Tariq Al Salman — the heart and soul behind Ras Al Khaimah’s creative pulse. As the founder of Design Gallery, he’s turning the emirate into a buzzing canvas for artists, dreamers, and culture lovers alike. From soulful stories of growing up in old-school RAK to bold predictions about its booming future, Tariq’s journey is both nostalgic and visionary.
Hit play to discover how art, nature, and a little Rasasi magic are shaping a new generation of talent.
Interview Highlights
🎒 Back to Roots: After globetrotting for studies and work, Tariq made the ultimate comeback to his hometown—because RAK, he says, “just hits different.”
🌍 RAK Goes Global: Shocked (in the best way) by the diverse nationalities moving in—from Japan to South America—he sees RAK as the new hotspot for peaceful living and thriving business.
🎨 Gallery Goals: Two years ago, he opened Design Gallery—now the city’s go-to art hangout where residents, expats, and tourists come for exhibitions, workshops, and conversations that matter.
🧠 Mentorship Magic: He’s big on nurturing young talent, with resident artists teaching newbies the ropes and a strong push to make art a serious career path.
🐴 Next-Level Exhibits: Think beyond the canvas—like photography exhibitions shot on horseback! Yep, his shows come with a side of adrenaline.
🌱 Nature Nerd: Hiking mountains, fishing, beach sports, horse riding—Tariq isn’t just talking about RAK’s beauty; he lives it every weekend.
💡 Golden Advice for Expats: Ditch the comfort zone. Explore the souks, attend a camel race, visit farms. You’re not just in RAK—you’re part of it now.
Pull-Out Quotes
“If you don’t take the opportunity now to grow a business in Ras Al Khaimah, it’ll be too late in two years.”
“Design Gallery isn’t just a gallery—it’s a community hub. You sip coffee, talk art, meet people, and maybe leave with a new idea.”
“You’re already in RAK. Why not hike the mountain, ride a camel, and make stories that take a lifetime elsewhere?”
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)
