On February 3, 2023 at the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Hamlet—historical residence of the old Al Za’ab tribe and pearling village dating back to the 17th century—the 11th Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) officially opened to the public.
This year’s festival, which featured more than 120 local and foreign performers from more than 35 countries under the subject of Nature, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, member of the UAE Supreme Council and ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The subject, “Arabian Almond,” honors how the Emirate’s cultural legacy is intertwined with its natural beauty and its efforts to protect the environment for a sustainable future.
Remarking on the opening, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi said: “The arts enhance opportunities for meaningful engagement and communication between communities and nations, instilled with noble values of peace, harmony, and tolerance that drive the development of progressive communities and promote a deep sense of culture and history.”
“We, in Ras Al Khaimah, are deeply proud of our culture and heritage, and of our privileged geographic position at the confluence of civilizations. We are committed to continuing our support of local artists, to celebrate their creative endeavors that reflect our rich history and culture,” added H.H. Sheikh Saud.
The 11th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, an annual cultural event that serves as a significant international forum for cross-cultural exchange between creatives and thought leaders from a variety of sectors, was also praised by His Highness Sheikh Saud. The festival gives artists the chance to present works of art that advance the social, cultural, and economic development of the Emirate.
High-profile dignitaries from a number of nations joined H.H. Sheikh Saud at the celebration of outstanding creativity from around the world. The community will be involved in this year’s RAKFAF through a variety of cultural and artistic initiatives. Every weekend in February will feature thematic programming, such as art workshops, musical performances, film screenings, and more. These programmes range from talks about heritage to pet-related events to talks about art. The exhibition will be on view through March’s end.
Over 35,000 tourists from the UAE and other countries are anticipated to visit RAKFAF in the upcoming two months, according to the organizers. Attendance at all activities and exhibits is free. Natasha Ridge, founding Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, said: “Here at the foundation, we are passionate about driving forward creative and collaborative approaches that elevate the social, cultural, and economic development of Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates. The 2023 RAKFAF reinforces the presence of Ras Al Khaimah at the heart of the UAE’s art and cultural scene. Beyond art, the festival is also an inspiring and engaging community event with various exciting activities for one and all. This year, we are delighted to host a talented pool of artists, sculptors, photographers, filmmakers and poets from across the globe who interpret ‘Nature’ through their own unique perspectives. This provides us with greater opportunities to learn about, and from, each other in order to foster stronger cultural connections between all those who attend and participate.”
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is in charge of organizing the 11th edition of RAKFAF, with assistance from a number of sponsors, including Stevin Rock LLC, RAK Ports, RAK Economic Zone, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, VOX Cinemas, RAK Transportation Authority, RAK Hospitality Holding, Accenture Song, and MonViso.
