Curtain rises on Fujairah International Arts Festival

The first edition of the festival will include performances by international bands, folklore shows and a traditional Emirati dance competition.

Palestinian band Le Trio Joubran. Courtesy Le Trio Joubran

Artists from all over the world descend on Fujairah on Friday, February 19 for the first edition of the 10-day Fujairah International Arts Festival. The free-to-attend event will include performances by international bands, one-man plays, shows by folklore groups, and traditional Gulf dancing as part of Al Saif Championship, along with cultural activities, art exhibitions and workshops. Here are some of the top attractions.

The Storyteller: Khokha’s Tale

You're never too old to enjoy listening to a good story, and Mohammed Al Arousi knows this well. The Tunisian writer's Khokha's Tale – adapted from a Tunisian folk story and narrated by storyteller, singer and poet Al Fedawi – is about the love that grows between orphan boy Khaled and his cousin, Khadeeja. As their romance blossoms, so does the plum (khokha) tree they planted together in the yard as children.

• Hear Khokha’s Tale on Sunday, February 21, 5.30pm, in the Monodrama House in Dibba, and on Tuesday, February 23, 7pm, Corniche Stage

Music: Le Trio Joubran Band

Palestinian group Le Trio Joubran – three brothers who have a magical touch with the oud – make their Fujairah debut. Samir, Wissam and Adnan Joubran are originally from Nazareth but have performed all over the world, from Paris and New York to Berlin, Munich, Melbourne and Jerash. The band are renowned for shows that are full of intricate compositions.

• Le Trio Joubran perform on Saturday, February 20, 9pm, Corniche Stage

Music: Mame Khan Manganiyar

Greatly respected Indian folk musician Mame Khan Manganiyar, together with his band, will perform a wide repertoire of traditional folk and Sufi songs. He focuses on Jangra, the folk music of his region, which includes a diverse range of songs for all occasions, from traditional wedding odes to songs meant to welcome a newborn child.

• Mame Khan is on Wednesday, February 24, 9pm, Corniche Stage

Competition: Al Saif Championship

Sword dancing in the UAE is an art in its own right, and Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, has chosen to recognise the art through a competition.

Al Saif Championship will introduce audiences to the ancient art of almzafin in a festive, family friendly atmosphere that will highlight the heritage and culture of the country, while showcasing the traditional dance form. Watch troupes from across the UAE perform the various forms of desert dance incorporating swords or sticks.

• Performances will be held at the Fujairah Fort on Saturday, February 20, from 4pm to 8pm, and again on Friday, February 26, from 4pm to 8pm

Highlight: Kadhim Al Sahir

Big-ticket drawcard Iraqi superstar Kadhim Al Sahir – a big-ticket attraction known to his fans as The Caesar – is renowned as a singer, composer, poet and favourite judge on the talent shows The Voice and The Voice Kids. He will perform as part of the closing ceremony of the festival, backed by an orchestra, and his set will most likely feature a bit of everything – big romantic ballads, pop hits, beloved Iraqi folk songs and classical Arabic music.

• Catch Kadhim Al Sahir on Monday, February 29, 9pm, ­Corniche Stage

Monodrama: Marcel

This one-woman play from Armenia, performed by Mariam Ghazanchyan and written, produced and directed by Hakob Ghazanchyan, is based on the sufferings of the legendary French singer Édith Piaf. Ghazanchyan’s performance includes 12 songs from Piaf’s repertoire, but with a twist.

• Watch Marcel on Saturday, February 27, at 6:30pm in the Monodrama House in Dibba

• The Fujairah International Arts Festival runs from Thursday, February 18 until February 29. Entry to all shows is free. For more information and ticket details, visit www.fiaf.ae