Culture and Arts in Ras Al Khaimah
The culture and arts in Ras Al Khaimah have grown over many years. The locals value their heritage and arts; for instance, they have folklores and local sports like camel riding. There are several cultural clubs, libraries, and theatres. The culture and arts in Ras Al Khaimah give the people a chance to showcase their creativity and love for their heritage. From traditional songs and dances to modern arts, the culture in Dubai keeps on growing.
Wherever you go around Ras Al Khaimah, you will notice that the arts in Dubai are unique and they mirror the culture and traditions of the people. Art is used to express deep feelings regarding a past or present event. Although we don’t speak the same language, we can understand art without the need for interpretation. Tourists visit Ras Al Khaimah because of the art which includes not only the ones made on canvas but the sculptures, artifacts, and architecture. Art helps to preserve the beliefs and culture of a society.
The Culture in Ras Al Khaimah
There are different hotels and places you can visit to learn and experience the culture of Ras Al Khaimah. For instance, the local libraries, the national theatre, and listen to their songs.
The following are places to learn more about the culture in Dubai:
RAS AL KHAIMAH NATIONAL THEATRE
The Ras Al Khaimah National theatre is famous because it was the first to be established in the UAE. Many award-winning plays have been played in this theater and the actors and actresses have represented the city in various Arab festivals. The plays show how tradition and modern ways merge to form a rich culture.
THE RAS AL KHAIMAH NATIONAL LIBRARY
This center is under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and community; and it has a lot of books on different subjects as well as the history and meaning of the cultural activities of this region. Since the culture in Dubai is rich, the resources in this library explain the similarities and slight differences in the practices of the people in different parts of the city.
AL YAQADHA AL ARABIYA LIBRARY
This is a significant cultural center that attracts both scholars and writers to the city of Ras Al Khaimah. The resources here range from parenting to educational books. Al Yaqadha Al Arabiya Library was established in 1990 and has free membership clubs; for instance, the short story and novel club, the parenting club, poetry club, reading club, and the theatre and cinemas.
FOLK SOCIETIES
The people of Ras Al Khaimah have managed to preserve the culture in Dubai by passing it to the younger generations. They do this through storytelling and folklore. The dances include different movements, symbols, rhythms, meanings, and signs. Folklores are performed in important ceremonies such as weddings, holidays, and national celebrations. Some of the dances include Razif Al Shahouh and Ayyala.
There are 11 recognized folk societies which act as cultural institutions that perpetuate the cultural, enhance patriotism and act as the custodian of the country’s heritage. The societies aim; to enlighten people about the importance of learning their folklores, training the youth in folk dances and art, raising awareness on different issues in the community, giving outstanding performances, and protecting the folk societies.
THE NAMING SYSTEM
One of the ways that the culture in Dubai has been retained for an extended period is the naming culture. Families pass down their lineage names. In the Ras Al Khaimah culture, the naming system is complex; for instance, a child adapts his father’s name as his second name. The family and tribe names matter because they tell your origins and history.
Arts in Ras Al Khaimah
Similar to culture, the arts in Dubai are rich and unique. The Al Qasim Foundation oversees the annual art gallery and offer grants to potential artists. The foundation also invests in all, the cultural centers of Ras Al Khaimah as well as others in UAE. Promoting local participation helps to perpetuate society’s growth.
When people are brought together by art, they learn to respect and appreciate their differences which foster unity. Below are some of the ways that people showcase their culture in this region.
ART GALLERY AND STUDIO
The studio and art gallery was established by the Al Qasim Foundation to act as a creativity and innovation center for Ras Al Khaimah by providing a platform for local artists. The studio’s objective is to emphasize the role of art in the community and to support local artists through exhibitions and training.
The studio and art gallery allows exhibitions from all artists; painters, photographers, mosaic artists, and sculptors. Art collectors can also exhibit their work.
THE RAS AL KHAIMAH FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
This is an annual festival which showcases the talents of local artists, filmmakers, and musicians. This festival is meant to improve the arts in Dubai as well as foster unity. It provides a platform for cultural exchange and helps to support the upcoming and existing artistic talents in the region.
The festival offers a grant for short films regarding the issues surrounding the Emirates region. The objective of the award is to boost the statics of short films about the region, to present the diversity of Ras Al Khaimah, and to motivate upcoming filmmakers.
THE COMMUNITY GATHERING SERIES
This series was launched by the Al Qasim Foundation to promote social, educational, and cultural exchange. The events include discussions about the UAE’s culture and heritage, arts and artists, and outdoor recreation.
There is no denying that Ras Al Khaimah embodies a rich culture that is seen everywhere from the mode of dressing to their dances, buildings, and art. The people have preserved and maintained their culture for this long because it gives them identity and a sense of belonging. The government is also very supportive of upcoming artists, the folklore societies, and in maintaining the libraries. Although the Emirates are home to people of various nationalities, the culture and arts in Ras Al Khaimah have remained intact and uncorrupted. Both the people and the government understand the importance of maintaining their identity.
