20211130 protocol pictures uae rulers ras al khaimah
His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Image Credit: WAM

Ras Al Khaimah: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Quango Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, inaugurated Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival'southward landmark 10th edition with an array of local, regional and international guests. Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth, and diplomats from various countries, including the U.s.a. and France, attended the opening ceremony.

The almanac arts festival, which is now established as 1 of the region's leading cultural events, held its opening night at the historic 17th-century pearling village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra against the properties of a dazzling fireworks brandish.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi said: "Art unites people across borders and brings positivity and hope to the community. In Ras Al Khaimah, one of the region'due south oldest cultural destinations with a proud legacy of traditional arts, we are focused on promoting the creative pursuits of our community. Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival not only showcases creativity only also provides a platform to appoint in cultural exchanges with international artists. Our patronage of arts farther underlines our values and cultural ethos to connect people, promote creativity, enrich their lives and celebrate the spirit of harmony."

Satellite exhibition sites

In addition to many of the festival'due south activities taking place at Al Jazirah Al Hamra — a symbolic span betwixt Ras Al Khaimah'due south cultural heritage and the contemporary art scene — the 2022 edition once again incorporates exciting satellite exhibition sites at two of the emirate's virtually iconic locations: The public viewing deck of the UAE'due south highest peak, Jebel Jais, and the Open Park on Al Marjan Island.

The outdoor exhibition of art, photography and sculpture is organised by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Enquiry and is presenting a diverse collection of work past more than 150 artists, hailing from more than 45 countries. Included as part of the festival is a vibrant programme of pic screenings, workshops, guided tours and other events held beyond the Festival'due south diverse locations.

UAE'due south rich culture and heritage

Emirati artists participating this year include Yousef Al Zaabi and Abdullah Lutfi, while among the event highlights are a weekend of outdoor cinema and indoor screenings at Vox. A defended pet-friendly weekend for animal lovers and with an assortment of family unit activities for all ages, Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival is a weekend defended to celebrating the UAE's rich civilisation and heritage.

Festival director Suqrat bin Bisher said: "We are honoured to have such a prestigious line-up of artists participating with united states of america again this year, with the talent on display reflecting how the festival is truly becoming a destination for regional and international talent."

This year, the festival boasts new partnerships with the NYUAD Art Gallery, and Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, reaffirming its delivery to connecting and developing the UAE's wider cultural community.

Range of performances

The United states of america Mission to the UAE, which has been a key festival partner since 2016 through its grant programme for cultivating cross-cultural understanding and supporting local talent, is providing a range of performances throughout the Festival. US Consul-Full general Meghan Gregonis said: "The US Mission to the UAE is once again proud to partner with Al Qasimi Foundation at Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival. Our partnership with Al Qasimi Foundation promotes mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the Usa and the UAE and enhances Ras Al Khaimah's vibrant, creative economy."

Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, a free-to-nourish consequence which runs until March 31, is presented by Marjan, a leading primary developer in the emirate, and supported past additional local partners including Stevin Rock LLC, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), RAK Ports, RAK Tourism Evolution Authority, RAK Hospitality Holding, RAK Transport Authority, RAK Infirmary and Phonation Cinemas.