Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Opens 17th International Workshop On Advanced Materials

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has opened the 17th International Workshop on Advanced Materials with a keynote address stressing the essential role of science and research in tackling global challenges and building a sustainable future for coming generations through knowledge, responsibility and long-term scientific investment.

Speaking at the first day of IWAM, H.H. Sheikh Saud underlined that science guides durable progress, supports social resilience and enables innovation. The address linked Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy to national goals, highlighting a knowledge-based economy, empowered institutions, and scientific collaboration as central tools for improving daily life and expanding opportunity for people everywhere.

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H.H. Sheikh Saud said, "The value of science goes beyond knowledge itself; it is fundamental to humanity’s progress, resilience and hope for the future. Throughout history, societies that invested in science were able to adapt, endure and prosper. In a rapidly changing world, it is science that lights the path ahead, as it asks us to look beyond what is known and imagine what is possible.

"Investing in science is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our future. Whether in science or other fields, our vision in Ras Al Khaimah is to empower our people and enable our institutions to give them the platform they need to succeed. We believe strongly that institutions exist to serve people, to make daily life simpler, faster and fairer, and to ensure that opportunity is accessible to all. When institutions function well, confidence follows: confidence to invest, to innovate and to plan for the future."

H.H. Sheikh Saud explained that IWAM reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s enduring support for advanced research, especially materials science, which is seen as vital for sustainable development. Advanced materials, H.H. Sheikh Saud noted, underpin progress in energy, healthcare, environmental protection, technology and multiple key industries, where they help improve quality of life and offer responses to complex global problems.

H.H. Sheikh Saud praised the Ras Al Khaimah Centre for Advanced Materials for hosting the International Workshop on Advanced Materials and for building a research ecosystem that draws international scientists, encourages open debate and supports long-term partnerships. This approach aligns with the UAE’s emphasis on human capital, scientific talent and international cooperation across advanced materials and related fields.

The International Workshop on Advanced Materials, now in its 17th year in Ras Al Khaimah, gathers leading scientists, academics and researchers from well-known universities worldwide, among them Nobel laureates. Over three days, participants are engaging in lectures, technical discussions and knowledge exchange focused on how advanced materials can enable future technologies and help address pressing global challenges.

Local representation at IWAM has been expanding consistently. This year, 128 professors and students from universities across the UAE are attending the International Workshop on Advanced Materials, including 18 participants from the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. The organisers describe this growing participation as an indicator of the UAE’s increasing interest in advanced materials research and related innovation.

International Workshop on Advanced Materials, IWAM student engagement and advanced materials impact

The International Workshop on Advanced Materials also features two sessions dedicated to students from UAE universities. On Wednesday, a session organised by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research involves 110 students, who are able to question scientists directly about advanced materials. Another session on Thursday centres on recognising student innovation across the country.

During Thursday’s IWAM student session, Ras Al Khaimah Centre for Advanced Materials board members plan to honour winners of the Ras Al Khaimah Educational Innovation and Sustainability Competition, run by Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge. The competition drew 403 submissions nationwide, highlighting broad student interest in sustainability themes connected to advanced materials and their practical applications.

Professor Sir Tony Cheetham, Chairman of RAKCAM and Research Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, said, "The International Workshop on Advanced Materials is a unique platform for scientific discussion on materials that hold great potential for the future of humanity, and we thank H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for his continued support in hosting this forum in Ras Al Khaimah.

"The applications of advanced materials have progressed rapidly in recent years, with current usage in mobile phones, solar cells, LED lighting and water purification. IWAM provides an excellent opportunity for the international scientific community to come together and explore their transformative potential. These materials are not only the foundation of next-generation technologies but they also shape the possibilities of tomorrow’s industries, healthcare systems and sustainable solutions. By providing a platform for collaboration and discussion, we ensure that ideas are translated into innovations that improve lives, enhance economies and empower communities worldwide. The dialogue that begins here today will resonate in the technologies of the future."

IWAM is sponsored by Stevin Rock, described as one of the largest quarrying companies worldwide, which operates in Ras Al Khaimah with a production capacity exceeding 80 million tons each year. This backing supports the continuity of the International Workshop on Advanced Materials and helps maintain Ras Al Khaimah as a stable venue for international scientific engagement.

The 17th International Workshop on Advanced Materials reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy to build a strong, knowledge-based economy anchored in research, innovation and human development. Through IWAM, Ras Al Khaimah continues to link local institutions with global experts, encourage student participation and support advanced materials research that addresses energy, health, environmental and technological needs.

With inputs from WAM