Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research
The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research is a quasi-governmental non-profit in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, established in 2009 to advance social, cultural, and economic development through policy research, scholarships, education and rehabilitation programs, grants, and arts initiatives.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersKhaimah, United Arab Emirates
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research does
The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research is a non-profit, quasi-governmental organization established in 2009 by Emiri decree of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah to drive the emirate's social, cultural, and economic development. It is headquartered at the RAK Gas Building in Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, with a staff of 11–50. The Foundation operates across four pillars — Research, Learning & Development, Arts & Culture, and Education & Community Development — supported by a Grant Programs portfolio and online platforms.
Its product portfolio includes the L.E.A.D. flagship leadership program (facilitated by PwC), the Scholarship Office (13 domestic universities, 214 approved programs, plus overseas scholarships at top-200 QS/THE institutions), the IQRA phonics-based Arabic literacy program (under J-PAL MENA evaluation), the RAK Prison Program (9,000+ book library via Koha, 150+ courses, 5,000+ inmates served since 2011), the Annual Summer Camp for children of inmates, ART Exploration (80 schools reached in 2025), Transform RAK research grants (up to AED 125,000), Community Grants (four tiers up to AED 50,000), Artist Residency and Film Grants, the annual RAK Jobs and Internships Festival, and the peer-reviewed GESPR Journal. Programs are delivered via a technology stack spanning Fluxx (scholarship/grant portal), Enquire Cloud (community grants), HubSpot (CRM), Mailchimp (newsletters), Zoom and Eventbrite (events), with payments processed by RAK Bank.
The Foundation does not generate commercial revenue. It is funded through government appropriations and endowments, and generates in-kind inflows from application, event, and program fees processed through its payment portal. Its customers/beneficiaries span Emirati students and jobseekers, RAK government entities and employees (including RAK Police), prison inmates and their families, K-12 students and educators, early-career professionals, artists, and researchers — with strategic partnerships including RAK Ceramics, PwC, J-PAL MENA, MBZUAI, and a network of 13 domestic plus multiple international universities.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research
- Legal name
- Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research
- Website
- https://alqasimifoundation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research is a quasi-governmental non-profit in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, established in 2009 to advance social, cultural, and economic development through policy research, scholarships, education and rehabilitation programs, grants, and arts initiatives.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Policy Research and Foundation Services
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)
- SIC
- Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- International Development & Donor-Funded Education Programs (EDADALAB), Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Reporting for Donor Programs (BPADAOAL), Research Administration & Grants Management Support (Pre/Post-Award, Compliance) (EDAEALAO)
Keywords
Where Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Khaimah
- HQ country
- United Arab Emirates
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices2 records
Markets served
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Government Funding and Endowment: The Foundation is established through Emiri decree by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and operates as a non-profit quasi-governmental organization. Funding comes from government appropriations and endowments rather than commercial revenue generation.
- Scholarship Services: The Foundation awards scholarships for degree programs at recognized domestic and international universities. It provides academic advising, tuition coverage, monthly stipends, annual round-trip tickets, and health insurance for scholarship recipients. Revenue model is cost-recovery for educational access rather than commercial revenue.
- Event and Program Fees: The Foundation accepts payments online, by cash, cheque, and credit/debit card for events, activities, programs, donations, sponsorships, grants, and scholarships through its payment portal. Processing is handled by RAK Bank.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Domestic Bachelor Scholarship - 100% tuition coverage or AED 3,000 monthly stipend |
| Subscription | Annual | Domestic Masters Scholarship - 50% tuition fee coverage |
| Subscription | Annual | Overseas Bachelor Scholarship - 100% tuition plus AED 3,000 monthly stipend |
| Subscription | Annual | Overseas Masters Scholarship - 100% tuition plus AED 12,000-15,000 monthly stipend |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Community Grant - Individual (up to AED 5,000) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Community Grant - Organization (up to AED 10,000) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Community Grant - Collaboration (up to AED 25,000) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Community Grant - Partnership (up to AED 50,000) |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Artist Residency Grant - 6-month residency |
| Other | Annual | Film Grant - Up to AED 35,000 |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Transform RAK Seed Grant - Up to AED 75,000 annually for up to 24 months |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Transform RAK Acceleration Grant - Up to AED 125,000 annually for up to 48 months |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels10 records
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Foundation is a non-profit, quasi-governmental organization that conducts policy research, awards scholarships, and delivers education, community, and arts programs for the development of Ras Al Khaimah. Its core offerings include applied policy research and the GESPR Journal, domestic and overseas scholarship administration across 13 universities and 214 programs, the L.E.A.D. leadership program for Emirati graduates, the Prison Program (the UAE's first inmates' social library), the IQRA Arabic reading fluency program, community and research grants, and the annual Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival and Jobs and Internships Festival. Programs are delivered directly, through online portals (Fluxx, Enquire), and in partnership with government, universities, and corporate partners such as PwC and RAK Ceramics.
