Ras Al Khaimah Art 2025 Festival
Submission Guidelines
- All submissions must be original works created and executed solely by the artist. While we encourage artistic innovation, all content must be respectful and suitable for audiences of all ages, as the Festival is a public event. Submissions containing violence, profanity, sexual imagery, or other inappropriate content for a general audience in the UAE may be disqualified from the competition.
- Artists and directors must adhere to all copyright laws. The Festival assumes no responsibility for any misuse of copyright. By submitting an entry, each artist and director certifies sole ownership of the rights and elements of their work. The use of aliases is prohibited.
- Plagiarism, including the unauthorized use or reproduction of another person's work, ideas, or intellectual property, is strictly prohibited. Any submission found to contain plagiarized content will be disqualified from participation, and the artist or director may be subject to further penalties at the discretion of the Festival Committee. Artists should diligently provide references to any third-party materials or sources incorporated into their work, acknowledging the original creators and sources to maintain the credibility of their artwork within the competition.
- By submitting their work, artists and directors grant the Festival permission to use and reproduce (all or part) of the entered material free of charge for promotional purposes, including publication and display in media. This may involve cropping material for use in media releases, advertisements, printed catalogs, tickets, social media, and low-resolution postings on websites. Participants who do not wish their material to be used in this manner must inform the Festival Committee in writing at the time of submission.
- There is no submission fee. Artists and directors of any age may enter work in all categories but may only complete a submission form once per category. Multiple submissions for the same category, even if falling under different sub-categories, will not be considered. The Student Category is exclusively open to current students in grades K-12. Recent secondary school graduates and current university students must submit under the regular categories.
- Artwork or films previously submitted to the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival within the last four years will not be accepted.
- High-quality, well-composed photos must be uploaded during submission. Poor-quality photos may diminish the chances of acceptance into the Festival.
- Uploaded photos (artist headshots, artwork, sculptures, film posters) must be between 2-5MB only. Allowed file types are jpeg, jpg, and png unless otherwise specified. PDF files are strictly prohibited.
- Notification of acceptance to the 2025 Festival will be sent via email to the address provided on the submission form.
- All costs associated with transporting sculptures or mailing films are the responsibility of the submitting artist or director.
- If the exhibited work is for sale, the Festival Committee does not negotiate or mediate sales on behalf of the artist. Interested buyers will be provided with the artist's contact information to initiate the purchasing process.
- The Festival Committee reserves the right to remove any entry from the exhibition and void any or all acceptances or awards if it is determined, before, during, or after judging, that an artist or director has submitted entries that do not comply with these Conditions of Entry & General Submission Guidelines or the relevant Category-Specific Guidelines.
For AI-generated works Guidelines (under any categories)
- AI-generated works must be authentic creations generated by the artist using artificial intelligence technologies. The artist should provide insights into the AI process and their creative input.
- Artists should ensure that the use of AI aligns with ethical standards and respects human dignity, cultural sensitivities, and legal regulations. Avoid using AI to generate content that promotes hate speech, discrimination, or harm.
- Ensure that the AI-generated work does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. Respect copyright laws and obtain necessary permissions for any third-party materials incorporated into the artwork.
- Clarify your role as artist and contribution to the AI-generated work. Describe how you were guided, curated, or intervened in the AI process to shape the final outcome.
- If the AI-generated work involves interactivity or user engagement, ensure that it functions smoothly and intuitively. Provide instructions or guidance for viewers to interact with and experience the artwork effectively.
Workshop
Metaverse Artistic Wonders with W3rlds
A workshop on art and technology in the Metaverse! Ideal for artists, enthusiasts, or anyone exploring creativity, delve into how the Metaverse shapes digital art, aligned with the UAE Metaverse Strategy.
Date & Time: February 3 | 3-4PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Fort (theatre)
Workshop
US Mission: Color Play with Kim Carlino
Build a personal relationship with color in our workshop. Engage in mini-projects to intuitively understand color, exploring its full complexity, value, texture, and relationships.
