H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, affirmed that the United Arab Emirates enjoys a prestigious position regionally and internationally in terms of hosting and organising major international events and tournaments, thanks to its advanced infrastructure and ambitious vision for this sector, which has made it a global destination for sports tourism.

This came during H.H.'s attendance of the launch of the 17th edition of the "Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon 2024" held on Al Marjan Island, with the participation of a number of the most famous international runners and numerous community members.

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasim stressed that Ras Al Khaimah is committed to strengthening its position on the global sports map, given the importance of sports as one of the key elements for achieving sustainable development, improving the quality of life, leveraging community participation, and promoting the values of tolerance, the spirit of cooperation and constructive partnership.

H.H. praised the organisation of the race, which is one of the most prominent sporting events on the agenda of half-marathon races locally, regionally and internationally. He stressed that the success of the event in attracting a number of elite international runners has enhanced the position of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as a global sports and tourism destination, and added to its record of developmental and economic achievements.

H.H. had fired the starting gun for the 21km-race for male and female professional runners and 10, 5 and 2 kilometers for community members. At the end of the race, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah crowned the winners of the first places, praising the outstanding performance of the competitors and the strength of the competition.

Hosted by the Ras Al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is annually attended by a number of world’s best distance runners and a large public presence from inside and outside the country. It is also characterized by a large media follow-up from various local, regional and international institutions.