The 2024 Festival

As a homegrown cultural happening, Ras Al Khaimah Art provides an immersive and sensory cultural experience to local and international visitors. Ras Al Khaimah Art fuses the modern and the ancient, bringing together a variety of art forms whilst stimulating dialogue between artists, authors, creatives and the community during the vibrant, authentic, and cultural festival steeped in more than a decade of heritage.

2024 Festival Catalogue
Browse the 2024 Festival's catalogue for a comprehensive list of all activities offered at the Festival, including previews from artwork by participating artists. The catalogue also contains a site map with all venues.

2024 Festival Theme
Explore a world reborn in motion with the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a global pause, revealing nature’s beauty and resilience in stillness. Formerly the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, our transformation signifies a new beginning, inviting you to reimagine the possibilities for the next decade.
In Motion challenges the concept of a new “normal” and beckons you to embrace the constant evolution of our diverse world. From generative AI and NFTs to space journeys and environmental movements, our Festival celebrates and critiques the power of motion and change.
Join us on this exploration, pondering what it means to live life in perpetual motion once again.
Objectives
01
An Enriching and Immersive Experience:
Education is an essential component of our Festival. The Festival seeks to nurture the community's love for art and provide a unique experiential journey through cutting-edge discussions, masterclasses, heritage conservation, and culture.
02
A Synthesis of Heritage, Culture, & The Arts
Catalyzes revitalization of the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, UAE's last remaining intact Emirati pearling village, by hosting exhibitions and thought-provoking programs throughout the winter season.
03
Positioning Ras Al Khaimah
Cultivate Ras Al Khaimah's status as a center for social and human innovation and creativity in adding dimensions to quality of life and enriching the experience of living in Ras Al Khaimah.
04
Democratization of Art
Inclusivity is a crucial mission in our Festival. Art is for Everyone, and we strive to embody this in all aspects of our exhibition and programming.
Festival Partners
The festival is proudly supported by a network of esteemed partners, each contributing to the richness and diversity of the event. Their support enables a wide range of workshops, performances, and exhibitions, enhancing the festival's impact and outreach. We are grateful for their commitment to promoting arts, culture, and community engagement, making this festival a beacon of creativity and collaboration in Ras Al Khaimah's cultural fabric.

The Festival Curator's Tale:
A Journey Through In Motion
“Across history, the drive to explore has propelled both human progress and artistic inspiration. Today, artists plunge into uncharted realms, navigating landscapes and dimensions to unveil diverse connections and cultures.
The Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival seamlessly integrates motion, culture, and perception, immersing participants in a dynamic narrative. Guided through the enchanting Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, visitors traverse storied pathways, encountering captivating installations by local and international artists that harmonize with this year’s Festival theme: In Motion.
Amidst this evolving scene, movement becomes an opportunity to discover new cultures, reconnect with forgotten histories, and celebrate uniqueness. This Festival unveils more than art—it reveals a story flourishing in this remarkable place, a testament to our human journey.”
Festival Curator

Curator's Tale:
A Journey Through In Motion

“Across history, the drive to explore has propelled both human progress and artistic inspiration. Today, artists plunge into uncharted realms, navigating landscapes and dimensions to unveil diverse connections and cultures.
The Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival seamlessly integrates motion, culture, and perception, immersing participants in a dynamic narrative. Guided through the enchanting Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, visitors traverse storied pathways, encountering captivating installations by local and international artists that harmonize with this year’s Festival theme: In Motion.
Amidst this evolving scene, movement becomes an opportunity to discover new cultures, reconnect with forgotten histories, and celebrate uniqueness. This Festival unveils more than art—it reveals a story flourishing in this remarkable place, a testament to our human journey.”
Festival Curator
Born in Lodano, Switzerland, Alfio Tommasini is a photographer, curator, and artistic director interested in the relationship people have with the territory they live in. He has exhibited and published work internationally, receiving several awards for his photography work. Alfio is the co-founder of Verzasca Foto Festival, where he’s responsible for the artistic direction and curation. He also works as a freelance photographer and is interested in local and international collaborations.

