RAS AL KHAIMAH ART FESTIVAL 2024 SHOWCASED CREATIVE TALENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Ras Al Khaimah Art, the year-long cultural initiative nurturing existing and emerging talent, officially opened the 12th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival, presented by Aldar.
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member, and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah opened the festival, showcasing the talent of more than 100 local and international artists from over 35 different nationalities under the theme of ‘In Motion.’ The theme was inspired by the constant evolution of our diverse world and invited visitors to reimagine the possibilities for the next decade.
During the event, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi highlighted the significance of the preeminent cultural event, reflecting Ras Al Khaimah’s rich history, culture, and heritage, asserting the Emirate’s commitment to nurturing inspiring talent and investing in the creative industries.
“Culture and the arts are a common language between nations and peoples, carrying a noble message that enriches communication and reinforces the values of harmony and tolerance. They are an integral part of building communities and a key pillar of our sustainable development,” said His Highness Sheikh Saud.
Through the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud, Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost Emirate of the UAE, underwent an unprecedented period of continued cross-sector growth of its highly diversified economy, with tourism, hospitality, real estate, the arts, history, and culture at the heart of the ‘Nature Emirate’s’ surge.
The 2022 announcement of a USD3.9 billion investment to build an Integrated Resort by U.S.-based Wynn Resorts on the burgeoning man-made Al Marjan Island had been a catalyst for further growth, with Ras Al Khaimah on course to achieve its target of 3 million visitors per year by 2030.
With a focus on sustainable development, environmental conservation, and improving the lives of the people of Ras Al Khaimah, His Highness Sheikh Saud drove the Emirate’s growth while maintaining the traditions and societal values that make the destination so unique.
Noting the progress of Ras Al Khaimah Art over its 12 years, he highlighted that culture and the arts carry a noble message that enriches communication, reinforces the values of harmony and tolerance, and contributes to the creation of societies built on strong principles.
Alongside His Highness Sheikh Saud, high-profile dignitaries from several countries attended the event to celebrate incredible talent from creatives around the world.
In attendance were H.E. Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE; H.E. Martina Strong, Ambassador at the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the United Arab Emirates; H.E. Alexander Schönfelder, Ambassador of Germany; H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy; H.E. Byung-Jun Moon, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; and H.E. Meghan Gregonis, Consul General of the United States in Dubai.
Speaking at the event, Dr Natasha Ridge, founding Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, said: “The Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival was a key highlight in our year-round programming, acting as an integral moment for showcasing and nurturing emerging creatives and the community. Beyond art, the Festival was also an inspiring and engaging community event with an exciting lineup of exhibitions and events for all ages, inviting visitors to ponder the themes of motion and change and reexamine the ‘new normal’ through a creative lens.”
Presented by Aldar, the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival featured all the award-winning artworks and a diverse series of cultural programming and creative experiences designed to engage the community. From art and film screenings to heritage talks, art workshops, and musical performances, each weekend was centred around special themes with dedicated activities: Pet-Friendly Weekend, 9-11 February; Family & Community Weekend, 16-18 February; and Cultural Weekend, 23-25 February.
Speaking about the Festival, Faisal Falaknaz, Group Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer at Aldar commented: “We are delighted to have partnered with Ras Al Khaimah Art, a festival that showcased the vibrant and diverse artistic talents that flourish across the UAE. This collaboration was more than a partnership for Aldar; it was a testament to our belief in the power of art to connect communities, and we were excited to have worked with a selection of participants to bring their art pieces into the lives of the people who reside, work, and visit the places we develop and manage in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.”
New for the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival was The Souq – Unveiling Human Echoes, a contemporary art exhibition and market featuring artists and craftspeople worldwide. Also new for the 12th edition was the installation of a ‘Gratitude Wall,’ curated in partnership with Sukooni, an innovative mental health startup. Visitors were invited to reflect on what they were grateful for, transforming these reflections into a collective art piece, providing a tangible and creative outlet for expressing and acknowledging the often-overlooked aspects of mental well-being.
Visitors could also enjoy a range of gastronomic experiences, including a cultural heritage dining experience Antica Australis and Grill Artistry from Chef Jeferson Finger, the maestro behind Barbacoa Churrascaria. Boasting high-profile fans, from the Saudi Royal Family to F1 legend Sebastian Vettel and Guns N’ Roses’ lead guitarist Slash, Barbacoa Churrascaria offered visitors the chance to experience the highest quality cuts.
The 12th edition of Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival was presented by Aldar, supported by Stevin Rock, RAK Ports, RAK Porcelain, MonViso, RAK Hospitality Holdings’ RAKGAS, VOX Cinemas, The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Nikon and RAK Transport Authority, as well as Cultural Partners from The US Mission to the UAE, Marinko Sudac Foundation, Department of Antiquities and Museums, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Goethe-Institut Golf Region-Abu Dhabi.