Locally-crafted artworks, film nights, comedy laughs and some tasty fusion food? Sign us up!
There isn’t too long to wait for the beginning of The Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, as it flings its metaphorical doors open on February 2, when cultural vultures and amateur aesthetes will converge on the emirate for a month-long celebration of heritage and the arts.
The festival, now into its 12th year, will feature works from more than 90 different artists, inspiring masterclasses and public talks, live performances, outdoor cinema, and youth development programme under the theme In Motion, and all hosted in the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village.
But what is there to see and do at The Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival?
Art takes centre stage with a vast collection of artworks and exhibitions displayed for the entire month, with some works available to see until March 31. Highlights include The Souq: Unveliling Human Echoes which explores human interactions, movements and existence on Earth through the medium of a vibrant souk, and a mesmerising kinetic structure The Fort: Ephemeral Whispers that showcases woven materials from diverse cultures moving fluidly together.
For film buffs, there will be plenty of screen time to enjoy, including Champ of the Camp – a documentary on Dubai’s migrant construction workers; a Foreign Film Night underneath the stars; and even an opportunity to enjoy a blockbuster at Al Hamra Mall’s VOX Cinemas for free on February 11, 18 and 25. If you prefer live performances to the silver screen, there will be a stand-up comedy night, storytelling evening and a performance by Mahogany Jones presented by The US Mission to UAE.
Foodies are not forgotten about either, with Paolo and Kelly Picarrazi of award-winning, Australian-based restaurant, Antica Australis, presenting three dining culinary experiences on the first three weekends of the festival. Expect ancient dishes from the ‘hidden’ region of Ciociaria in central Italy, cooking demos and three distinct four-course set menus that fuse local produce and flavours with Aussie ingredients. Think pistachio risotto with fried local organic dates, an ‘ethereal’ tiramisu with pomegranate and Sidr jelly, and a medieval milk pudding made with camel milk infused with saffron and served with salted popcorn and organic date molasses.
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All exhibitions at The Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival are free, with prices for the Antica Australis gastronomic experience beginning at Dhs400.