2024 Curatorial Bio
Alfio Tommasini
Born in Lodano, Switzerland, Alfio Tommasini is a photographer, curator, and artistic director interested in the relationship people have with the territory they live in. He has exhibited and published work internationally, receiving several awards for his photography work. Alfio is the co-founder of Verzasca Foto Festival, where he’s responsible for the artistic direction and curation. He also works as a freelance photographer and is interested in local and international collaborations.
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Throughout history, the urge to explore has fueled both humanity's progress and artists' inspiration. Today, this drive propels artists into uncharted territories of the physical world and abstract realms, seeking unexplored connections and diverse cultures.
Ras Al Khaimah Art merges motion, culture, and perception. Our exhibition route and events immerse you in this dynamic narrative, becoming a part of the very essence of movement. Step by step through the heritage village's storied pathways, you'll encounter captivating installations. Crafted by local and international artists, these masterpieces harmonize with this year's Festival theme: In Motion.
Like the pioneers of the Emirates, who epitomized exploration, today's nation is a hub of work and leisure. In this evolving scene, movement offers a chance to unearth new cultures, reconnect with forgotten histories, and celebrate uniqueness.
Art is a realm where motion embodies evolution. Ras Al Khaimah Art goes beyond aesthetics, birthing a cultural movement resonating through time. Amid the enchanting landscape of Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, join us in discovering life's essence through culture, art, and movement. Ras Al Khaimah Art reveals more than just art; it mirrors our human journey—a story flourishing in this remarkable place.

Highlights
Founded in 2013, we’ve grown from a small festival of 30 emerging Ras Al Khaimah-based artists to become the emirate’s cultural event of the year. Since 2019, the Festival has called Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village home, hosting a large-scale, outdoor exhibition modeled after La Gacilly Photo Festival in France. The historic home of the Al Zaabi tribe, the traditional pearling village now serves as a bridge between cultural heritage and contemporary art, bringing together art lovers, history enthusiasts, and the rest of the community to engage with new forms of art and learn about Ras Al Khaimah’s rich history. In recognition of Ras Al Khaimah’s connection to the desert, the mountains, and the sea, RAFKAF also hosts satellite exhibitions on the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, and luxury beach destination, Marjan Island.
What's New

The Souq:
Unveiling Human Echoes
The market, a social network evolving alongside human civilization, acts as a hub for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture, shaping the social fabric and economic structures of society. With roots in ancient civilizations, marketplaces like the Agora in Greece and the vibrant souks of the Middle East reflect community dynamics.
This international contemporary art exhibition, curated by Sharon Toval, seamlessly aligns with the festival's theme of "In Motion." It delves into the human experience — our interactions, movements, and existence on Earth. Exploring themes of gender, culture, and spirituality, the exhibition aims to take visitors on a profound journey through the "Human Condition," capturing the myriad highs and lows of our earthly existence. Featuring artworks by famous artists such as Maimouna Guerresi, Erkan Ozgen, Shahar Marcus, and Nezaket Ekici, this exhibition promises to be a captivating exploration of the human spirit.

The Fort:
Ephemeral Whispers
This mesmerizing kinetic art installation blends contemporary and traditional materials on the Fort tower, symbolizing unity and the dynamic nature of human interactions in response to the exhibition theme In Motion and the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village history. The fabric installation showcases intricately woven textiles from diverse cultures, suspended like tapestries, serving as visual metaphors for the rich heritage and experiences facilitated by marketplaces throughout history.
Thematic Weekends

Public Opening
February 2
9:00pm - 12:00am

Pet-Friendly Weekend
February 9, 10, & 11
10:00am - 11:30pm

Family & Community Weekend
February 16, 17, & 18
10:00am - 11:30pm

Cultural Weekend
February 23, 24, & 25
10:00am - 11:30pm
Special Exhibitions
Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival's Special Exhibitions are delivered in collaboration with 5 cultural partners: the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Antiquities and Museums, Marinco Sudac Collection, US Mission to the UAE, the German Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Each bayt unfolds a unique narrative, curated by our partners, offering diverse perspectives on "In motion" theme. From the Department of Antiquities and Museums' voyage through time to Marinco Sudac's avant-garde exploration of color and form, these exhibitions delve into the dynamic interplay of tradition and creativity.

The US Mission to the UAE

Artist In Residence
(Indira Urrutia Zuniga)

Marinko Sudac Foundation

W3rlds

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Abu Dhabi

Ras Al Khaimah Gas

Department of Antiquities & Museums

Thematic Activities & Workshops
Immerse yourself in a variety of creative experiences. Discover wire knitting's elegance, embrace the vibrancy of leather painting, and unleash your creativity in fabric scraps collage. Learn the serene art of resin ocean art, personalize style in tote bag painting, and explore color relationships in our intuitive color workshop. Each offers a hands-on approach, ideal for enhancing your artistic skills. Browse and book to start your journey in creative expression and skill development!