Date & Time: February 3 | 4-5PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Contemporary Impresionism Painting with Rakhi Sawalani
A post-anthropause painting workshop exploring brushstrokes and color, capturing movement and emotion. Choose a photography subject and delve into contemporary impressionism techniques and concepts.
Date & Time: February 4 | 4-5PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Intro to Travel Photography with Andrew Tarica
Dive into Travel Photography! Master storytelling, lighting, and capturing people. Learn composition and street photography. Ideal for beginners to intermediates, includes tips and assignments.
Date & Time: February 4 | 4-5PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Bayt 10
Indoor Screenings
Sunday Screenings at VOX Cinemas
Venue: Al Hamra Mall Ras Al Khaimah
Sculpture & Installation
Category Guidelines and Submission Form
General Guidelines
- All submissions must be original works created and executed solely by the artist. While we encourage artistic innovation, all content must be respectful and suitable for audiences of all ages, as the Festival is a public event. Submissions containing violence, profanity, sexual imagery, or other inappropriate content for a general audience in the UAE may be disqualified from the competition.
- Artists and directors must adhere to all copyright laws. The Festival assumes no responsibility for any misuse of copyright. By submitting an entry, each artist and director certifies sole ownership of the rights and elements of their work. The use of aliases is prohibited.
- Plagiarism, including the unauthorized use or reproduction of another person's work, ideas, or intellectual property, is strictly prohibited. Any submission found to contain plagiarized content will be disqualified from participation, and the artist or director may be subject to further penalties at the discretion of the Festival Committee. Artists should diligently provide references to any third-party materials or sources incorporated into their work, acknowledging the original creators and sources to maintain the credibility of their artwork within the competition.
- By submitting their work, artists and directors grant the Festival permission to use and reproduce (all or part) of the entered material free of charge for promotional purposes, including publication and display in media. This may involve cropping material for use in media releases, advertisements, printed catalogs, tickets, social media, and low-resolution postings on websites. Participants who do not wish their material to be used in this manner must inform the Festival Committee in writing at the time of submission.
- There is no submission fee. Artists and directors of any age may enter work in all categories but may only complete a submission form once per category. Multiple submissions for the same category, even if falling under different sub-categories, will not be considered. The Student Category is exclusively open to current students in grades K-12. Recent secondary school graduates and current university students must submit under the regular categories.
- Artwork or films previously submitted to the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival within the last four years will not be accepted.
- High-quality, well-composed photos must be uploaded during submission. Poor-quality photos may diminish the chances of acceptance into the Festival.
- Uploaded photos (artist headshots, artwork, sculptures, film posters) must be between 2-5MB only. Allowed file types are jpeg, jpg, and png unless otherwise specified. PDF files are strictly prohibited.
- Notification of acceptance to the 2025 Festival will be sent via email to the address provided on the submission form.
- All costs associated with transporting sculptures or mailing films are the responsibility of the submitting artist or director.
- If the exhibited work is for sale, the Festival Committee does not negotiate or mediate sales on behalf of the artist. Interested buyers will be provided with the artist's contact information to initiate the purchasing process.
- The Festival Committee reserves the right to remove any entry from the exhibition and void any or all acceptances or awards if it is determined, before, during, or after judging, that an artist or director has submitted entries that do not comply with these Conditions of Entry & General Submission Guidelines or the relevant Category-Specific Guidelines.
For AI-generated works Guidelines (under any categories)
- AI-generated works must be authentic creations generated by the artist using artificial intelligence technologies. The artist should provide insights into the AI process and their creative input.
- Artists should ensure that the use of AI aligns with ethical standards and respects human dignity, cultural sensitivities, and legal regulations. Avoid using AI to generate content that promotes hate speech, discrimination, or harm.
