RAK Ruler attends opening night of emirate's Fine Arts Festival

The free-to-attend event includes exhibitions, talks and film screenings

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, at the RAK Fine Arts Festival opening. All photos: Leslie Pableo for The National

Live bands entertain visitors on opening night at Al Jazirah Al Hamra heritage village

The ruins of the abandoned village make for an evocative site for the arts festival

A painting on display at the festival

Visitors admire an artwork on opening night

More than 120 artists from 35 countries are participating in the festival

Artists’ work focus on nature and the rich cultural heritage of Ras Al Khaimah

The works are on display until the festival ends on February 28

Sculptures on display at the festival

Restaurants at the RAK Fine Arts Festival

Natasha Ridge, founding executive director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, speaking at the RAK Fine Arts Festival

Sheikh Saud at the festival

Visitors on opening night

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attended the opening of the emirate's returning Fine Arts Festival on Friday.

With the theme of nature, specifically the Arabian almond that blooms on Jebel Jais, the country's largest outdoor fine arts and cultural festival is free to attend at the historic pearling village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra until February 28.

It is an immersive celebration of arts, culture and heritage and showcases an array of perspectives from international creatives. Artists’ work focuses on nature, alongside the rich cultural heritage of Ras Al Khaimah and its efforts to conserve the environment and build a sustainable future.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, at the RAK Fine Arts Festival. Leslie Pableo for The National

With more than 120 artists from 35 countries exhibiting their work over the course of the festival, visitors can expect a range of entertaining and engaging experiences.

The event includes six art exhibitions, held in collaboration with cultural partners including the Marinko Sudac Foundation, the US Mission to the UAE, the Dutch embassy in Abu Dhabi, the South Korean and French consulates in Dubai and Flick Cameras.

Other items on the agenda include immersive culinary experiences, heritage talks, events for pets, thematic weekend programmes, art workshops, musical performances and film screenings.

Themes this month include a pet-friendly weekend on February 10 and 11, which includes an artwork tour with dogs, pet adoption from the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre, a dog fashion and talent contest, a falcon show, and pet training and grooming sessions.

Meanwhile, parents can sign up for the family and community weekend on February 17 and 18, when children can take part in arts and crafts projects, outdoor film screenings and a scavenger hunt.

There will also be a Cultural Weekend on February 24 and 25 celebrating the UAE's diverse and rich heritage, including gahwa (Arabic coffee), Emirati scent-making, camel rides, shawl embroidery and more.

More information is available at www.rakfinearts.ae

Scroll through images of this year's Al Hosn festival in Abu Dhabi below

Families enjoy the camel display at Al Hosn Festival, Abu Dhabi. All photos by Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Visitors young and old at the festival

Making fishnets as Bedouin people have done for centuries

Camels have been a big hit, so far

Sabha Al Nayili paints coffee pots, incense burners and other items

The cultural festival is open now

Performances inspired by traditional folklore on the opening night

Bait Al Qaseed Sweets stall

Bait Al Qaseed Sweets' items on sale

The event celebrates Abu Dhabi's history

Artisans and retailers are on site

Pottery making plays a big part

Traditional retailers and clothing are available

Wooden boat making workshop for children

Hand-painted coffee pots

Salem Al Kaabi for Bait Al Qaseed Sweets