The 14th annual Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival has launched its immersive 2026 program at the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, embracing the unifying theme ‘Civilisations: Under the Same Sky.’ This cultural celebration transforms the UAE’s last intact Emirati pearling village into a dynamic platform exploring how ancestral traditions and contemporary innovation shape creative expression across global societies.
The month-long festival, operating under the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, features an ambitious program connecting ancient Silk Road trade routes with modern metropolitan influences. The inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Contemporary Art Biennale, curated by Sharon Toval, serves as the centerpiece exhibition examining cultural evolution through works ranging from metaphysical explorations to bold challenges of identity and perception.
This year’s expanded programming introduces several innovative elements including The Hidden Table culinary experience, where different restaurants weekly present signature cuisine within the heritage village setting. The festival also showcases 106 artists representing 49 nationalities through exhibitions, live performances, film screenings, and interactive workshops.
Weekly thematic weekends structure the experience: opening celebrations (January 16-18), family and pet-friendly activities (January 23-25), ‘Around the World’ exploration (January 30-February 1), and cultural immersion (February 6-8). Visitors can participate in hands-on masterclasses covering traditional Arabic calligraphy and embroidery alongside contemporary disciplines like photography and fabric art.
Guided tours weave together culinary, artistic, and heritage elements, offering deep dives into Old Town cuisine, exhibition narratives, and the architectural history of the pearling village. Dr. Natasha Ridge, executive director of Ras Al Khaimah Art, emphasizes the festival’s role as a catalyst for dialogue and creative cultural exchange, noting its significance in establishing Ras Al Khaimah as an emerging cultural hub.