If you love art, culture, food, and a good wander somewhere beautiful, this one’s for you. From January 16 to February 8, 2026, the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival returns to the stunning Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village. Turning it into a buzzing creative hub where people can meet, share stories, and bring ideas alive. I have all the exciting details about this free-entry art festival, so keep reading to find out more.
Also read: Your Guide To Dubai’s Favourite FREE Art Fest – The Sikka Art & Design Festival 2026!
The 2026 Big Theme
The theme for RAK Art 2026 is “Civilizations”, inspired by the idea that while cities rise and fall, art is what truly lasts. This year’s festival explores civilizations as both pieces of our shared history and living systems that still shape how we think, create, and connect today.
From the ancient Silk Road links that once passed through Ras Al Khaimah, to today’s fast-moving global cities, the festival looks at how art has always been part of human exchange. As cultures meet and blend, the big question is simple but powerful: what stays, what changes, and what new beauty comes from it all?
What To Expect Across The Festival
Expect a mix of local and international artists, creative installations, performances, talks, films, and hands-on experiences. All set within a heritage village that adds even more character to the art on display. Whether you’re popping in for an hour or spending the whole day, there’s plenty to see and do.
Thematic Weekends You’ll Want To Plan Around
Each weekend brings its own vibe while keeping the creative energy going all month long:
1. Opening Weekend | Jan 17 – 18
The big launch of RAK Art 2026, packed with community celebrations, major exhibition openings, and special performances to kick things off in style.
2. Family & Pet-Friendly Weekend | Jan 23 – 25
Art for everyone — including your furry friends. Expect creative play areas, family-focused workshops, and pet-friendly experiences.
3. Around The World Weekend | Jan 30 – Feb 1
A celebration of global culture through art, music, and food, shining a spotlight on international voices and cross-cultural creativity.
4. Cultural Weekend | Feb 6 – 8
A beautiful tribute to heritage, with immersive experiences focused on Emirati culture, oral histories, and regional storytelling.
What’s New This Year (And Worth Checking Out)
1. The Hidden Table
This is where food meets art. The Hidden Table is a curated dining experience bringing together chefs and creatives for intimate, cross-cultural collaborations. After hosting award-winning chefs from Brazil, South Africa, and Australia in previous years, 2026 introduces three unique dining experiences, including a Michelin-starred restaurant for the first time.
– Price: AED 350
2. Contemporary Art Biennale (First Ever!)
Making its debut at the festival, the Contemporary Art Biennale dives deeper into the theme of Civilizations through three powerful sub-themes:
- The Spirit Within (Spiritual)
- Under the Same Sky (Craft, AI, Heritage)
- Vision from the Source (Women)
It’s designed to make you think, reflect, and see the world from fresh perspectives.
The Main Exhibition: Civilizations
The heart of the festival is the Civilizations Main Exhibition, featuring both local and international artists exploring the balance between past and present, tradition and innovation. As you explore, don’t forget to collect your festival stamp along the way.
The exhibition is curated by Alfio Tommasini, a Swiss photographer and curator known for exploring the connection between people and the landscapes they live in. He is also the co-founder and director of the Verzasca Foto Festival in Switzerland and has worked extensively across Latin America and internationally.
What You Can Enjoy With Your FREE Entry
Your free pass gives you access to:
- The debut Contemporary Art Biennale
- Art installations and exhibitions across the village
- Thematic weekends and live performances
- Cultural showcases and immersive tours
- Film screenings and family-friendly experiences
Extra Experiences (Optional, But Worth It)
If you want to go deeper:
- Workshops: AED 50 per session
- Masterclasses: AED 100 per session
- The Hidden Table dining experience: AED 350
Not An Event Worth Missing
RAK Art 2026 is set to become a space where people come to explore how civilizations connect, collide, and create something new together. Whether you’re an art lover, a curious explorer, or just looking for a great day out, this festival has something waiting for you.
For all the information you need to know, visit RAK Art 2026’s website!
