- The festival underscores Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to culture and the arts as pillars of identity, dialogue and sustainable development
- The festival brings together more than 100 artists from 49 countries, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a regional hub for the creative and cultural industries
The festival brings together more than 100 artists from 49 countries, presenting a diverse range of artworks and creative experiences as part of a dynamic program running until February 8.
HH Sheikh Saud affirmed that supporting the arts plays a vital role in strengthening national and historical identity, deepening mutual understanding and cultural exchange among peoples and supporting economic diversification through the growth of the creative industries. He noted that this, in turn, enhances Ras Al Khaimah’s attractiveness across multiple sectors and reinforces its competitiveness as a destination for high-quality events.
In addition, he stated that the festival reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s rich cultural and artistic heritage and embodies its vision of embedding the values and aesthetics of art and culture as key pillars of sustainable development. The event, he said, reinforces the Emirate’s position as an active regional hub for the arts and creative industries, while celebrating creative talent from the UAE and around the world and encouraging the advancement of diverse artistic expressions that reflect the civilizations of peoples and their rich human and intellectual heritage.
HH Sheikh Saud welcomed the participating artists from across the globe and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the organizing entities and supporting partners, commending their role in enhancing the quality of the cultural experience and expanding community engagement in ways that support the sustainability of the Emirate’s artistic movement.
During a tour of the festival, HH Sheikh Saud viewed a selection of artworks and listened to artists’ explanations of the concepts, styles and techniques behind their work, and how these offer visual interpretations of the theme ‘Civilizations’ as a space for dialogue and convergence between memory and contemporary reality.
HH Sheikh Saud was also briefed on the festival’s program, which includes interactive workshops, live performances and educational experiences, alongside panel discussions and art and craft workshops. Together, these elements deliver an integrated cultural experience that combines knowledge-building with direct artistic engagement and is designed to appeal to all segments of society.
Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival serves as a leading cultural platform that deepens the presence of art within the Emirate’s cultural landscape, activates heritage and historical sites as spaces for knowledge and creativity and attracts a wide spectrum of creative practices, further strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s position on the cultural events map of the UAE and the wider region.
About His Highness Sheikh Saud:
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is a Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Born in Dubai in 1956, he was educated in Ras Al Khaimah before attending the American University of Beirut. He later moved to the University of Michigan, graduating with an Economics Degree.
He returned home in 1978 and was appointed Chief of the Ruler’s Court before becoming Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Municipal Council in 1986. In this period, HH Sheikh Saud founded RAK Ceramics and restructured Julphar Pharmaceuticals and Stevin Rock to ensure both became the industry leaders they are today.
HH Sheikh Saud was named Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah on 14 June 2003. In this role he oversaw the introduction of free zones, efficient business licensing procedures and offshore corporate registration.
On 27 October 2010, after the passing of his father H.H. Sheikh Saqr (May he rest in Peace), HH Sheikh Saud became the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. As Ruler, he has continued to expand and diversify Ras Al Khaimah’s economic base and improve the quality of its social services, while working hard to make high-quality education and healthcare services available to all the Emirate’s population.
HH Sheikh Saud received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bolton, UK, in 2010; an Honorary Fellowship of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in India, in 2013; and an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics from Incheon National University, South Korea, in 2018, a year in which he was also named Visionary Leader of the Year by Arabian Business.
About Ras Al Khaimah:
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is defined by its natural diversity, rich history and a forward-thinking vision, led by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. His focus on sustainable development, economic prosperity, environmental conservation, social development and innovation has shaped RAK into an ideal environment to live, work and invest. With a strategic location connecting East and West – placing one third of the world’s population within four hours’ flying time – RAK is a gateway to key markets, such as the UAE, Middle East, Africa, India and beyond.
RAK’s economy is among the most diversified in the region, with no single sector contributing more than 27% to its GDP. The Emirate offers a business-friendly environment, with simplified, customizable services, low operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax and one of the world’s lowest corporate tax rates. Its efficient judicial system, recognized by the World Bank, ensures fairness and transparency. RAK also boasts world-class infrastructure, including multiple seaports strategically close to the Strait of Hormuz and major international shipping lanes, an international airport and extensive logistics capabilities.
RAK is home to over 50,000 companies from 100+ countries, including industry leaders and global exporters, such as RAK Ceramics and Julphar. Over 30,000 of these businesses operate within Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), one of the region’s largest free zones, while RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO) reinforces the Emirate’s ambition to become a global hub for Web3 and digital assets.
RAK’s economic strength is reflected by 15+ years of consistent ‘A’-range Fitch and S&P credit ratings, with both agencies upgrading RAK in 2024, to “A/A-1” by S&P and “A+” by Fitch.
RAK has a multicultural society of 0.4 million people from 150 countries and offers a high quality of life, including accessible luxury living and a serene coastal lifestyle.
Significant investment in RAK’s real estate, hospitality and tourism sectors in recent years is seeing signature luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Fairmont and La Mer By Elie Saab joining existing landmarks from Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton and Mövenpick. Projects such as RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, with innovative Grade A office spaces and modern, sustainable residential areas creating a desirable location for upscale living.
As a fast-growing tourism destination, RAK has become synonymous with adventure, culture and leisure. Its adventure tourism, especially at Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, its stunning natural beauty, including 68km of beaches spanning the majority of a near-80km coastline, and 7,000 years of history further enhance its universal appeal. Four of RAK’s archaeological sites are on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
About Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival:
Founded in 2013 under the patronage of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival has evolved from a modest gathering of 30 emerging local artists into the Emirate’s premier art and cultural showcase.
Formerly known as the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, the rebranded Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival transcends conventional boundaries, serving as a dynamic creative hub dedicated to nurturing local and international talent. Through grants, masterclasses, workshops, and year-round events, it continues to foster artistic growth and cultural dialogue.
