- Taking place at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village until February 8th, the event features an impressive programme of exhibitions, workshops, and entertainment, inspired by the theme ‘Civilizations: Under the Same Sky’
- From January 30th to February 1st, the upcoming weekend marks the third weekend of the festival, which focuses on celebrating international artistic voices and cultural exchange
- Visitors can expect works from 106 artists from 49 nationalities, Mediterranean m
asterpieces from Bungalo34 at The Hidden Table, as well as a food tour, outdoor film screening, and performances from The Gypsy Swing Project, DJ Renzo, Ivonne, and many more
- Running until February 8th, register for free entry and selected paid experiences now via www.rakart.ae
Dubai, UAE : Marking the event’s 14th edition, Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival is already in full swing at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, exploring how civilizations evolve through the intertwining of human decisions, innovations, and exchanges. As the festival enters its third weekend from January 30th to February 1st, the programme turns guests’ attention to cultural diversity and the ways creative expression transcends borders and influences perspectives. Building on last week’s lineup dedicated to families and pet owners, the third weekend brings together local and international voices through thought-provoking artworks, hands-on masterclasses, immersive tours, film screenings, and live music performances.
Live Performances & Film:
Continuing the dynamic festival lineup, the third weekend presents a symphony of live music, vibrant spectacles, film screenings, and dialogue, with a particular focus on global talent and perspectives. On Friday, January 30th, the weekend opens with the colourful Around the World Parade at 4.00pm, featuring school groups and performers leading country delegations through the festival, followed by lively cultural showcases celebrating traditions from India, Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt, and the Philippines. The day continues with the smooth guitar rhythms
As the weekend unfolds, Saturday brings soulful soundscapes, featuring sarangi virtuoso Nabeel Khan’s fusion of classical Indian music and contemporary world influences, alongside the indie energy of Zarooni Sound Society and Fabre’s distinctiv
On Sunday, the weekend’s entertainment concludes with a performance by Spirit of the East, led by Iranian oud player Hooman Shirali, followed by an outdoor screening of Tales from the Magic Garden at 8.00pm, presented in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to the UAE. Crafted through stop-motion animation, the heartwarming film explores how imagination, storytelling, and connection can help in times of loss, creating a memorable viewing experience for visitors of all generations.
The Hidden Table:
From January 30th to February 1st, The Hidden Table welcomes Bungalo34, bringing the laid-back spirit and effortless refinement of the Riviera’s golden era to Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village through a menu of fresh, contemporary Mediterranean flavours. Taking place from 2.00pm to 10.30pm, the experience offers limited seating, with early reservations recommended. Walk-ins are also welcome, subject to availability.
Guided Tours:
Another delicious festival highlight includes the food tour on January 30th, which takes visitors on a guided adventure through the winding streets of Ras Al Khaimah’s old town. Throughout the tour, foodies will have the chance to discover some of the emirate’s best hidden gems and taste time-honoured dishes that have been enjoyed by the community for generations. Promising something to suit everyone’s taste, the third weekend also includes regular heritage tours exploring the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village and art tours delving deeper into the festival’s exhibition.
Workshops & Masterclasses:
Giving visitors the opportunity to engage directly with the narrative of ‘Civilizations’, workshops on Saturday, January 31st focus on hands-on making and cultural storytelling, beginning with pottery painting guided by artist Hakim Elhaj and a travel photography workshop with photojournalist Andrew Tarica. Additionally, guests can take part in a clay crafting session led by Dyae El Gharbaoui or attend the second part of the festival’s speaker series at Visitors’ Centre, Zone B, examining migration, diaspora, and the shifting nature of civilization with expert speakers Dr. Neha Vora, Farah Ali, Prof. Anju Pal, and Homa Farley.
Rounding out the third weekend on Sunday, February 1st, the schedule includes a Moroccan Zellij workshop,
Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival continues to take shape as a month-long celebration of artistic expression, cultural exchange, and shared heritage, offering visitors countless ways to engage with art across Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village. The third weekend adds a distinctly international lens, drawing connections between creative voices from around the world and the evolving stories that shape civilisations across time and place. With free public entry alongside limited-capacity experiences, register now via www.rakart.ae to fully immerse yourself in the emirate’s flagship arts and cultural event.
When: From January 16th to February 8th
Where: Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Ras Al Khaimah
What: A month-long outdoor arts festival featuring exhibitions, performances, workshops, heritage tours, film screenings, and curated culinary experiences
Price: Experiences are priced individually
About Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival:
Founded in 2013 under the patronage of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival has evolved from a modest gathering of 30 emerging local artists into the Emirate’s premier art and cultural showcase.
Formerly known as the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, the rebranded Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival transcends conventional boundaries, serving as a dynamic creative hub dedicated to nurturing local and international talent. Through grants, masterclasses, workshops, and year-round events, it continues to foster artistic growth and cultural dialogue.
