His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, with dignitaries.
Seated from left to right: Her Excellency Martina Strong, US Ambassador to the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and His Excellency Edward Hobart, UK Ambassador to the UAE. Standing: Four Manos.
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi with artist Abdullah Al Balushi
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, February 1, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, the annual celebration of creativity and talent, is proud to announce its 13th edition in 2025, sponsored by Aldar. This interactive festival brings together a selection of emerging artists to deliver an unforgettable cultural experience.
Officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh
Reflections on the theme of “Memory”
Speaking about the festival’s theme, “Memory,” His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi said: “Growing up in Ras Al Khaimah, I remember walking through the narrow alleys of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, the last pearling village in the UAE, surrounded by the echoes of history and the creativity of our ancestors. These memories remind us of who we are and where we came from. “I am proud that the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival honours our past, inspires creativity and preserves our cultural heritage for future generations.”
Alongside His Highness Sheikh Saud, the event was attended by a host of dignitaries from around the world, celebrating exceptional talent from around the world.
Among the distinguished guests were: His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture and Youth of the United Arab Emirates; Her Excellency Martina Strong, Ambassador of the United States to the UAE; His Excellency Edward Hubert, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the UAE; His Excellency Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE; His Excellency Robert Rains, Consul General of the United States in Dubai; and Ms. Kenza Tarqat, Deputy Consul General and Head of Economic Affairs at the Embassy and Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the UAE.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, spoke about the importance of the festival, saying: “Memory is the bridge that connects our past to our future, and art is the means by which it comes to life. At its core, the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival is a celebration of these connections—personal and collective, traditional and modern. This year’s theme invites us all to reflect on our shared heritage and the stories that shape our identities. It is an exceptional platform for dialogue
, creativity and community engagement, where everyone finds inspiration and enrichment.” Sponsored by Aldar, this year’s edition of the festival celebrates award-winning artworks with a rich programme of cultural events and creative experiences that foster community bonding. Visitors will enjoy a variety of activities, including art and film screenings, panel discussions, workshops and live music performances. Each weekend, the festival follows a distinct theme, offering events designed to inspire and engage audiences in innovative ways. Opening Weekend (31 January – 2 February), Back in Time Weekend (7 – 9 February), Family & Pet Weekend (14 – 16 February), and Culture Weekend (21 – 23 February)
Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development, commented: “We are delighted to continue supporting the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, in line with Aldar’s commitment to investing in the emirate and enriching its vibrant lifestyle and cultural experiences. The festival plays an important role in elevating the art scene not only in Ras Al Khaimah, but across the UAE, celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage. We look forward to another exceptional showcase of established and emerging artists from the UAE and beyond at this year’s event.”
Highlights
The 2025 edition of the festival will feature a range of exciting new events. Among those taking part in the festival is German artist-in-residence and art therapist Anja Bamberg, known for her water-inspired paintings. The festival will also host a unique culinary experience, Belly of the Beast, a culinary experience for guests from South Africa, led by chefs Anoushka Horn and Neil Soare, who will present a tasting menu featuring seasonal and sustainable dishes. The festival also introduces the Memory Lane, a new walkway showcasing the works of previous festival winners, while The Garden of Self-Reflected Memory features a stunning art installation called The House of Light, which combines the architecture of old village houses with modern reflective touches.
Visitors can also enjoy the magic of cinema under the stars with Friday Movies, a weekly outdoor cinema screening held every Friday from 8:00pm to 10:00pm, showing a selection of films inspired by memory. Highlights include two short films by Ali Fouad, a film grantee, as well as special screenings by the Japanese Consulate in Dubai and the Japan Foundation, celebrating Japanese cinema. Live screening
evenings take place at The Fort and Abdul Karim House every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00pm to 10:00pm, where artistic creations blend with the magic of historical sites. Paolo and Kelly Becarazzi are also back for the third year with their unique culinary experience, Antica Australis, celebrating Italian cuisine and culture from the Ciocia region.
The 13th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival is sponsored by Aldar and supported by RAK Properties, Steven Rock, RAK Ports, Wego, VOX Cinemas, Nikon, RAK Porcelain, Air Arabia, RAK International Airport, Monviso, RAK Transport and RAK Hospitality Holding. The festival is also supported by cultural partners including the US Mission to the UAE, Marinco Sudak Foundation, Ras Al Khaimah Department of Antiquities and Museums, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, British Embassy to the UAE and British Hydrographic Office, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Organisation in Design and Y28 Studio Abu Dhabi.
For full details, event schedules, and the latest updates on Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2025, and to purchase tickets for exclusive events such as Antica Australis and Belly of the Beast, please visit: www.rakart.ae .
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