His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, delivered the opening keynote on the first day of the three-day International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM). In his address, he emphasized the pivotal role of science in creating a more sustainable world and highlighted Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to advancing scientific research.
HH Sheikh Saud stated, “By hosting IWAM annually, Ras Al Khaimah continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering scientific progress and contributing to the global dialogue on advanced materials.”
He further explained, “Through the cultivation of a culture focused on scientific inquiry and investment in advanced materials, we are establishing the groundwork for a better future. Major advancements in materials research hold the potential to revolutionize energy production, transportation, and manufacturing.”
HH Sheikh Saud also remarked that science is the systematic and intentional pursuit of knowledge—the lens through which we explore and understand the world around us. He stressed, “Science must serve as the foundation upon which we build a sustainable and prosperous future, with younger generations actively contributing to our ongoing quest for knowledge.”
Now in its 16th year, IWAM has gathered over 200 participants from more than 20 countries, including scientists, students, and guest speakers. The event features lectures, discussions, and poster sessions on how advanced materials are shaping the future.
The forum has attracted scientists from renowned academic institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford (UK), as well as the University of California and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (USA).
IWAM also celebrates the winners of the Ras Al Khaimah Innovation and Sustainability Challenge, a competition consisting of seven contests aimed at developing innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
Additionally, a special scientific session is organized for high school students during IWAM, and visiting scientists will tour local Ras Al Khaimah-based companies to explore how advanced materials can enhance productivity. IWAM is proudly sponsored by Stevin Rock, one of the world’s largest quarrying companies, with an annual production capacity exceeding 80 million tons.
