- Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner honored during the second day of the International Workshop on Advanced Materials
- HH Sheikh Saud: ‘Professor Yaghi’s journey is a source of pride for our region and a powerful inspiration for young Arabs who aspire to contribute to science and knowledge’
February, 2026, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, presented the Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Science during the second day of the 17th International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM), honoring Professor Omar Yaghi, joint winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, for his outstanding and transformative contributions to science.
Professor Yaghi, of the Department of Chemistry and Bakar Institute of Digital Materials for the Planet at the University of California, Berkeley, is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading scientists in materials chemistry, with pioneering research that has reshaped the field and opened new pathways in clean energy, carbon capture and sustainable technologies.
The Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Science reflects His Highness’ longstanding support for scientific excellence, innovation and the advancement of knowledge. It also forms part of Ras Al Khaimah’s broader, long-term commitment to supporting research, encouraging discovery and fostering international scientific collaboration, particularly through the annual three-day IWAM, which brings together prominent scientists from internationally acclaimed educational institutions for three days of lectures, discussions and poster sessions on how advanced materials are helping shape the future.
HH Sheikh Saud said: “I warmly congratulate Professor Omar Yaghi on receiving the Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Science. His groundbreaking work, recognized globally with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, represents the very best of what science can offer humanity. His journey, from humble beginnings in Jordan to worldwide recognition, is a source of pride for our region and a powerful inspiration for young Arabs who aspire to contribute to science and knowledge. Professor Yaghi’s achievements remind us that talent, determination and learning can transcend borders and help shape a better future for all.”
This year’s award further highlights the international standing and credibility of the Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Science, while also reflecting the growing global profile of IWAM as a respected forum for scientific exchange, collaboration and dialogue.
During the ceremony, HH Sheikh Saud underscored the critical role of advanced materials research in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including clean energy transition, carbon reduction, water sustainability and the development of technologies that support long-term environmental and economic resilience.
HH Sheikh Saud also noted that recognizing scientific achievement plays an important role in encouraging innovation and inspiring future generations of researchers, emphasizing that continued investment in science and education remains essential to building resilient, knowledge-based societies.
Awarded biennially, the Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Science is a central pillar of IWAM and honors individuals whose work has delivered lasting impact on the advancement of materials science and its real-world applications. Previous winners include Professor Michael L. Klein, the Laura H. Carnell Professor of Science at Temple University, USA, and Professor C.N.R. Rao, Linus Pauling Research Professor & Honorary President of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in India.
The Award ceremony further reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to celebrating knowledge, discovery and global scientific leadership, and highlights the Emirate’s role as a welcoming and trusted host for international scientific dialogue and cooperation.
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.
