In an unexpected display of cultural engagement, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made an unannounced appearance at the Quoz Arts Festival on Saturday morning. The visit created an atmosphere of excitement and delight among attendees and organizers alike.
Arriving at approximately 11:00 AM at Al Serkal Avenue, Sheikh Mohammed, adorned in a traditional golden kandoora with matching gutra and carrying his distinctive kheyzrana cane, toured the festival grounds accompanied by a small delegation of officials. His spontaneous interactions with visitors, particularly children, became the highlight of the event as he engaged in conversations and shared moments of genuine connection.
The surprise nature of the visit was emphasized by multiple witnesses. Afzal Dingankar, a Dubai resident participating in event management, recounted capturing the moment on video, noting the relatively uncrowded venue during the early hours. Hussain Lokhandwala, representing event organizer Giochi di Luce, expressed complete astonishment, stating that no prior notification had been given regarding any VIP attendance, much less the Ruler’s presence.
Among the notable stops during the tour was the Fiker Institute, an interdisciplinary think tank where founder Dubai Abulhoul welcomed the distinguished guest. Abulhoul later shared photographs of the visit on her Instagram account, describing the occasion as a profound honor for the research institution.
The Quoz Arts Festival, now in its annual iteration, serves as a platform for emerging artists and experimental formats to showcase regional narratives through pop-up installations, live performances, and culinary experiences. This year’s event gained additional significance through the Ruler’s demonstration of support for the local arts community, following another recent incident where a young resident had the opportunity to high-five Sheikh Mohammed at The Square in Nad Al Sheba.