Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2026: "Civilizations"
"When any civilization is dust and ashes . . . art is all that's left over."— Margaret Atwood
For the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival, we invite you to explore the grand narrative of Civilizations - both as relics of our shared past and as living frameworks shaping our present and future. Civilizations evolve through the intertwining of human decisions, innovations, and exchanges over millennia, giving rise to extraordinary achievements in art, architecture, philosophy, science, and governance.
From the ancient Silk Road routes that once connected Ras Al Khaimah to distant shores, to the modern metropolises defining today's global landscape, Civilizations examines how artistic expression has flourished across societies. The 2026 Festival celebrates the diversity of cultural forms alongside the shared aspirations that bind humanity together. As civilizations meet and merge, we ask: what endures, what transforms, and what new forms of art, beauty, and understanding emerge from this continuous dialogue?
Thematic Weekends
Each weekend offers a unique focus while featuring a consistent lineup of engaging activities throughout the Festival:
What's new
Immerse yourself in extraordinary experiences that redefine cultural exploration through art, cuisine, and discovery
New for 2026
The Hidden Table
A reimagined culinary experience at the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, where gastronomy and art meet in intimate, cross-cultural collborations. Building on past editions that bought together award-winning chefs from Brazil, South Africa and Australia, this year's edition welcomes three unique experiences. Featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant for the first time, we continue the tradition of world-class creativity and storytelling through food.
Explore Hidden Table→New for 2026
Contemporary Art Biennale
For the first time at the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, experience the new Contemporary Art Biennale. Centered on the theme Civilizations, the Biennale invites you to explore three thought-provoking sub-themes: The Spirit Within (Spiritual), Under the Same Sky (Craft, AI, Heritage), and Vision from the Source (Women); offering diverse artistic perspectives to reflect upon and engage with.
Explore the Art Biennale→The Hidden Table
A reimagined culinary experience at the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, where gastronomy and art meet in intimate, cross-cultural collborations. Building on past editions that bought together award-winning chefs from Brazil, South Africa and Australia, this year's edition welcomes three unique experiences. Featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant for the first time, we continue the tradition of world-class creativity and storytelling through food.
Explore Hidden Table→Contemporary Art Biennale
For the first time at the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, experience the new Contemporary Art Biennale. Centered on the theme Civilizations, the Biennale invites you to explore three thought-provoking sub-themes: The Spirit Within (Spiritual), Under the Same Sky (Craft, AI, Heritage), and Vision from the Source (Women); offering diverse artistic perspectives to reflect upon and engage with.
Explore the Art Biennale→
Discover Civilizations, the Main Exhibition of the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival. Featuring local and international artists, it explores the dailogue between past and present, tradition and innovation through inspiring works of art. Don't forget to collect your festival stamp as you explore the exhibition! The exhibition is curated by Alfio Tommasini.
A fun, interactive passport designed for kids to explore the Festival! Collect stamps as you journey through different zones, complete creative challenges, and unlock a small surprise when your passport is full. A playful way to discover the world of civilizations!
Curator
Alfio Tommasini
Born in Locarno (Switzerland), Alfio Tommasini is a photographer, curator, and director of the Verzasca Foto Festival (Switzerland) which he co-founded in 2013. He has collaborated with various cultural realities, particularly in Latin America, and is currently guest curator of the RAK Art Festival (UAE).
His work explores the relationship between people and the landscapes they inhabit. He has exhibited internationally and received several awards, including first prize at Encontros da Imagem, first prize at the Phodar Biennial, and the bronze medal at the Sony World Photography Awards. His images have appeared in The Guardian, British Journal of Photography, Le Temps, The North Face Mountain, and Jiazazhi Press China, among others. His book Via Lactea is published by Edition Patrick Frey.
For Young Explorers
A fun, interactive passport designed for kids to explore the Festival! Collect stamps as you journey through different zones, complete creative challenges, and unlock a small surprise when your passport is full. A playful way to discover the world of civilizations!
Festival Catalogue & Map
Browse the 2026 Festival's catalogue for a comprehensive view of all activities offered at the Festival, and explore the festival map to plan your visit
Our Partners
Presenting Partner
Exhibition Partner
Official Partner
Community Partner
Friends of the Festival
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Special Collaborations
Experience the extraordinary at the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival! Celebrate artistic excellence through international collaborations with the Peruvian, Brazilian, German, Dutch, British, and American diplomatic missions to the UAE. We are also proud to collaborate with the Marinko Sudac Foundation from Croatia, and the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
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Performances
Experience the magic of live performances at the festival. Every weekend, the Heritage Village comes alive with music, dance, comedy, and spoken word that celebrate this year's theme: Civilizations.
From soulful melodies to powerful storytelling, enjoy an unforgettable fusion of cultures and creativity under the stars.
AFCENT Band (US Embassy)
Luiza - Musical Performance
James SCARR | The Mime Show
The Gypsy Swing Project
Nabeel Khan (SaraghiMusic)
Zarooni & Friends
Hooman Shirali & Tabla
Highlights
Join us at the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival's Speaker Series, where thought leaders and innovators delve into topics ranging from culture and heritage to technology and sustainability. This dynamic platform offers enriching discussions that inspire and challenge perspectives.
Speaker Series
Ignite your creativity at the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival with immersive Workshops & Masterclasses led by renowned artists and makers. Dive into 3D calligraphy, analog film, expressive painting, pottery, jewelry design, clay magnet making, tote bag art, and more. Each intimate, hands-on session is crafted to refine your skills, expand your vision, and spark fresh inspiration as you explore, experiment, and create in an atmosphere buzzing with imagination and discovery.
Workshops & Masterclasses
Discover the rich history of Ras Al Khaimah through our Heritage Tours at the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival. Wander through the charming alleys of Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, uncover stories of the past, and experience the timeless beauty of this cultural landmark. Join our guided tours to explore how heritage and art come together to tell the story of civilizations.
Heritage Tours
Art Exploration
Launched in 2023, the Art Exploration Program is a community-centered initiative designed to inspire creativity, confidence, and curiosity among students in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE. Delivered in the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, it offers meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect creativity with heritage.
Explore Now→
Festival Hours
Important
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Some special events and performances may extend beyond regular hours.
Public opening
Friday, January 16, 2026
9:00 PM
Weekdays
Tuesday – Thursday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekends
Friday – Sunday
10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Closed
Every Monday
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Travel Information
Located just about 70 kilometers from Dubai Terminal 3, the journey to the 2026 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.