Product overview
The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research is a quasi-governmental, non-profit organization established in 2009 to drive the social, cultural, and economic development of Ras Al Khaimah. Its product portfolio is organized around four pillars: Research (evidence-based policy research and publications including the GESPR Journal), Learning & Development (the L.E.A.D. program, scholarship office, and professional development for government), Arts & Culture (the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, artist and film grants, and artist residency), and Education & Community Development (educator programs, prison education, youth support, and the IQRA Arabic reading program). A fifth pillar encompasses Grant Programs (Transform RAK research grants, community grants at four funding tiers). All programs are supported by online platforms: a Fluxx-based scholarship and grant management portal, an online payment portal (processed via RAK Bank), and digital communications via HubSpot, Zoom, Eventbrite, and Mailchimp.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Research Program Applied policy research across education quality and impact, community development, and health and well-being for Ras Al Khaimah, producing publications, policy papers, and evidence-based recommendations.
- Scholarship Office Awards domestic and overseas scholarships to Emirati students from Ras Al Khaimah at 13 approved domestic universities (214 programs) and overseas Top 200 QS/THE-ranked universities, covering tuition, monthly stipends, annual travel, and health insurance. Applications via Fluxx portal.
- L.E.A.D. Program A year-long flagship leadership program for Emirati graduates and early-career professionals incorporating skills training, government placements, coaching, and collaborative projects, facilitated by PwC for the Foundation.
- Ras Al Khaimah Prison Program A comprehensive rehabilitation and education initiative offering 150+ courses (English, Arabic, IT, arts, life skills, mental health first aid, vocational training, professional development for correctional officers) to more than 5,000 inmates since 2011, including the UAE's first inmates' social library (9,000+ books via Koha) and a dual evaluation system.
- IQRA Program A structured phonics-based Arabic reading fluency program for KG2 and Grade 1 students, co-developed with Dr. Helen Abadzi using cognitive-science principles (repetition, guided practice, a specially designed pupil book). Currently evaluated by J-PAL MENA for scale-up.
- Transform RAK Grants Applied research grants supporting multi-disciplinary projects addressing public policy priorities in Ras Al Khaimah. Includes Seed Grants (up to AED 75,000 annually for up to 24 months) and Acceleration Grants (up to AED 125,000 annually for up to 48 months).
- Community Grants Community impact grants at four funding levels: Individual (up to AED 5,000), Organization (up to AED 10,000), Collaboration (up to AED 25,000), and Partnership (up to AED 50,000). Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
- Artist Residency Grants Grants inviting local and international artists to create new works and engage with the Ras Al Khaimah community, offering a six-month residency culminating in an individual exhibition and a group art installation in a public space.
- Film Grants Grants providing seed funding of up to AED 35,000 for short film production on topics related to Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE, with priority for documentaries. Up to two grants awarded annually, with films showcased at the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival.
- Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival The Foundation's signature annual arts festival featuring artist residency exhibitions, film grant screenings, and cultural programming across Ras Al Khaimah.
- Ras Al Khaimah Jobs and Internships Festival (RAKJIF) Annual career fair connecting Emirati jobseekers with employers across various sectors in Ras Al Khaimah, including a forum on AI and the future of work. The 2025 edition drew over 2,000 jobseekers and 70 employers.
- Gulf Economic and Social Policy Review (GESPR) Journal Peer-reviewed academic journal published by the Foundation covering topics in education, economics, and social policy in the Gulf region.
- ART Exploration An interactive art workshop program delivered in schools across the UAE, with the 2025 edition reaching 80 schools, 2,662 students, and 85 workshops over 20 days.
