- HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi delivered an inspiring keynote speech during the opening ceremony
- IWAM 2026 featured lectures, poster sessions, a student competition and industry visits by scientists
February, 2026, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: The 17th International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM) has concluded in Ras Al Khaimah after three days of high-level scientific discussion, collaboration and academic exchange, in addition to a further day of student engagement and visits to industrial companies in the Emirate, all in an effort to connect material science advancements with real-world applications.
Bringing together more than 200 leading scientists, researchers and students from over 20 countries, IWAM featured a comprehensive program of lectures, poster sessions, panel discussions and research presentations focused on advances in materials science and their role in addressing global challenges.
Throughout the workshop, participants explored how advanced materials research can contribute to sustainable development, energy efficiency, environmental resilience and the advancement of future technologies. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, research institutions and industry in translating scientific discovery into practical applications.
Key moments of IWAM included the opening address delivered by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and the presentation of the Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Science to Professor Omar Yaghi, winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, for his outstanding and transformative contributions to science.
As part of the program, participating scientists visited key industrial companies across Ras Al Khaimah, including RAK Ceramics, Julphar Gulf Pharmaceuticals and Caresoft Global, reinforcing the growing collaboration between academic research and industry in the Emirate.
The workshop also featured the Ras Al Khaimah Educational Innovation and Sustainability Competition, engaging school students from across the UAE to encourage an early interest and active participation in scientific fields. The competition, organized by Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge, received a total of 403 entries from across the country and saw winners receive their prize from RAKCAM board members.
There was also substantial interest in the forum from local UAE universities, with 128 professors and students from across the country taking part, including 18 from the American University of Ras Al Khaimah.
Now in its 17th edition, IWAM continues to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a global hub for scientific dialogue, research collaboration and future-focused innovation, reflecting the Emirate’s long-term commitment to knowledge, science and sustainable development.
IWAM is sponsored by Ras Al Khaimah’s Stevin Rock, one of the largest quarrying companies in the world, with a production capacity of more than 80 million tons per year.
About His Highness Sheikh Saud:
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is a Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Born in Dubai in 1956, he was educated in Ras Al Khaimah before attending the American University of Beirut. He later moved to the University of Michigan, graduating with an Economics Degree.
He returned home in 1978 and was appointed Chief of the Ruler’s Court before becoming Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council in 1986. In this period, HH Sheikh Saud founded RAK Ceramics and restructured Julphar Pharmaceuticals and Stevin Rock to ensure both became the industry leaders they are today.
HH Sheikh Saud was named Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah on 14 June 2003. In this role he oversaw the introduction of free zones, efficient business licensing procedures and offshore corporate registration.
On 27 October 2010, after the passing of his father H.H. Sheikh Saqr (May he rest in Peace), HH Sheikh Saud became the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. As Ruler, he has continued to expand and diversify Ras Al Khaimah’s economic base and improve the quality of its social services, while working hard to make high-quality education and healthcare services available to all the Emirate’s population.
HH Sheikh Saud received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bolton, UK, in 2010; an Honorary Fellowship of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in India, in 2013; and an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics from Incheon National University, South Korea, in 2018, a year in which he was also named Visionary Leader of the Year by Arabian Business.
About Ras Al Khaimah:
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is distinguished by its natural diversity, rich history and forward-thinking vision under His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. With a commitment to sustainable development, economic prosperity, social development and innovation, RAK has become an ideal place to live, work and invest.
Strategically located between East and West – with one third of the world’s population within four hours’ flying time – RAK is a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Its economy is diverse, with no single sector accounting for more than 27% of GDP. RAK offers a business-friendly environment with customizable services, competitive operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax and one of the world’s lowest corporate tax rates. With world-class infrastructure, RAK is home to over 50,000 companies, including industry leaders such as RAK Ceramics and Julphar. RAKEZ and Innovation City support dynamic growth across industrial, manufacturing and digital sectors, backed by a future-focused economy validated by ‘A’-range credit ratings for 15+ years from Fitch and S&P.
RAK has a multicultural society of 0.4 million people from 150 countries, offering a high quality of life, accessible luxury living and a serene coastal lifestyle, with bold hospitality projects led by signature luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton. Projects such as RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, while its natural beauty (UAE’s highest mountain, beaches and deserts) and rich cultural heritage – dating back 7,000 years – further enhance RAK’s universal appeal.
With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up, a competitive cost of living and high quality of life, Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities.
