Land given to Filipinos in Ras Al Khaimah: Sheikh’s gift re-dedicated

DUBAI – A parcel of land donated by Ras Al Khaimah for Filipinos to use in the emirate 28 years ago was re-dedicated in a ceremony this month. “Let us work together to be good stewards of this gift to Filipinos in Ras Al Khaimah and ensure that this land is used according to the Ruler’s vision,” Philippine Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana said during the Re-dedication Ceremony on August 20 at the Filipino Club-Ras Al Khaimah. The office of the Filipino Club Ras Al Khaimah sits on the 1,330sqm land that Ras Al Khaimah’s late ruler Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi donated to Filipinos in 1993. The Expatmedia.net scoop first came out in June. The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi shared with Expatmedia.net a copy of the March 3, 1993 letter from the Government of Ras Al Khaimah to then ambassador Fortunato Oblena saying that the donation of the piece of land to the Filipino community is “unconditional”. The ownership of the land is non-transferable and will remain vested in the name of the government, said Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chief of the Ruler’s office, who signed the letter.

Sheikh Saqr ruled Ras Al Khaimah from 1948 until his death in 2010. His son, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, is now the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The late sheikh’s 28-year-old gift remains, to this day, a precious testament of the UAE’s unending support to the Filipino community in the emirates. In a previous visit to Ras Al Khaimah earlier this year, Philippine Ambassador Quintana led a team to reinvigorate the premises of the Filipino Club RAK, starting with a Philippine-inspired mural on the façade. The basketball courts were also upgraded, while a mini-library was set up to serve as a satellite of Sentro Rizal Abu Dhabi.

Quintana said beautification work on the premises built on the land gifted by Ras Al Khaimah Government showed the Filipino community’s “commitment to ensure that this gift 28 years ago will remain relevant for years to come as envisioned by the ruler”. ICA/Expat Media

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