- Annual Summer Camp for Children of Inmates An annual summer camp for children of incarcerated parents, supporting social skills and emotional well-being through structured activities.
- Local Government Programs Customized professional development for Ras Al Khaimah government employees, including English language training (with RAK Police), soft skills, digital fluency, and certification support.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 2,000 Emirati jobseekers and 70 employers connected at 2025 Jobs and Internships Festival
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
Feature3 records
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- RAK CeramicscoreMoU signed between Al Qasimi Foundation and RAK Ceramics to develop Emirati talent through internships and graduate programs. Partnership was a key activity at the 2025 Jobs and Internships Festival, which brought together over 2,000 Emirati jobseekers and 70 employers.
- PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)corePwC facilitates the L.E.A.D. (Lead. Engage. Accelerate. Disrupt.) program, the Foundation's flagship initiative for Emirati graduates and early-career professionals. The year-long program incorporates skills training, government placements, coaching, and collaborative projects. L.E.A.D. Phase A runs May-July 2025 (candidate selection), Phase B September-December 2025 (foundation skills), Phase C January-September 2026 (immersion), Phase D October 2026-March 2027 (acceleration).
- United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)coreUniversity partner offering 55 approved programs for scholarship applications, including accounting, engineering disciplines, medical programs, law, and doctoral degrees. One of 13 domestic university partners in the Scholarship Office network.
- Khalifa UniversitycoreUniversity partner with 41 approved programs including aerospace, civil, electrical, petroleum engineering, AI, robotics, biomedical engineering, and data science. One of 13 domestic university partners in the scholarship network.
- American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)coreLocal university partner with 23 approved programs including business administration, computer science, AI, engineering, architecture, and MBA. Serves as a primary scholarship destination for RAK nationals.
- RAK Medical & Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU)coreMedical university partner with 10 approved programs including Doctor of Medicine, pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, and PhD programs. Supports healthcare talent development for Ras Al Khaimah.
- American University of Sharjah (AUS)coreUniversity partner with 26 approved programs spanning business, biology, environmental sciences, design management, and various master's programs. One of 13 domestic university partners.
- Ministry of Education (UAE)coreGovernment partner providing oversight and collaboration for scholarship programs and educational initiatives. Works with the Foundation on Emiratization and education quality improvement across Ras Al Khaimah.
- Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MoHESR)coreGovernment ministry providing scholarship oversight for overseas programs. MoHESR Scholarship recipients receive AED 5,000 monthly stipend (versus AED 12,000-15,000 for Al Qasimi Scholarship). Sets accreditation standards for overseas universities (Top 200 QS/THE requirement).
- EducationUSAminorU.S. Department of State network supporting students interested in studying at American universities. Partners with the Scholarship Office to provide guidance for overseas scholarship applicants.
- AMIDEASTminorAmerican organization providing educational testing and advising services in the Middle East and North Africa. Supports the Scholarship Office with testing and student guidance.
- Zayed Education FoundationminorZayed Education Foundation collaborates with the Scholarship Office to support educational development and talent initiatives for Emirati students.
- J-PAL MENA (Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab)coreJ-PAL MENA is evaluating the IQRA Arabic reading program to guide future scale-up and policy impact. This rigorous evaluation by a leading research organization validates the program's effectiveness and supports evidence-based policy decisions.
- Dr. Helen AbadzicoreDr. Helen Abadzi co-developed the IQRA Program's structured, phonics-based Arabic reading approach grounded in cognitive science. Her expertise in literacy and cognitive science enabled the creation of materials using repetition, guided practice, and a specially designed pupil book.
- Ras Al Khaimah PolicecorePartnership with RAK Police to deliver English language training programs for police personnel at all levels, from new recruits to seasoned staff. Training focuses on confidence building, cross-cultural understanding, and situational fluency to improve community engagement and public service delivery.
- University of Birmingham DubaicoreUniversity partner with 12 approved programs in Dubai including business management, psychology, AI, cybersecurity, education, law, marketing, and urban planning. One of 13 domestic university partners.
- New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)coreUniversity partner offering 4 approved programs including Social Research & Public Policy, Business Organizations & Society, Bioengineering, and Political Science. Supports top-tier scholarship pathways for RAK nationals.
- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)coreAI-specialized university partner offering 8 programs including Applied AI, Computer Science, Machine Learning, NLP, Robotics, and Statistics & Data Science. Supports technology talent development aligned with UAE AI strategy.
