Circus attracts crowds in RAK

Monte Carlo’s International Circus, the first circus festival in the world and one of the most prestigious entertainment events, commenced in RAK during the weekend and will run until March 19.

The 30-day festival that also hosts a bunch of the world’s best performers was earlier scheduled to begin on January 27, but was delayed due to the recent political unrests in Egypt as most of the performers were stuck in that country, according to the organisers.

The event is being organised by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in RAK in coordination with Prestige Events, and presents a cornucopia of world-class circus acts — from flying trapeze artistes to trained tigers.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Deputy Chairman of DED who also attended the opening show of the Circus, hailed the performance stressing that it was an extraordinary one.

“It is total fun right from the start.

The show creates joy and happiness among the spectators,” said Shaikh Mohammed, inviting all families to the circus festival.

Dr Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, Director-General of the DED, said the circus festival was intended to bring thrilling and entertaining events to local residents and people of the UAE at large, in addition to help boost the emirate’s tourism.

Mahmoud Abu Ali, Director of the Department of Tourism Support and Promotions at DED, said Ras Al Khaimah has many tourism avenues that are yet to be exploited and that through organising such events, the authorities are trying to attract more tourists to the emirate.

He said the festival presents a selection of acts being performed twice daily from 9.30am to noon for school children and from 7.30 to 10.00pm for adults, starting from the first week of the festival.The performances are open to the general public with tickets are priced at Dh100 for VIP seats, and Dh35 and Dh50 for the rest of the seats.

The entry fee for children above three years is Dh30.

Artistes from eight countries, including Italy, Ukraine, Romania, Colombia, Egypt and Morocco are showcasing their skills, including performing animal acts, acrobatics and magic tricks.

Rare animals such as tigers, lions and others, in addition to six types of snakes, including anaconda, are being presented during the show.

The festival platform was built on a 5,000 square-metre area and a tent that can accommodate more than 1,500 people was raised at the Corniche for spectators. The Ras Al Khaimah Police said that they have intensified security in the area and more patrols have been placed on the Corniche Road for the safety of people attending the circus festival.

Monte Carlo’s Circus Festival was founded by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1974 because of his love for the circus and his desire to bring attention to the world’s best circus performers. He presided over the festival until his death in 2005. His daughter, Princess Stephanie, and son, Prince Albert, have carried on the tradition.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com