Film Fridays & Live Performance Saturdays
Immerse yourself in a weekend of artistry and rhythm with our special events. On Film Fridays, dive into the magic of storytelling and visual wonder, featuring a diverse array of films from thought-provoking documentaries to captivating narratives. Then, keep the enchantment alive on Live Performance Saturdays with a dynamic and enchanting musical experiences, stand-up comedy, and other artistic performances. Feel the rhythm, tap your feet, have a laugh, and sway to live tunes. Join us for a weekend where cinema, music, and performing come alive - a journey you won't want to miss!

Guided Tours
Explore the rich heritage of Ras Al Khaimah with two distinct tours. The first, a journey through Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, invites you to discover its narrow lanes, traditional mud-brick houses, and iconic wind towers, all while connecting with the deep roots of Emirati culture and the emirate's fishing and pearling legacy. The second tour offers a culinary adventure in the emirate's historic market. Here, you'll savor the rich flavors of decades-old restaurants, experience the charming resurgence of the Old Town, and absorb the authentic pace of local life. Each tour provides a unique perspective on the culture and history of Ras Al Khaimah.

Speaker Series
Join our six-part speaker series at the Festival, featuring diverse topics: "Finding Meaning in Motion" on time's continuum; "Rewinding the Clock" on Al Jazeera Al Hamra's heritage; "Mindful Mobility" on travel's impact; "Embracing ‘Flow’" for holistic living; "STEM to STEAM" on integrating arts in education; and "Reimagining Creative Expression" with NFTs. Engage in discussions on culture, innovation, and sustainability. A journey through varied perspectives and enlightening insights.

Gastronomic Experiences
Experience a culinary journey like no other. Join Paolo & Kelly Picarazzi of award-winning cultural dining experience Antica Australis, named one of the ‘Ten best regional restaurants in Australia’ and presenting exclusively for the first three weekends of the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival.
Festival Map
A convenient and comprehensive map of the 2024 Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival covering walking paths, landmarks, venues, and various activations! You may also download a pdf version from the link below:

Travel Information
Located just about 70 kilometers from Dubai Terminal 3, the journey to the 2024 Festival at Al Jazeera Al Hamra is both quick and convenient. This short trip, averaging around an hour, leads you to the heart of the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, where a world of cultural enrichment awaits.

Travel Information
Founded in 2013, we’ve grown from a small festival of 30 emerging Ras Al Khaimah-based artists to become the emirate’s cultural event of the year. Since 2019, the Festival has called Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village home, hosting a large-scale, outdoor exhibition modeled after La Gacilly Photo Festival in France. The historic home of the Al Zaabi tribe, the traditional pearling village now serves as a bridge between cultural heritage and contemporary art, bringing together art lovers, history enthusiasts, and the rest of the community to engage with new forms of art and learn about Ras Al Khaimah’s rich history. In recognition of Ras Al Khaimah’s connection to the desert, the mountains, and the sea, RAFKAF also hosts satellite exhibitions on the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, and luxury beach destination, Marjan Island.
Past Festivals
- 2022
- 150+ Artists
- 49 Nationalities
- 2021
- 111 Artists
- 49 Nationalities
- 2020
- 110 Artists
- 33 Nationalities
- 2019
- 74 Artists
- 31 Nationalities
- 2018
- 84 Artists
- 30 Nationalities
- 2017
- 64 Artists
- 31 Nationalities
- 2016
- 73 Artists
- 31 Nationalities
- 2015
- 65 Artists
- 24 Nationalities
- 2014
- 41 Artists
- 16 Nationalities
- 2013
- 26 Artists
- 12 Nationalities
- 2021
- 11 Artists
- 2021
- 11 Artists
Past Festivals

Throughout history, the urge to explore has fueled both humanity's progress and artists' inspiration. Today, this drive propels artists into uncharted territories of the physical world and abstract realms, seeking unexplored connections and diverse cultures.
Ras Al Khaimah Art merges motion, culture, and perception. Our exhibition route and events immerse you in this dynamic narrative, becoming a part of the very essence of movement. Step by step through the heritage village's storied pathways, you'll encounter captivating installations. Crafted by local and international artists, these masterpieces harmonize with this year's Festival theme: In Motion.
Like the pioneers of the Emirates, who epitomized exploration, today's nation is a hub of work and leisure. In this evolving scene, movement offers a chance to unearth new cultures, reconnect with forgotten histories, and celebrate uniqueness.
Art is a realm where motion embodies evolution. Ras Al Khaimah Art goes beyond aesthetics, birthing a cultural movement resonating through time. Amid the enchanting landscape of Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, join us in discovering life's essence through culture, art, and movement. Ras Al Khaimah Art reveals more than just art; it mirrors our human journey—a story flourishing in this remarkable place.