- Sorbonne University Abu DhabicoreUniversity partner offering extensive programs in humanities, social sciences, law, engineering, and business. One of 13 domestic university partners in the scholarship network.
- Wollongong University DubaiminorUniversity partner with 7 programs in Dubai including financial management, HR management, IT management, investing, logistics & supply chain, marketing, and media & communications.
- Saint Joseph University DubaiminorUniversity partner with 3 programs including Law, Translation, and LLM in Business Law. One of 13 domestic university partners.
- University of SharjahcoreUniversity partner offering 2 approved programs in cybersecurity engineering and sustainable/renewable energy engineering. Supports specialized technical education for RAK nationals.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- PwC Middle East: Strategic consulting partner that facilitates the Foundation's L.E.A.D. program. Comparable as a professional services partner supporting capacity-building, leadership development, and workforce transformation across the UAE public sector.
- J-PAL MENA: Partner organization that evaluates the Foundation's IQRA program using randomized evaluation methodology. Comparable as a research and evaluation counterpart that informs evidence-based social program design in the MENA region.
Broad incumbents
- Qatar Foundation: Gulf region non-profit foundation established by Emiri decree with research, education (Education City universities), scholarships, and community programs at massive scale. Comparable as a ruler-backed multi-pillar foundation, but operates at a far broader national and international scale.
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Large-scale philanthropic foundation funding education, health, and poverty programs globally through grants and rigorous evaluation. Comparable as a research-driven grantmaking foundation that uses MEL (monitoring, evaluation, learning) to guide program design.
- Dubai Foundation for Women and Children: UAE-based philanthropic entity providing community services, education, and capacity-building support. Comparable as a regional non-profit with a similarly narrow geographic mandate and government/royal backing.
- King Faisal Foundation: Saudi Arabia's oldest philanthropic foundation supporting education, Islamic studies, and research through grants, scholarships, and think tank operations (King Faisal Center for Research). Comparable model of a monarch-established foundation with research and education mandates.
Direct peers
- Zayed Education Foundation: UAE foundation dedicated to educational development and supporting students through scholarships and learning initiatives. Already a minor partner of the Al Qasimi Foundation, with a comparable mission in student support and educational access.
- Emirates Foundation: UAE federal non-profit foundation focused on youth empowerment, social development, and community programs. Operates as a similarly structured philanthropic foundation with government backing and a comparable programmatic mix of education, volunteering, and community grants.
- Dubai Cares: UAE-based philanthropic foundation established by decree focused on education access, scholarships, and development programs across the UAE and internationally. Comparable as a policy-driven, donor-funded grantmaking entity with measurable education outcomes.
Regional players
- Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK): Government entity that administers scholarships, education policy, and grants for Abu Dhabi nationals — a regional counterpart that the Al Qasimi Foundation's programs parallel at the emirate level. Serves as a comparable policy-administration entity in a different emirate.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research social profiles
Digital presenceSheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research
What does Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research do?
The Foundation is a non-profit, quasi-governmental organization that conducts policy research, awards scholarships, and delivers education, community, and arts programs for the development of Ras Al Khaimah. Its core offerings include applied policy research and the GESPR Journal, domestic and overseas scholarship administration across 13 universities and 214 programs, the L.E.A.D. leadership program for Emirati graduates, the Prison Program (the UAE's first inmates' social library), the IQRA Arabic reading fluency program, community and research grants, and the annual Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival and Jobs and Internships Festival. Programs are delivered directly, through online portals (Fluxx, Enquire), and in partnership with government, universities, and corporate partners such as PwC and RAK Ceramics.
Is Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research a public or private company?
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research founded?
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research based?
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research is headquartered in Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.
How does Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government Funding and Endowment is the primary driver. The others are scholarship Services and event and Program Fees.
Who are Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research's main competitors?
Others on record are PwC Middle East and J-PAL MENA. Broad incumbents are Qatar Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children and King Faisal Foundation. Direct peers are Zayed Education Foundation, Emirates Foundation and Dubai Cares. Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is listed as a regional player.
Does Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.
What industry is Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research in?
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research's product category is Policy Research and Foundation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAH, International Grantmaking & Development Foundations, with a secondary code of EDADALAB, International Development & Donor-Funded Education Programs. Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 8700.