• Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival returns with family and pet-friendly experiences.
• Over 100 artists from 49 nationalities bring Civilizations to life.
• Live music, performances, and film screenings animate heritage spaces.
• Workshops, dining, and outdoor activities invite all ages to participate.
Art spills into the open air at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village as Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival settles into its second weekend with an inclusive, joy-filled focus on families and pets. Running until February 8, the festival brings together 106 artists representing 49 nationalities, turning one of the UAE’s most storied heritage sites into a living canvas shaped by creativity, conversation, and community.
Inspired by the theme Civilizations, this year’s programme explores how cultures are built through shared rituals, artistic expression, and everyday connection. From January 23 to 25, the festival invites visitors to experience this idea in its most accessible form, through activities designed for children, parents, and even four-legged companions. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, encouraging guests to wander freely between installations, workshops, performances, and heritage spaces.
One of the weekend’s standout experiences is The Hidden Table, a curated dining journey where food becomes an extension of art. On January 23 and 24, guests are transported to the cobbled streets of Porto through a flame-driven culinary experience led by Chef Tiago Pazzini from Chama. The immersive setting blends storytelling, flavour, and place, offering a moment to slow down and savour creativity through cuisine.
Live performances and film screenings add rhythm to the village throughout the weekend. Grammy-nominated composer Roger Ryan sets the tone with a layered live set, joined by the energetic violin-and-beats performance of Madam and the easygoing pop sounds of Maz. As evening falls, theatrical moments take centre stage, from Alana Hicks’ Voices in the Dark monologue to James SCARR’s expressive mime performance. Talks on cultural imagination and the future of museums sit alongside outdoor film screenings, creating a programme that feels both reflective and celebratory.
Families are at the heart of this weekend’s energy. The Family Talent Show offers an open stage for singing, dancing, storytelling, and creative expression, while the Family Fun Walk invites participants to explore the village together, with complimentary t-shirts and medals for early arrivals. Children and adults alike can take part in hands-on workshops, including mime masterclasses, plaster tile making inspired by Islamic geometry, paper quilling, 3D calligraphy, and block printing rooted in ancient civilisations.
Pet lovers are equally welcomed. The Best Pets Competition invites friendly rivalry across categories like Best Grooming, Best Rescue, and Best Tail-Wagger. Dog-friendly art and heritage tours allow owners and pets to explore the village together, while agility courses and expert-led training sessions bring playful energy to the outdoor setting.
Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival unfolds as a shared cultural landscape where art, heritage, and everyday life intersect naturally. This family and pet-focused weekend celebrates creativity as something lived and enjoyed together. Plan your visit, choose your experiences, and be part of a festival that brings people, ideas, and cultures into meaningful conversation!
Visit the Website for more details and updates.
