The Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival is introducing an exciting new weekend program for pet-lovers this year with ‘pet-friendly weekend’ bringing a range of events to the festival which this year celebrates its 10th edition and we are very happy to be part of the event! 

Taking place on Feb 18-20, organizations from around the UAE will come to the historic Al Jazirah Al Hamra to provide workshops, events, and stalls including pet yoga, paw print moulding, Dogventure, and pet adoption from Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center (RAKAWC). 

The emirate already hosts an array of pet-friendly hotels for animal-lovers to enjoy Ras Al Khaimah without the worry of leaving their furry friends behind.

“We really wanted to make the festival accessible to everyone,” said Natasha Ridge from the festival. “Beyond the arts, the festival is a community and cultural event and with the huge community of pet-lovers we have in the UAE, we felt it was time to offer something to them too.”

“We are delighted to see the popular Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival become inclusive of pets in its 10th edition, as it aligns with our strategy to encourage more pet-friendly accommodation and services across the Emirate. It is important that more attractions and events in the destination are able to target this growing audience and we look forward to welcoming visitors with their four-legged companions.” said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

The event hopes to highlight the great work of the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre (RAKAWC) which will be facilitating adoptions during the festival. The centre, which hosts a pet hotel as well as adoption services, is a key part of the emirate’s animal welfare system. Abdulla Al Blooshi from the centre said: “We are honored to be part of the festival and showcase the work we do. The centre depends mainly on volunteers so by highlighting this welfare work, we hope not only to secure more animal adoptions but also support for the center itself. There are still too many abandoned animals in the UAE so this is the chance to bring the issue more out into the public.”

To attend any of the workshops, activities, tours, or film screenings, reservations should be made directly by visiting rakfinearts.ae. The Festival is open during the day Tuesday to Thursday 8am – 6pm and until 11pm Friday to Sunday, with extensive social distancing in place. Please note that workshops, tours, and screenings will have limited capacity, adhering to all safety guidelines.

For more information on the Festival, please visit www.rakfinearts.ae or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. RAKFAF is free to the public.