Can a giant quarrying company help spark creativity in the arts? The surprising yet inspiring partnership between the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival (RAK Art) and Stevin Rock proves that when industry and culture come together, the result can be truly extraordinary.
The Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival started modestly in 2013, originally known as the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival. With the vision of promoting local talent, attracting visitors, and nurturing intercultural dialogue, what began with just 30 artists has transformed into a vibrant global event. By 2025, the festival welcomed more than 50,000 visitors to the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, featuring nearly 200 artworks by over 100 artists from 31 countries.
But none of this impressive growth would have been possible without strong community support, notably from Stevin Rock. Based in Ras Al Khaimah since 1975, Stevin Rock is one of the world's largest quarrying companies, supplying essential rock products for concrete production, roads, marine infrastructure, and ambitious projects across the GCC, Asia, and Africa. Yet, alongside their industrial success, Stevin Rock remains deeply committed to enhancing the cultural fabric of their community.
Why would a leading quarrying company invest so heavily in an arts festival? For Stevin Rock, the reason goes beyond mere sponsorship. Dr. Naser Al Bustami, CEO of Stevin Rock, explains, “As a company deeply rooted in Ras Al Khaimah, we believe in contributing not only to the region’s economic growth but also to its cultural landscape. Our decade-long sponsorship reflects our genuine commitment to fostering creativity, preserving heritage, and strengthening community engagement.
The best example of this commitment is perhaps the permanent art installation at Al Jazeera Al Hamra, the Stone Garden: Portal of Peace. Conceived by Slovenian artist Marko Pogačnik and curated by the renowned Marinko Sudac Collection, this installation beautifully embodies harmony, resilience, and connection to nature. But what's truly remarkable is Stevin Rock’s role—they didn’t just sponsor the artwork; they brought it to life. Stevin Rock provided 32 natural stones from their own quarries, meticulously selecting, transporting, and installing each piece. They literally moved mountains for the sake of art.
Dr. Naser, recalls the journey: “Initially, we were approached simply to supply materials. But we saw an opportunity to offer much more—our expertise, resources, and hands-on involvement. The Peace Portal now symbolizes not only creativity but also the enduring connection between industry, nature, and community.”
The results speak for themselves. Beyond impressive attendance numbers and international recognition, the real success of this collaboration shines through in the conversations and cultural pride inspired by artworks like the Peace Portal. Photos of Stevin Rock’s quarry juxtaposed with the elegant installation perfectly illustrate this remarkable synergy—industrial strength meeting artistic grace.
The ongoing partnership between RAK Art and Stevin Rock shows us that corporate involvement in the arts can transcend financial support and genuinely transform communities. As RAK Art continues to grow and evolve, Stevin Rock’s investment in creativity ensures that Ras Al Khaimah remains a beacon for culture, innovation, and community pride.
It's a powerful reminder: when industry supports artistry, the impact is not just lasting—it becomes legendary.