Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi opens RAK Ramadan Festival

Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, son of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, inaugurated the third edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Ramadan Festival at the RAK Exhibition Centre here Sunday night.
RAK Ramadan Festival, organised by the RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RAKCCI) under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, features several cultural, religious, shopping and entertainment events to be held during the holy month of Ramadan. The festival will last till September 9, 2010.
Inaugurating the event, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi said, "The RAK Ramadan Festival has become a much- awaited event for people across the emirates. Apart from promoting Ras Al Khaimah as a major cultural and entertainment destination, the festival caters to the shopping requirements of families during the Ramadan season and provides a boost to the local economy through increased retail trade. The success of the previous editions of the event has led to wider array of festival events and increased number of exhibitors this year."
A major highlight of the event is the 'Ramadan and Eid 2010' trade fair being held at the new exhibition hall adjacent to the RAK Exhibition Centre. As many as 132 retail participants, dealing mainly in garments, perfumes and fashion accessories, have opened their pavilions at the trade fair spread over an area of 6000 square metres.
The festival has lined up a host of entertainment events for children and families including live stage performances, shows featuring cartoon characters and competitions for children. A special Heritage Village showcasing the lifestyle and traditions of the UAE in the past has been set up at the festival venue. The Heritage Village depicts life of coastal fishermen and pearl divers in the past as well as display of traditional local cooking and antique ornaments.
The festival programme also includes religious lectures, health check ups, blood donation drive and a photography competition.
Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Yousef Obaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of RAKCCI, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Shayeb Al Naqbi, the Director General of the RAKCCI, heads of government departments and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
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