Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2026 opens this Friday: Dates, location and what to expect

Key Takeaways

• The festival runs from Friday, 16 January to Sunday, 8 February 2026.
• Location: Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Ras Al Khaimah.
• Opening weekend features live performances by AlMaydee and AFCENT Band.
• New "The Hidden Table" culinary programme launches with Chef Tiago Pazzini.
• Entry includes a mix of free public access and ticketed experiences.

Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival is returning to the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village this weekend, kicking off a month-long celebration of culture and heritage. According to the announcement, the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2026 edition runs from Friday, 16 January to 8 February, bringing together art, workshops, and film screenings under the theme "Civilizations".

This year's programme focuses on how cultures evolve and influence one another, a theme that resonates with other regional efforts like the recent Irthi and Apple collaboration which highlighted the intersection of traditional crafts and modern technology. For UAE residents looking for a weekend trip, the opening few days promise a packed schedule of live entertainment and new dining concepts.

What to expect at Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2026

The festival transforms the UAE's last remaining intact pearling village into an open-air gallery. The "Civilizations" theme explores shared histories through exhibitions and installations scattered throughout the heritage site. Beyond the visual art, visitors can join guided heritage tours that explain the architectural and maritime history of the area.

For those interested in hands-on activities, the weekend features workshops covering Arabic calligraphy, light painting, and analogue film photography. It is a family-friendly environment, though specific workshops may have age recommendations.

Opening weekend lineup

The launch weekend sets a high bar for entertainment. On Friday, 16 January, Emirati vocalist AlMaydee takes the stage at The Fort, performing a fusion of jazz, blues, and soft rock.

Saturday, 17 January shifts gears with a broader variety of acts. The lineup includes:

• James SCARR: A return of his expressive mime show.
• Alana Hicks: Presenting "Step into Civilisation", blending storytelling with live art.
• Luiza: Returning to the main stage after her debut last year.
• AFCENT Band: A high-energy mix of pop, rock, and jazz.

Cinema fans can also catch a free indoor film screening at Al Hamra Mall, offering an alternative to the standard cinema screenings available across the emirates this week.

The Hidden Table: A new culinary experience

New for 2026 is "The Hidden Table", a culinary programme designed to treat food as cultural storytelling. This aligns with the growing trend of cultural dining experiences gaining traction across the UAE.

The concept launches with "Chama", an open-fire dining experience at Bayt 7 led by Chef Tiago Pazzini. There is no fixed menu; instead, dishes are guided by seasonality and instinct, served in an intimate setting within the heritage village walls. Seating for these dinners is limited to ensure a personal atmosphere.

Tickets and registration

Access to the festival is a mix of free and paid options. General entry to the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village site allows visitors to view many of the exhibitions and installations at no cost. However, specific workshops, guided tours, and dining experiences like The Hidden Table are ticketed individually.

Registration is required for both free and ticketed events. You can book spots and purchase tickets directly through the official festival website.

Getting there

The festival takes place at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village in Ras Al Khaimah. It is approximately an hour's drive from Dubai. Parking is generally available near the heritage site, though it can get busy during the opening weekend. If you are attending the film screening, head to Al Hamra Mall, which is a short distance from the main festival site.

Event Details

Event: Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival
Dates: 16 January to 8 February 2026 (Friday to Sunday)
Location: Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Ras Al Khaimah
Tickets: Free entry; individual prices for workshops and dining. Registration required.
Website: www.rakart.ae

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