Set within the atmospheric ruins of an ancient pearling village, Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2026 invites visitors on a cultural journey through time, memory, and creative exchange. Now in its 14th edition, the festival returns with its most ambitious theme yet: “Civilizations”.

Bringing together more than 100 artists from nearly 50 nationalities, the festival transforms Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village into a living canvas where ancestral stories meet contemporary artistic expression. From large-scale installations and immersive exhibitions to performances, workshops, and film screenings, the festival offers a multidimensional experience that goes far beyond traditional gallery spaces.

A major highlight of this year’s edition is the launch of the first Ras Al Khaimah Contemporary Art Biennale, curated by Sharon Toval. This new initiative positions Ras Al Khaimah firmly on the international art map, creating a long-term platform for critical dialogue between regional and global art practices.

The programme reflects a wide spectrum of creativity. Visitors can explore contemporary works by international artists, attend live music performances by regional and global talents, participate in hands-on workshops ranging from Arabic calligraphy to Moroccan zellij, and even enjoy curated culinary experiences that blend gastronomy with cultural storytelling.

What makes the festival truly unique is its setting. Al Jazeera Al Hamra, the UAE’s last intact Emirati pearling village, adds a powerful historical layer to the experience. The contrast between centuries-old coral stone architecture and cutting-edge contemporary art creates a rare dialogue between past and present.

Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2026 is not just an exhibition — it is a cultural ecosystem. A place where art becomes a bridge between civilizations, and where heritage is not preserved in silence, but reimagined through creativity.