His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, inaugurated the 14th edition ofRas Al Khaimah Art Festival, organized by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, under the theme ‘Civilizations’. The opening took place at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, in the presence of a number of Ambassadors to the UAE and senior officials.

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.