Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi presented with newly launched People of Ras Al Khaimah book by Photographer Jeff Topping

"Happy to see this book that reflects history, life stories and remarkable portrait photography of Ras Al Khaimah” - His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi was presented with the People of Ras Al Khaimah book by Photographer Jeff Topping and representatives from RAK Media Office and the Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research on Sunday, June 10. People of Ras Al Khaimah, a book offering an accessible and nuanced view of Gulf culture through engaging stories and stunning photographs, has been launched with the support of Ras Al Khaimah Media Office.

His Highness Sheikh Saud said:

“I am happy to see the launch of this book, which reflects history, life stories and remarkable portrait photography of Ras Al Khaimah.”

People of Ras Al Khaimah tells the story of the UAE’s northern-most Emirate, in the words of its people. The coffee table book is a collection of stories and portrait photographs of more than 50 people who call Ras Al Khaimah home, with half hailing from urban areas and the rest from the numerous villages dotted around the Emirate. Emiratis make up about half of those who took part in the long-form interviews, while the others represent 16 countries including Bangladesh, India, Iran, the Philippines, Palestine, Spain, New Zealand and Yemen.

The book, through facts and people’s life stories, also charts the social history of Ras Al Khaimah over the past 70 years right up to the present day, not neglecting the valuable contribution of women and migrant workers to the Emirate’s success.

Author Anna Zacharias is a Canadian citizen raised in Ras Al Khaimah, where she met photographer Jeff Topping on assignment while working as journalists. They shared a passion for the Emirate and so, with the support of RAK Media Office and the Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, they spent the winter of 2014-15 traversing Ras Al Khaimah interviewing and photographing people from a myriad number of backgrounds and places … drinking copious amounts of coffee and karak tea in the process.

The end result is a beautiful, insightful book where the pictures add emotional depth to the life-affirming real stories of the People of Ras Al Khaimah.

Heba Fatani, Executive Director of RAK Media Office, said:

“More than 50 people offer their life stories and tales of a developing Emirate in a book that aims to be a visual record of the social history of Ras Al Khaimah. The Media Office is proud to be a part this Book project.”

Anna Zacharias said:

“Ras Al Khaimah is renowned for the warmth and wit of its people. This book explores the shared experiences of those who call the Emirate home, with a focus on women, migrant families and communities outside of the city.

“Jeff and I worked hard on People of Ras Al Khaimah in the hope it will allow others to experience our Emirate as those who live here do, through the hospitality and stories of its people. For those from Ras Al Khaimah, we hope this book will be a keepsake of deep connections between neighbors during the transition to modernity.”

People of Ras Al Khaimah was launched on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Ras Al Khaimah Cultural Development Centre, an event attended by His Excellency Mohammed Al Kait, Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and RAK Media Office officials.

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About Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its rich history, dating back 7,000 years, and diverse landscape, from 64km of pristine beaches, to terracotta deserts and an imposing mountain backdrop. The Emirate is home to the highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais, which features the world’s longest zip line, at almost 3km.

RAK is also centrally located at the modern crossroad between Europe and Asia, with one third of the world’s population within four hour’s flying time, making it an ideal location for businesses to expand into the UAE, the Middle East and Africa and beyond. 

At the Emirate's economic heart lies several major companies and sectors - industrial (including RAK Rock and Stevin Rock’s quarries, RAK Ceramics and Julphar Pharmaceuticals); RAK Ports; RAK Economic Zone; banking via RAKBANK; RAK Gas; and tourism. Supporting these industries is a modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art industrial areas and business parks and world-class hotels, facilities and attractions for tourists. 

For the past decade, Ras Al Khaimah has been consistently rated ‘A’ by international rating agencies (Fitch and Standard & Poor’s) and already the Emirate is home to almost 37,000 companies from more than 100 countries representing 50 industry sectors.

© Press Release 2018