Past Festivals
The Ras Al Khaimah arts festival has grown into a premier platform for artistic expression, celebrating creativity, culture, and community. Since its inception, the festival has brought together artists, photographers, and filmmakers from around the world, fostering dialogue and showcasing diverse perspectives. Hosted annually at the historic Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village, each edition has introduced captivating themes, immersive exhibitions, film screenings, and interactive workshops. From its early days as a regional arts initiative to its evolution into an internationally recognized festival, it continues to inspire and connect communities through the transformative power of art.
With a new name, the 2024 Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival transformed the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra into a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing over 130 artists from 36 countries under the theme In Motion. The festival featured immersive exhibitions, large-scale installations, live performances, and interactive workshops set among the village's coral-stone ruins. Highlights included a culinary experience by Antica Australis, thematic weekends, and contemporary artworks curated by global institutions. With its expanded programming and rebranded identity, the festival continued to celebrate artistic innovation while breathing new life into the UAE's last surviving historic pearling village.
The 2023 Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) transformed the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village into a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing over 120 artists from more than 35 countries under the theme Nature. Presented by RAKTDA, the festival featured immersive exhibitions, film screenings, heritage talks, musical performances, and interactive workshops. Highlights included a Middle East culinary journey by Antica Australis and the regional premiere of The Chocolate War, along with outdoor screenings of international films. With global collaborations and a focus on artistic innovation, RAKFAF celebrated creativity and community engagement.
The 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival transformed the historic Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village into a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing over 150 artists from around the world under the theme The Journey. Expanding beyond its main venue, the festival hosted art events at Jebel Jais and Al Marjan Island's Open Park. Highlights included a special Travel in Covid exhibition, outdoor film screenings, cultural performances, and pet-friendly activities. With interactive workshops, guided tours, and immersive art experiences, the festival celebrated a decade of creativity while honoring the UAE's rich heritage and artistic diversity.
The 2021 Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival embraced the theme of Hope, exploring its role in shaping the future through art. As the UAE approached its 50th anniversary, the festival reflected on change, resilience, and possibility, with artists examining where hope is found and how it is shared. Set against the backdrop of Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village, the festival featured diverse exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural programs that inspired dialogue on the future of humanity. Through creativity and expression, RAKFAF highlighted the enduring connection between art and optimism in an evolving world.
The 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) celebrated its 8th edition, showcasing a diverse array of local and international talent. Held in the historic village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra, the festival featured works from artists, photographers, and filmmakers, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of the region. As a nonprofit initiative, RAKFAF aims to provide a platform for creative expression within the community. Over the years, it has evolved from a modest gathering of 30 emerging Ras Al Khaimah-based artists to become the emirate's premier cultural event. The 2020 edition continued this tradition, offering attendees a vibrant and immersive artistic experience.
The 2019 Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) celebrated its 7th edition from February 15 to April 20, 2019, at the historic Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village. The festival featured an outdoor visual arts exhibition, film screenings, workshops, and other cultural events, providing a platform for local and international artists, photographers, and filmmakers to showcase their talents. As a nonprofit initiative, RAKFAF aims to foster community engagement and highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region.