- Ensure that the AI-generated work does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. Respect copyright laws and obtain necessary permissions for any third-party materials incorporated into the artwork.
- Clarify your role as artist and contribution to the AI-generated work. Describe how you were guided, curated, or intervened in the AI process to shape the final outcome.
- If the AI-generated work involves interactivity or user engagement, ensure that it functions smoothly and intuitively. Provide instructions or guidance for viewers to interact with and experience the artwork effectively.
Category-Specific Guidelines
- This category encompasses three sub-categories:
- Sculpture: Submissions can be crafted from any new materials and should be capable of standing unsupported.
- Recycled Art: Submissions must be composed of at least 75% recycled materials and should also stand unsupported. Entries must be accompanied by a comprehensive list detailing all materials used and their respective sources.
- Installation: Submissions should be immersive, three-dimensional works that transform the exhibition space. Installations can encompass a wide range of materials and concepts, but they must be able to be safely installed and de-installed within the exhibition venue.
- All sculptures and installations will be exhibited outdoors, exposed to the elements. Only works that can withstand such conditions without risking damage should be submitted.
- Sculpture and installation art are visual mediums, so including photos is crucial! We encourage artists to submit multiple photos to effectively convey the essence of their work.
- Any pedestals or special display structures required for the sculpture or installation should be clearly depicted in the uploaded submission photos.
- Artists whose sculptures or installations are selected for inclusion in the 2025 Festival will be responsible for transporting both the artwork and any display stands or installation equipment to and from the exhibition venue.
Awards
1st Place | 5,000 AED cash prize and trophy
2nd Place | 2,500 AED cash prize and trophy
Submission Form
Voices from The Shore of Time
Explore the profound history and cultural richness of Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, spanning seven centuries. With breathtaking natural beauty, the documentary features insights from Naufal Samrui, historians, and H.E Ahmed Obaid Al Teneiji, Director General of the National Museum, offering a deep understanding of the region's cultural heritage.
Film by: Reham Alabbas & Maram Mahmoud
Duration: 11 minutes 36 seconds
Date & Time: February 9 | 8:00 - 10:00PM
Language: Arabic (with English subtitles)
Noor
Set in a 90s Emirati neighborhood, Abdulrahman, enthralled by neighbor Abdulla's pigeons, navigates envy, loss, and redemption. Capturing a sickly bird, his father's support fuels determination. Amid neighborly rivalry, tragedy strikes, leading to guilt and grief. Learning life's lessons, Abdulrahman releases his mended pigeon, embracing love, loss, and liberation.
Film by: Taabit Al Malawy
Duration: 15 minutes 07 seconds
Date & Time: February 16 | 8:00 - 10:00PM
Language: Arabic (with English subtitles)
Floating Prison
Five men, four years, one abandoned oil tanker; this is the story of the seafarers, who remained adrift under impossible circumstances off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, but never lost hope.
Film by: Laith Al-Ramahi & Spencer Shea
Duration: 7 minutes 45 seconds
Date & Time: February 16 | 8:00 - 10:00PM
Language: English (with Arabic subtitles)
Bundle of Joy
The birth is a blessing experience to witness, filled with joy and appreciation. This film is an attempt to explore the psychology of becoming father, representing the worry and the stress leading up to the moment of birth.
Film by: Majed Al Zubaidi
Duration: 7 minutes 41 seconds
Date & Time: February 16 | 8:00 - 10:00PM
Language: Arabic (with English subtitles)
Echoes
Told through a single window in Lebanon, the history of two generations unfolds. Family dynamics take place, in a means all too familiar to make one wonder: will they repeat their own history.
Film by: Julien Kobersy
Duration: 8 minutes 39 seconds
Date & Time: February 16 | 8:00 - 10:00PM
Language: English
Goalden Girls
Experience the remarkable journey of women's football in Bahrain through the captivating short film documentary, 'Goalden Girls.' This inspiring tale explores the origins of the national women's team, highlighting the resilience and determination of a dedicated group who defied societal norms, overcame obstacles, achieved FIFA rankings, and left an enduring legacy. Through interviews, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes footage, witness their tireless training, struggles, sacrifices, and triumphant moments.
