The ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasami, has witnessed the rapid development of his emirate, as well as the UAE at large, in spite of global economic pressures and regional unrest. He tells Courtney Fingar how creating a business-friendly environment for local and foreign companies, and ensuring the people of the emirate play a full part in its success, are key priorities for him.

Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world, attracting high levels of investment and creating millions of jobs. But what does it take to become a tourist hub, and is big investment alone enough to attract a mass influx of visitors?

The economic crisis of 2008 and beyond made its presence felt across the property markets of the Gulf Co-operation Council, with some countries affected worse than others. Among the hardest hit was Dubai, but the emirate is showing strong signs of recovery.

It is often cited that the BRIC economies – Brazil, Russia, India and China – offer the best opportunities for growth. It would therefore follow that outward FDI flows from these countries are also expanding but only one of the so-called 'big four' appears in the top five countries in terms of outward FDI growth.

Economic free zones, political stability and diversification have fuelled development and growth in Sharjah – the emirate now accounts for one-third of the UAE's manufacturing sector – but its government has further plans to maximise its appeal to international investors.