Inside Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026: The Festival Bringing Global Creativity to an Emirati Village

Ras Al Khaimah's flagship arts festival returns in January 2026—this time with an international art biennale, over 100 artists, hands-on workshops and a culinary pop-up inside a living piece of history.

If you're tired of the usual Dubai and Abu Dhabi arts circuit, the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival offers something different: heritage, contemporary art and serious food in one place. Running across the atmospheric Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village from January 16 to February 8, 2026, this is the UAE's most immersive art festival getaway. And this year, it's bigger than before.

What to Expect: Art, Workshops, Performances and The Hidden Table

This edition runs under the theme "Civilizations: Under the Same Sky". Here's what stands out:

• Massive scale: 106 artists from 49 countries showing work across exhibitions, performances, film screenings and workshops. Contemporary meets tradition, with focus on what makes the UAE's creative scene tick.
• New Ras Al Khaimah Contemporary Art Biennale: The inaugural biennale (curated by Sharon Toval) is the festival's centrepiece. Expect sculpture, performance, textiles, AI and photography from artists like Sutee Kunavichayanont, Stefano Cagol and Hicham Benohoud. First time RAK has hosted a show this size.
• Workshops and masterclasses: Arabic calligraphy, light-painting, bookbinding, zellij tile making, agricultural techniques. Daily sessions, many family-friendly.
• Guided tours: Al Jazeera Al Hamra's pearling history, art tours or food trails mapping the best bites in old town.
• Performances and cinema: Strong music lineup—Emirati vocalist AlMaydee, genre-hopping MadamDXB, Grammy-nominated Roger Ryan, plus theatre and mime. Film screenings run indoors and outdoors.
• The Hidden Table: Each weekend, a top international restaurant pops up. Portugal's Chama, Michelin-starred Restaurant Pine from the UK, and Mediterranean spot Bungalo34. Book ahead—these dinners sell out.

Dates & Times: Festival Calendar

The festival runs Friday, January 16 to Sunday, February 8, 2026, split into themed weekends:

• Opening Weekend: January 16–18 (Friday–Sunday)
• Family and Pet Friendly: January 23–25 (Friday–Sunday)
• Around the World: January 30–February 1 (Friday–Sunday)
• Cultural Weekend: February 6–8 (Friday–Sunday)

Major exhibitions and pop-up restaurants run throughout, but weekends pack the most action. Opening Friday (Jan 16) brings the biggest crowds for headline acts. If you're bringing family or pets, plan for the second weekend.

Tickets & Pricing

Entry is priced per experience—your total cost depends on what you book. Some exhibitions are free. Workshops, food events and guided tours are ticketed. Full details (including The Hidden Table bookings) are on the festival's official website.

• Book experiences via rakart.ae
• Food pop-ups and masterclasses usually sell out—book early for weekends.

Getting There: Location & Travel Tips

Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village is a 75-minute drive north from central Dubai. It's signposted from the main Ras Al Khaimah highway. Parking is free but limited inside the village—arrive early on weekends.

• Address: Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Ras Al Khaimah
• Parking: Free onsite but tight on Fridays and festival nights. Overflow parking available 5 minutes' walk away.
• Public transport: No direct metro or train. RAK Taxi and Careem drop-offs allowed at festival gates.
• Tip: Weather is coolest in January–February. Evenings can get chilly—bring layers, especially for film screenings.

Event Info Box

• Event: Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival
• Dates: January 16 (Friday) to February 8 (Sunday), 2026
• Times: Programme varies daily, core hours: 2pm–10pm
• Location: Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Ras Al Khaimah
• Tickets: Experiences priced individually (see rakart.ae)
• Website: www.rakart.ae

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