Film by: Ahmed Alawi
Duration: 13 minutes 8 seconds
Date & Time: February 16 | 8:00 - 10:00PM
Language: Arabic (with English subtitles)
Lucky You're Mine
Based on a true story, this film portrays a couple facing challenges as a manic episode and year-long depression test their new marriage. Inspired by a heartfelt moment, the filmmaker explores universal themes of love, resilience, and the strain on relationships when a loved one struggles, reflecting personal experiences.
Film by: Nora Aboushoushah
Duration: 21 minutes 57 seconds
Date & Time: February 16 | 8:00 - 10:00PM
Language: Arabic (with English subtitles)
Acting Out
Follow Naasha Bulsara's journey in this documentary, as she navigates challenges in pursuing her childhood dream of a performing arts career in the UAE. Despite setbacks and negative reactions, her determination leads her to create a theater club, prompting reflection on the viability of a sustainable performing arts career in the UAE
Film by: Naasha Berjor Bulsara
Duration: 9 minutes 53 seconds
Date & Time: February 16 | 8:00 - 10:00PM
Language: English
Bidayat Ishq (World Premiere)
The narrative unfolds with Hassan, an employee in a company, and his pursuit of Iman, the love of his life within the same workplace. Hassan sacrifices everything to win her affection. Yet, the question remains: Will Hassan triumph in capturing her heart? Join us as we witness the genesis of love and discover the answer together.
Film by: Arian Navabi and Bamdad Aghajani
Duration: 14 minutes 18 seconds
Date & Time: February 23 | 8:00 - 10:00PM
Language: Arabic
Activity
Al Jazeera Al Hamra Mystical Exploration
A family-friendly adventure! Enjoy interactive activities and storytelling under the moonlit paths, perfect for families and history enthusiasts. Join us for a night of exploration and cultural heritage celebration.
Date & Time: February 4, 11, 18, and 25 | 9:30PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Fort (theatre)
Workshop
Exploring Mexico's Looping Technique with Indira Urrutia
Explore wire knitting and learn looping techniques to craft unique designs, understand this art's history and cultural roots in Mexican traditions. A hands-on session to create your own wire-knit art.
Date & Time: February 4 | 4-5:30PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Bayt 2
Workshop
Create Fabric Tie & Dye Patterns with Shilpi Jain
Learn fabric customization through unique folding, tying, and dyeing techniques. Create personalized, resistant patterns and unleash your creativity in this interactive experience.
Dates: February 9
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Workshop
Pet Collar/Harness Art with Maria Pavel
Craft unique pet accessories! Design collars and harnesses with vibrant colors and patterns. A fun way to personalize your pet's look. Join us for creative crafting!
Date & Time: February 9 | 4-5PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Bayt 10
Workshop
Storytelling with Mahmoud Kaabour
Discover Mahmoud Kaabour's storytelling inspired by unique influences in his filmmaking journey from Beirut to Berlin and Dubai. He shares insights and experiences, followed by a special screening of "Champ of the Camp," a documentary about UAE labor camp singers.
Date & Time: February 9 | 4-5PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Fort (film screening area)
Workshop
Canine Training with Cristos
Enhance your dog's behavior at Cristos' Canine Training workshop. Tailored for obedience and better behavior, it's a great chance for a well-trained, happy pup!
Date & Time: February 10 & 11 | 9-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Bayt 10
Workshop
Butterfly Water Paint with Enass Haseib
Master realistic drawing, color blending, and lighting techniques. Bring the beauty of butterflies to life on paper in a hands-on experience.
