The UAE enjoys a leading position on the map of cultural and development achievements, as well as a major international service centre, thanks to the wise leadership, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras al-Khaimah has said.

While opening the attestation office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation at the Ras al-Khaimah Chamber for Trade and Commerce, he praised the comprehensive development in the UAE, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The Crown Prince of RAK commended the strategy of the MoFAIC, led by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, in promoting the highest standards of quality and outstanding government performance in terms of services and procedures, and in keeping up with the latest technological and technical developments.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mohammed Mir Al Raisi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation; Ahmed Elham Al Dhaheri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Consular Affairs; Mohammed Al Qattam Al Zaabi, Head of the Foreigners' Affairs Department; Khamis Rashid Al Shamili, Secretary-General of the Diplomatic Corps; and Mohamed Abdullah Al Tunaiji, Head of the Human Resources Department at the Ministry.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud was briefed on the main services to be provided by the attestation centre, including the emergency passport service, the first passport to be issued in the Arab world that meets the latest international security requirements, and complying with the standards and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Its validity period is six months from the date of issuance.

Al Raisi stressed that this office was established upon the directives of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed to provide exceptional services to keep abreast with the comprehensive developments taking place in the UAE.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of Sheikhs and officials.