Ras Al Khaimah is investing money and efforts to make the emirate an attractive destination for investments, employment and tourism, said Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler.

"Setting up high quality projects is not for the sake of having a few prestigious showpiece buildings but is aimed at offering all amenities for a high standard of living for people. We care about the living standards we are offering to our people, residents and prospect residents," Sheikh Saud said.

The government is keen to invest in the people, he said, as they are the ones who would fuel the drive to higher quality.

"We are offering high educational standards, training and work opportunities," Sheikh Saud said.

RAK is working on expanding infrastructural facilities, such as power stations, the airport and the emirate's ports to meet growth needs.

The emirate's rapid growth, which is expected to be between 15 and 18 per cent this year, is a result of business expansion and would definitely by accompanied by an increase in population, he said.

"We have taken into consideration the needs of business expansion and inhabitants increases. We are working on developing the airport and introducing a mass transit network that would allow people to travel between the mountains and the beaches and the other attractions of the emirate quickly and at the lowest possible cost. We are also expanding our ports to handle more cargo and commodities," the RAK Crown Prince said.

The government of RAK adopts a dynamic approach regarding its infrastructure.

"We are ready to set up new departments whenever needed," Sheikh Saud said.

Regarding offering a residency visa with a property purchase, Sheikh Saud said the emirate follows the rules of the federal government in this regard.

"However, those who would like to invest in property can easily live in the country by obtaining an investor visa. There are many free zones in the country and large facilities are offered to people to open their business," he said.

On a question whether the emirate will recruit labourers needed for the construction projects and whether they will be looked after properly, Sheikh Saud said recruiting workers was the task of the construction companies executing projects in the emirate.

"We care about everyone working in the emirate and labourers form an important segment. If the labourers were unhappy they would not have stayed on and worked here. They enjoy the freedom to work or leave. They opt to stay because as they are skilled they are benefiting," he said.

Sheikh Saud did not believe the federal laws had some contradictions with local rules and regulations.

He said federal laws were the frameworks of the UAE's general legislative approach and the local emirates enjoy freedom to regulate small issues under it.

Asked about the challenges faced by the emirate in its development, Sheikh Saud said as in any business, development has its risks, which should be defined and solutions found for them before they occur.

"Leaders in the UAE have confidence in the country, in addition to will and dedication, and together with their peoples' support and trust they can lead the country to be among the most developed in the world," he said.

The UAE is an open market and is a country that opens its doors to all and this has encouraged specialised professionals and institutions to come to the country.

"We do strongly believe in the role played by the private sector and they are the essential partner of the government for achieving development. The government offers the services, support and facilities that ensure a healthy and encouraging business and living environment," he said.

"The government cannot work isolated from the private sector and the private sector would not be encouraged to come to the UAE if it did not find an encouraging and rewarding environment," he explained.

Answering a question whether RAK was following any city as its model, Sheikh Saud said each city has its uniqueness reflected in its culture and heritage.

"We cannot say Dubai is similar to any American city, as each city lives by its people and not its building designs. Culture and heritage are of great importance.

"The current city of RAK, which will become the old part of the emirate in the next few years, will be restored and provided with the necessary infrastructure.

"We will maintain the old part to reflect the history of the emirate and how it has developed," the Ras Al Khaimah Crown Prince said.