Date & Time: February 10 | 10-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Craft A Pottery Name Tag for Your Pet with Shayne Atie
Choose from ready-made plates and letters, paint, let dry, and assemble with twine. Your personalized pet decor is ready to brighten your home!
Date & Time: February 10 | 10-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
InkXploration with Mona Biswarupa
Open to all skill levels, rediscover childlike joy through ink exploration on paper. Embrace delightful accidents and unlock your inner artist in this interactive demo.
Date & Time: February 11 | 10-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Quilling Pet Design with Vinu Aravind
Quilling is a form of paper art that involves rolling, shaping, and gluing narrow strips of paper to create intricate designs and patterns. It's fun, easy, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages!
Date & Time: February 11 | 2-3PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Leather Painting with Noor Khezrian
Learn to prepare leather, transfer drawings, and paint with unique vision. A hands-on experience to express creativity and capture motion in art. Suitable for ages 16 and up.
Dates: February 10 & 16
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Masterclass
NIKON X RAK ART Photography Masterclass (Pet Theme)
Explore pet photography at Nikon Photography Camp! Capture the human-pet bond with Nikon gear. Learn to take playful shots, connect with animal lovers, and create memories. Begin your pet's story with us!
Date & Time: February 9 | 4-6PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Bayt 10
Activity
Amazing Race with your Pets
Experience adventure in the Amazing Pet Race! Tackle challenges and create memories with your pets. Unique, pet-friendly fun awaits.
Date & Time: February 9 | 4-5PM
Admission: AED 50pp (Incl. VAT) (refundable at venue)
Venue: Fort (theatre)
Activity
Pawshion and Talent Show
Watch as pets flaunt their stylish ensembles in the Pawshion segment, followed by awe-inspiring displays of talent. Celebrate the unique charm and abilities of our furry friends!
Date & Time: February 10 | 4-6PM
Admission: AED 50pp (Incl. VAT) (refundable at venue)
Venue: Fort (theatre)
Activity
Purrfect Show: Cat Fashion Extravaganza
Experience the Purrfect Show, a cat fashion extravaganza! Stylish felines will showcase the latest in cat couture on the runway. An adorable event full of purrsonality and fabulous feline fashion.
Date & Time: February 11 | 4-6PM
Admission: AED 50pp (Incl. VAT) (refundable at venue)
Venue: Fort (theatre)
Activity
Purrfect Show: Cat Fashion Extravaganza
Experience the Purrfect Show, a cat fashion extravaganza! Stylish felines will showcase the latest in cat couture on the runway. An adorable event full of purrsonality and fabulous feline fashion.
Date & Time: February 11 | 4-6PM
Admission: Free
Venue: Fort (theatre)
Workshop
NIKON X RAK ART Photography Masterclass (Family theme)
Learn to capture timeless family moments. Master portrait techniques with Nikon cameras, blending technical skill and artistry. Transform ordinary photos into extraordinary memories.
Date & Time: February 16 | 4-6PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Bayt 10
Workshop
Ready.Set.Improvise with Alana
Dive into the world of improv with Alana in Ready.Set.Improvise for a lively and spontaneous experience. Join us for a session filled with laughter, creativity, and on-the-spot entertainment!
Date & Time: February 17 | 4-5PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Fort (theatre)
Workshop
Texture and Acrylics with Suad Jaffal
Explore our Textured Abstract Art Workshop. Learn to add movement to paintings with diverse textures. Express emotions on canvas through hands-on experimentation. Immerse yourself in expressive abstract art!
Date & Time: February 17 | 10-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Bayt 10
Workshop
Capturing 'In Motion' Urban Sketching with Sufiya Sheikh
Experience our 'In Motion' Urban Sketching Workshop in Al Jazeera Al Hamra. Learn sketching techniques, capturing the Festival's essence, the Fort, barastis, and dynamic scenes. Delve into urban sketching for an enriching artistic adventure!
