Main Programming

Step into a world where creativity and culture blend seamlessly at the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival. Our main program unfolds with a spectacular Public Opening, followed by a series of thematic weekends designed to captivate the heart and soul. Embrace the joy of companionship at our Pet-Friendly Weekend, create cherished memories during the Family & Community Weekend, and enrich your senses at the Cultural Weekend. Each day is filled with activities from morning till late, promising a celebration of art, community, and the vibrant heritage of Ras Al Khaimah. Engage, enjoy, and be inspired with us.

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01Public Opening

Experience the beginning of a cultural journey at the Public Opening of the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival on February 2nd. An evening of anticipation and grandeur awaits from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Witness the unveiling of a vibrant tapestry of art and join us under the stars as we kickstart a month-long celebration of creativity and community. Come be a part of the inaugural festivities that set the stage for a series of unforgettable weekends.

Date: February 2, 2022
Time: 9:00PM - 12:00AM

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02Pet-Friendly Weekend

Celebrate the love for our furry friends at the Pet-Friendly Weekend from February 9-11 at the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival. Tail-wagging adventures and purr-fect artistic expressions await from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM. Bring your beloved pets and join fellow animal enthusiasts for a weekend filled with pet-centric activities, art, and community fun. It's not just a weekend; it's a pet party!

Date: February 9, 10, and 11, 2024
Time: 10:00AM - 11:30 PM

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03Family & Community Weekend

Gather your loved ones for the Family & Community Weekend at the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival, taking place from February 16-18. From 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily, enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere where families can bond over interactive art installations, engaging workshops, and communal activities designed to inspire and entertain all ages. This weekend strengthens the fabric of our community through shared cultural experiences and creative family fun. Join us in celebrating the joys of togetherness!

Date: February 16, 17, 18
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM

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04Cultural Weekend

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of traditions at the Cultural Weekend of the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival, running from February 23-25. From 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM, explore a plethora of activities that celebrate the region's diverse artistic heritage. Engage with local artisans, experience traditional performances, and delve into the cultural narratives that shape our community. This weekend promises a vibrant exploration of the past and present, showcasing the unique cultural wealth of Ras Al Khaimah. Join us for a journey through the arts that is as educational as it is entertaining.

Date: February 23, 24, 25
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM

 

Workshops

Discover your creative spark at the Workshop Series of the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival. Dive into a world of learning and exploration with a diverse range of workshops, tailored to ignite imagination and skill in both novices and aficionados. From artistic expression to specialized crafts, each workshop is a unique opportunity to learn from experts, share ideas, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to refine a skill, try something new, or simply enjoy the process of creation, our workshops provide the perfect setting. Join us and unleash your creative potential in an environment that celebrates artistry and innovation.

 

Objectives

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 
 

Tours

Embark on an explorative journey with our exclusive RSVP Tours at the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival. Delight your senses on the Food Tour, a culinary adventure that guides you through a tapestry of local and international flavors, each dish telling a story of heritage and innovation. Or step back in time with our Historical Tour, where the whispers of the past meet the pulse of the present. Discover the rich tapestry of Ras Al Khaimah's history, exploring landmarks that stand as testaments to a storied past. Join us for these curated experiences and uncover the layers of culture and history that define our vibrant community.

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01Food Tour

Savor the flavors of tradition and innovation on the Food Tour at the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival. This gastronomic journey requires an RSVP to take you through a world where each bite tells a story. Experience the fusion of local tastes with global cuisines, and let your palate explore the essence of culinary artistry. Join us for an unforgettable tour that promises to be as educational as it is delicious.

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02Historical Tour

Embark on the Historical Tour at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, a testament to the UAE's pearling past. Wander through this preserved village, once bustling with pearl divers and traders, and absorb the cultural heritage through its traditional architecture and timeless alleys. This experience offers a window into the authentic Emirati way of life, inviting you to connect with the enduring legacy of the region.

Highlights

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.

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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

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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.

 

Festival Map

Click below to download a copy of the 2024 Festival map