The ‘King of Glass,’ French artist Jan Claude Novaro has opened his manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah. The plant was inaugurated by the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

Novaro has also signed an agreement to design an exclusive range of tiles for RAK Ceramics, the world’s largest ceramic tiles and bathware manufacturing company.

“The opening of Novaro’s factory in Ras Al Khaimah has reaffirmed the emirate’s growing stature as a favourite destination of global investors and high-profile entrepreneurs,” said a statement released on the occasion.

“Moreover, Novaro’s partnership with RAK Ceramics is expected to generate huge interest in the global market as the partnership unveils its first designs for RAK Ceramics’ Luminous range.”

Recognised as one of the greatest glass blowers of his generation, Novaro maintains a portfolio of top-tier clients that include Prince Albert II of Monaco, Sheikh Tariq Al Qassimi, Robert De Niro, Bill Cosby, Mike Tyson and Phillippe Monet. He has also earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest handblown coupe ever made.

“The inauguration of Jean Claude Novaro’s new workshop in Ras Al Khaimah underlines the strategic advantages of the emirate as an ideal business base for companies seeking to expand in the Mena region,” said the CEO of RAK Ceramics Dr Khater Massaad.

Dr Massaad said RAK Ceramics was particularly excited with the opening of the new facility as it gave the company direct access to  world-class expertise and unrivaled artistic genius that would enhance its ability to create more stunning and award-winning designs and models.

“Moreover, Novaro is acclaimed as the ‘King of Glass’, so his contributions will definitely add prestige and glamour to RAK Ceramics’ tile collections, reaffirming the company’s reputation as the world’s number one supplier of innovative and premium-quality ceramic tiles and bathware.”

Novaro’s unique and distinctive art-glass creations are highly valued and sought after by art connoisseurs all over the world. Many of the Frenchman’s creations are now being displayed in museums, galleries and private collections around the world. He has also participated in over 125 individual and collective shows in different countries including France, Germany, Belgium, Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, Saudi Arabia and the US.