Date & Time: February 17 | 10-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
iPhone Photography for Fun with Gillian Robertson
Boost your iPhone photography skills! Learn easy steps, get tips, and a handy reference. Practice and gain confidence in iPhone Photography. No prior experience needed. Fun and informative for all!
Date & Time: February 17 | 2-3PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Absract Fluid Art with Cheshta Roy Sarkar
Explore fluid art in "Creativity in Motion." Learn to reflect life's constant change through art. We guide you in fluid techniques; you create unique, dynamic pieces. Unleash your creativity in this engaging workshop!
Date & Time: February 17 | 3-4PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Pottery and Ceramics Exploration with Janna Tarek
Discover the joy of ceramics: mold and shape clay, connect with your inner self, and create unique pieces. A hands-on experience to elevate happiness through artistic expression.
Date & Time: February 18 | 10-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Activity
Family Fun Run & Beach Clean Up
Family fun run and beach clean up text Family fun run and beach clean up text Family fun run and beach clean up text Family fun run and beach clean up
Date & Time: February 16 | 7-9AM
Admission: Free
Meeting point: Fort (theatre)
Activity
Family Scavenger Hunt
Date & Time: February 17 | 4-5:30PM
Admission: Free
Meeting point: Fort (film screening area)
Activity
Brush Battle: Live Painting Showdown
Date & Time: February 18 | 10AM-3PM
Admission: Free
Venue: Baraha
Workshop
Exploring Mexico's Looping Technique with Indira Urrutia 2
Explore wire knitting and learn looping techniques to craft unique designs, understand this art's history and cultural roots in Mexican traditions. A hands-on session to create your own wire-knit art.
Date & Time: February 18 | 4-5:30PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Bayt 2
Workshop
Connecting Dots on Tote Bag Painting with Aysha Al Tenaiji
Join our Tote Bag Painting Workshop! Personalize your tote with acrylic paint and fabric markers. Create a wearable masterpiece and elevate your style. Hands-on, creative fun awaits!
Date & Time: February 23 | 4-5PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Arabesque Iznik Pattern Tiles with Nasmiya Shabnam
Islamic Geometric patterns, are a simple yet complex art form. Despite similar rules, each pattern is uniquely infinite, showcasing absolute and endless tessellation. A dynamic interplay of motion and design.
Date & Time: February 23 | 4-5PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Creating Tatreez Embroidery with Eman Al Khawaja
Tatreez, an embroidery art reflecting environments from Palestine, Jordan, and Eastern countries. An international language using two elements: needle and thread, expressed through cross-stitching.
Date & Time: February 24 | 10-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Create Fabric Scraps Collages with Hala El Abora
Create art from fabric scraps in our Collage Workshop! No-sew, easy for all ages. Use scissors, glue, and creativity under expert guidance. A sustainable, fun journey into textile artistry.
Date & Time: February 24 | 10-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Bayt 10
Workshop
Ocean Art: Flow with the Waves with Twinkle Suba
Experience Resin Ocean Art in our workshop. Use blue and white hues to craft unique waves. Learn resin techniques and sustainable practices. Perfect for first-timers in dynamic Ocean Art.
Date & Time: February 25 | 10-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Glass Painting: Looking Through Colored Lens with Sakina Kesaria
Embrace history to shape the future, connecting with diverse cultures. A reflective activity inspired by lessons from Covid. Create and cherish your own artwork.
Date & Time: February 25 | 4-5PM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Baraha 1
Workshop
Calligraphy and Freestyle Painting on Fabric with Hala Hashem
Bring a cloth or tote for freeform painting and calligraphy on linen. A mix of elegance and spontaneity awaits. Create a personalized masterpiece in one session.
Date & Time: February 25 | 10-11AM
Admission: AED 50pp (incl. VAT)
Venue: Bayt 10
Activity
Morning Zumba Celebration
Date & Time: February 24 | 7:30-9:30AM
Admission: Free
Venue: Fort (theatre)