If Ras Al Khaimah had an official curator of creativity, it would be Hakim Elhaj. This Sudan-born art lover has been calling RAK home for eight years, and he’s made it his canvas — quite literally. As the curator and manager of The Design Gallery, Hakim doesn’t just hang art; he builds communities, connects people, and turns inspiration into a lifestyle.
He’s that friend who can talk for hours about sunsets, architecture, and why color is basically an emotion. With Hakim around, even a quiet beach walk in RAK feels like an art exhibition curated by the universe itself.
Interview Highlights
🌅 Love at first sight — RAK edition: One random weekend drive from Dubai was all it took for Hakim to decide he was moving to Ras Al Khaimah. No plan, no event, just instant chemistry.
🏜️ Desert vibes and beach sunsets: When he’s not curating art, Hakim’s likely camping in the desert or chasing RAK’s golden sunsets — self-proclaimed proof that RAK is the outdoor capital of the UAE.
🎨 Born an artist: He’s been collecting art since he was four and organizing exhibitions since sixteen (while pretending to be older so people would take him seriously!).
🖼️ Spotting talent: Hakim helped launch the career of Sudanese artist Amal Bashir, convincing her to exhibit for the first time — she’s now world-renowned.
💡 His philosophy: “The best thing you can give to people is the best version of yourself.” Hakim believes joy and creativity are contagious — and his projects prove it.
🏛️ The Design Gallery: More than just a gallery — it’s a melting pot of music, design, architecture, and community connection.
💬 RAK life advice: Feel the city. Bring your energy. Let it transform you. And yes — check out WOW-RAK to stay in the loop!
🌟 RAK community love: Hakim calls WOW-RAK “a big part of the community since day one,” helping people discover art, events, and local talent that keep the city alive and connected.
Pull Out Quotes
“As soon as I came to Ras Al Khaimah, I decided I’m moving here. I loved it instantly.”
“The best thing you can give to people is to be the best version of yourself.”
“Art isn’t just color — it’s depth, emotion, and a need we all share.”
Nominate a RAK Icon
Know Someone Who Deserves the Spotlight?
We’re always on the lookout for everyday legends, creative rebels, and behind-the-scenes changemakers. Nominate a RAK Icon who’s shaping the future!
NOMINATE NOW
Just send us an email with the following details to: 📧 info@wow-rak.com
Please include:
- Your name
- Nominee’s full name
- What they do (profession or passion)
- Why they deserve to be a RAK Icon
- Any contact info or social handles for the nominee
⚠️ Disclaimer: Submitting a nomination does not guarantee a video interview. All nominations are reviewed by the WOW-RAK x E-Find RAK team before selection.
About the Collaboration (WOW-RAK × E-Find RAK)
When storytelling meets discovery — you get a front-row seat to Ras Al Khaimah’s most inspiring journeys. That’s exactly what happens when WOW-RAK, the city’s lifestyle voice, joins hands with E-Find RAK, the digital compass for local talent and businesses. Think of it as your backstage pass to the people shaping RAK — with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of personality.
Together, we’re lifting the curtain on the movers and makers behind the emirate’s glow-up. From boardrooms to beach walks, RAK Icons brings you real stories from real legends — all rooted right here in Ras Al Khaimah.
Together, we’re putting the spotlight where it belongs: on the people behind the scenes — the dreamers, doers, and change-makers who are building, creating, and inspiring in Ras Al Khaimah. From accountants to artists, chefs to CEOs, RAK Icons is our way of saying, “Hey, have you met this amazing human yet?”
Because Ras Al Khaimah isn’t just about the views — it’s about the visionaries. And this collaboration is here to tell their stories, one incredible local at a time.
- E-Find RAK YouTube Channel
- WOW-RAK Homepage
- Submit a Story Tip (info@wow-rak.com)
