First Fujairah International Arts Festival to begin in February

Organisers say artist from across the globe will be in attendance and that the biennial Monodrama Festival will be incorporated into the bigger festival.

FUJAIRAH // The emirate is stepping up its cultural offerings with the introduction of an international arts festival.

Fujairah Culture and Media Authority has announced the first Fujairah International Arts Festival from February 19 to 28 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah and a member of the Supreme Council. The festival will involve music, theatre and dance, with artists from across the globe in attendance, the authority said.

“This festival is a good opportunity to highlight the marvellous nature of the emirate of Fujairah,” said Mohammed Alafkham, director general of the culture and media authority.

He revealed that the seventh edition of the Fujairah International Monodrama Festival, which was scheduled to be held from January 20 to 28, will fall under the timetable of the international arts festival.

The Monodrama Festival will still host artists, critics, writers and specialists in the field of theatrical arts every two years.

Mr Alafkham said that the Monodrama Festival will benefit from the guests and media exposure at the new, bigger arts festival.

The international arts festival would involve all regions of Fujairah, Mr Alafkham said. Dibba theatre will host plays, while there will be music in Fujairah city, and an art camp in Wadi Al Wurayah. In addition, traditional music evenings will be held at venues including Masafi, Tawyeen and Siji.

Street performances and seminars will also be part of the agenda.