A view of Ajman Heritage District.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) has launched the Al Murabbaa Arts Festival with the motto “Inspired by Yesterday to Imagine Tomorrow” (Oct. 28 – Nov. 6). It will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council in the Ajman Heritage District surrounding Ajman Museum and aims to shed light on the creative arts community and contemporary art activities.

On the occasion of the festival’s launch, Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Tourism Development Department, expressed his profound gratitude and great appreciation for His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, for his extended interest in supporting the artistic and creative sectors and designating them as top priority for the development and cultural plans of the emirate, and to the festival’s sponsor His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, for his continuous guidance to carry out the strategic cultural plans aimed at promoting cultural and artistic movements and enhancing their output in the emirate for developing an innovative society.

He pointed out that the festival is being launched this year in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the United Arab Emirates.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, said that the Al Murabbaa Arts Festival falls within the department’s strategy to support the creative and cultural environment and represents one of its most important initiatives. Saud Aljasmi, Director of Events Section at Ajman Tourism Development Department, said that the participation of artists and creators in the festival will be free of charge and the deadline for accepting submissions is August 12. This is in order to allow the festival cover the widest spectrum of creative arts, including artworks, design and workshops, literary works, performance arts, and film.

All proposals are to be submitted to Ajman Tourism Development Department via email to artists@ajmantourism.ae. Dhs5000 will be granted to each participant chosen by the festival’s committee to produce their artwork, in addition to exhibiting their work for sale at the festival, for assisting the sustainability of the arts sector and encouraging young artists.

Ajman Museum.

The festival organisers, with the support of partners represented by the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, Ajman Media City Free Zone, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), Tashkeel, FAD Institute of Luxury Fashion & Style, Simone Micheli Architects and Fairmont Ajman Hotel, are expecting to welcome visitors from all over the world in a safe environment that highlights Ajman’s role in the field of arts and cultural events.

Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Ajman Media City Free Zone, stressed the importance of the festival within the local innovation roadmap in the Emirate of Ajman, as it seeks through goals and specialisations stated in its establishment decree, to sponsor and participate in the organisation of festivals, conferences, exhibitions and other cultural and promotional events, and most importantly, artistic events such as the Al Murabbaa Arts Festival.

Ali Khalifa bin Thalith, Secretary General of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award said: “We are pleased with our partnership with the Al Murabbaa Arts Festival, and we appreciate the inclusive artistic spirit that shaped the pillars of this event and transformed it into a diverse space that pleases the mind and the eye, proud of its heritage and traditions, and lays the groundwork for futuristic modernisation.”

Maryam Al Mulla, Head of Marketing Department at Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, stated that the Department was proud to participate in the initiative that brings together intellectuals and creators under one umbrella of aesthetics and innovation. Al Mulla showcased some artistic icons from the area such as the Sikka Poets, where pathways have been named after famous Emirati poets, alongside murals created by local and international artists.

In his speech during the conference, Hani Afour, DIDI Dean said that “in an era of rapid change and digital transformation, designs that take into account human needs, become more important than ever.”

Aiming to stay up-to-date with creative contemporary arts, Salvatore Leggiero, partner at Simone Micheli Architects, said that “our participation in this festival reflects our interest in developing creative communities and sponsoring young local talents within the global arts movement by showcasing art design pieces, integrating educational programmes for universities, and organising talks, discussion panels, and workshops.” Shivang Dhurva, Founder of FAD Dubai said that “we are partnering with the Al Murabbaa Arts Festival to scout for regional talents, and give them visibility and support through our combined efforts with Ajman Tourism Development Department.”

Al Murabbaa Arts Festival is considered the first of its kind in the Emirate of Ajman. Ajman Heritage District surrounding the Ajman Museum, where the festival will take place, is a touristic destination and historical beacon, shining with life and timeless memories, highlighting the authentic identity of the emirate. Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) aims to promote the touristic attractions across the emirate, and sheds light on the unique elements that Ajman has to offer as one of the leading travel destinations in the UAE.