Some of the classic cars, sports cars and modified cars participating in the festival.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Further promoting the artistic and cultural growth the UAE is witnessing, the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) has launched the Ajman Art Tourism Exhibition, which is part of the Art and Cultural Office’s (ACO) agenda (Nov. 14 – Feb. 28, 2023). The show exhibits and promotes the artworks of many talented artists in collaboration with strategic partners from the hospitality sector.

Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, ADTD Director General, inaugurated the exhibition, which aims to support local and international artists, build artistic exchanges between Ajman and the world, and improve the emirate’s position as a cultural hub that nurtures arts and encourages artistic innovation.

The exhibition is an extension of the cultural and artistic events organised by ACO under the umbrella of Ajman Tourism, and focuses on presenting Ajman as an important destination for arts and culture.

It supports artists by exhibiting their artworks around the city and builds a sustainable collaboration with both the artists and the corporate stakeholders. ACO aims to continue supporting the arts initiatives it launched last year such as the “Ajman Arts Touring” exhibition.

This year, ADTD took into confidence hotel establishments and beach resorts, including the Ajman Hotel, the Fairmont Ajman Hotel, the Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah, and Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman.

The exhibition in their spaces features the masterpieces and artwork of 20 artists from different nationalities and various art schools. The event also aims to attract entrepreneurs and investors from around the world, showing that Ajman offers opportunities that can help them expand their arts business, as well as develop the cultural and tourism sectors in the emirate.

 An artwork at the Ajman Art Tourism Exhibition.

The exhibition is a unique interactive platform that helps young talents to exhibit their creative artworks and showcase their artistic potentials to everyone.

“Arts is a valuable asset that is fully supported by our wise leadership and their continuous efforts to improve the artistic scene in the UAE, in order to transform our nation into a cultural destination that endorses creativity and serves as a free forum for talents,” say the organisers.

ADTD works on developing strategies to improve local, regional, and international tourism in the emirate through planning and implementing global campaigns for tourism promotion, organising and participating in conferences and exhibitions, regulating and developing the tourism industry, and improving the capacities and services of the tourism facilities and businesses operating in the emirate.

Also, under the patronage of Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, ADTD Chairman, the department has launched the 1st edition of the Ajman Motor Festival 2022 in collaboration with the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), to promote sports, social and tourism activities in the emirate. The festival, which is the biggest show hosted for modified cars and motorcycles in Ajman, was launched on November 12 and continues till December 12.

It offers many interactive features, surprises, entertainment and music tailored for families to spend enjoyable times and be introduced to the wide – and fast - world of cars. The festival’s organising committee is keen to offer visitors a unique and fun experience through a multitude of activities that are suitable for all ages and interests, and provide investment opportunities for local and international motor companies to offer their products and services. Festival events are taking place in several locations across the emirate and include various shows for classic cars, modified cars, 4-wheel drive and motorcycles intended for speed lovers and car enthusiasts.

The five main events of the festival are as follows: the first event is the festival opener and was held at Ajman City Center on November 12 and dedicated for modified vehicles. It included many activities and sections such as modified cars zone, classic cars zone, governmental and luxurious cars zone, electric cars zone, motorcycles zone, drift zone, car design zone, restaurants zone, kids zone, and theatre competitions.

The second will be held at the historical Ajman Museum on November 26 and will be dedicated for all types of classic cars. It includes various sections such as the classic cars zone, classic motorcycles zone, kids zone, a music band and traditional food, to boost tourism activity in the emirate. The third event will coincide with the celebrations of the UAE’s 51st National Day and will be held on December 2 at the Ajman Corniche and will be dedicated for governmental cars, modified cars, motorcycles and drift cars, in addition to entertainment and competitions suitable for all ages such as magic tricks, war brigade, kids zone, a stage to honour winners, and more.

The fourth event will be the 1000 Miglia Experience on the December 7, and the fifth and final event which will conclude the festival will be held on December 10. It is a convoy of luxury cars which will depart from ADTD towards Masfout Museum. It concludes in Masfout where awards will be handed out.

Alhashmi said that “the Ajman Motor Festival 2022 is the first event of its kind to showcase the widest collection of modified cars and motorcycles, sports cars and luxury cars, from Ajman and other emirates.” The Ajman Motor Festival 2022 is also organised in collaboration with Ajman Police, Ajman Civil Defense, Ajman City Center, Al Zorah Development Company, Gulfa Water, Saudi German Hospital as gold sponsor, and Ajman Volunteer Team.