/two-way-trade-between-ras-al-khaimah-and-the-united-states-grows-67-in-five-years/ – His Excellency Muhammed Ali Musabbah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RAK Chamber), highlighted the importance of economic relations between Ras Al Khaimah and the United States, noting a 67% growth over five years. The USA is considered one of the most important trading partners for the Emirate, ranking as its second-largest export market with a relative share of 9.3%. The number of US companies in Ras Al Khaimah stands at 113, practicing 248 activities across various sectors.
- https://www.flchamber.com/florida-chamber-of-commerce-signs-trade-mou-during-ceo-delegation-trip-to-the-uae/ – The Florida Chamber of Commerce announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, formalizing a strategic partnership to expand trade, investment, and long-term economic collaboration between Florida and the United Arab Emirates. The agreement was signed during the 2025 Florida CEO Delegation Trip—a business-led mission developed to strengthen global ties and unlock new opportunities for Florida companies. The ceremonial signing took place at AIM Congress, one of the world’s leading platforms for international investment and strategic dialogue.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The information appears to be recent, with no indications of out-of-date or recycled content. The narrative does not reference anyone who has changed roles or passed away.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
While there are quotes from Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, I could not find earlier references to these exact quotes. They appear to be original or first reported here.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Arabian Business, a reputable business publication. However, the reliability score is not at the highest level due to the lack of further verification from multiple independent sources.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the MoU and economic ties between Ras Al Khaimah and the U.S. are plausible, given the context of recent international partnerships and economic growth trends.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears fresh, with plausible claims and reliable sources. The presence of original quotes and the absence of recycled content further support its credibility.
