Dignitaries at the opening of chess competition during the Ramadan Festival at the Italian International School.

The Italian International School (IIS) Khalifa City, in association with Reportage Properties, kicked off its first Ramadan Festival with an exciting line-up of activities for the whole community to enjoy.

The festival will run till Aug.15, 2023, featuring tournaments in football, padel, and chess for different age groups and various other games, which include latte art contests, Ramadan puzzles, art and craft games, creative writings, and many more.

Arif Al Khoori, Chairman of Reportage Properties and the Italian International School, cut the ribbon and gave a speech to inaugurate the festival. Other key officials who joined the inauguration included Janet DesJardins, School Principal, Dr Ismaeil Al Khoori, Vice chairman of the Italian School, Suhail Al Awathi, board member of Abu Dhabi Chess Club, Mohammed Al Zarooni, Sales Director of Reportage properties, Eoin Bolger CEO of Gulf Education, and Faisal Al Ali, chairman of Empire Global Investment.

DesJardins welcomed the community to the festival and expressed her gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and supporters.

Arif al Khoori shared his vision for celebrating the festival every year and expanding it to include more activities and participants.

He expressed his delight at the success of the event and thanked all the organizers, volunteers, and participants for making it possible.

"The festival provided a platform for cultural exchange and community engagement, and we look forward to hosting similar events in the future,” he added.

The festival features five participating companies: Dominant Football, ISM Sports, The Barista Institute, Brainiacs, and Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games. Brainiacs will organize Ramadan games and puzzles, while The Barista Institute will hold a latte art contest.

The festival is part of a CSR initiative and offers up to Dhs50,000 in prize money, trophies, and certificates across various tournaments and contests. The Italian International School (IIS) and Reportage Properties are committed to promoting cultural diversity, and the festival is a testament to their commitment to bringing people together and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures in the UAE.

The festival will conclude with a closing ceremony and trophy distribution on Aug.15.