Experience a Celebration of Creativity, Culture, and Community at Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival’s Pet & Family Weekend
- Taking place at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village until February 8th, the festival brings together 106 artists representing 49 nationalities
- The upcoming weekend from January 23rd to 25th features a curated programme of family- and pet-friendly activities, alongside outdoor experiences
- Inspired by the theme ‘Civilizations’, visitors can enjoy artist-led workshops, guided tours, culinary moments at The Hidden Table, and live performances by Roger Ryan, Madam, James SCARR, and others
- Registration is now open for both free and ticketed experiences at www.rakart.ae
Dubai, UAE (22 January 2026): Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival has officially touched down in the storied walls of Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village. Encouraging visitors from all walks of life to immerse themselves in this year’s programme, each weekend features a unique angle, with the opening weekend introducing the theme of ‘Civilizations’. Now entering its second weekend from January 23rd to 25th, guests can expect a special series of family and pet-friendly experiences that bring art and community together.
The Hidden Table
The second weekend of Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival continues with The Hidden Table, a series of immersive dining journeys where artistic expression and culinary artistry collide. On January 23rd and 24th, the experience transports gastronomes to the cobbled streets of Porto with an unmissable symphony of flame-kissed flavours created by Chef Tiago Pazzini from Chama.
Live Performances & Film
Live entertainment and film screenings animate the festival every week, unfolding across atmospheric corners of Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village and surrounding venues. Starting the second weekend on a high note, the spotlight turns to a standout lineup of performances and talks, beginning with Grammy-nominated composer Roger Ryan’s richly layered live set, alongside the electrifying violin-and-beats energy of Madam and the smooth, crowd-pleasing pop of Maz.
The weekend culminates with a theatrical ‘Voices in the Dark’ monologue by Alana Hicks, setting the stage for a series of vibrant cultural moments including ‘The Mannequin’ mime performance by James SCARR, Qatar-British guitarist Khalifa Thani, and showcases by RAK Academy. These performances unfold alongside a speaker series exploring the future of museums and cultural imagination, before closing with an outdoor film screening under the village skies.
Family-Focused & Pet-Friendly Activities
In addition to ongoing workshops, performances, guided tours, displays, and dining, families can dive into engaging activities such as the Family Talent Show, an open-stage moment for singing, dancing, storytelling, and creative performances. Other highlights include the Family Fun Walk with complimentary t-shirts and medals for the first 150 participants.
Meanwhile, pet lovers can take part in the Best Pets Competition outside The Fort to compete in a number of categories such as ‘Best Grooming’, ‘Best Rescue’, and ‘Best Tail-Wagger’. Dogs and their owners can also wander through the village together on dog-friendly art and heritage tours or let off steam at an expert-led dog training session and a high-energy agility course with the K-9 Unit.
Workshops & Masterclasses
On Saturday 24th, guests can unleash their inner artists with a Mime Masterclass led by James SCARR, introducing participants to the art of mime and physical storytelling through movement, expression, and stillness.
This is followed by plaster tile making, introducing the principles of Islamic geometry through moulding and casting, alongside paper quilling sessions that transform simple strips into intricate, decorative forms.
Rounding out the weekend, Sunday turns to bolder expressions of craft, featuring a 3D calligraphy masterclass that layers paper, leather, and wood into striking compositions, and a block-printing workshop inspired by ancient civilisations, where participants create their own patterned tote bags.
Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival unfolds as a living landscape of ideas, encounters, and creative exchange, allowing visitors to move freely between art, heritage, and everyday moments of connection. The second weekend brings this spirit to life in a uniquely inclusive way, opening the experience to families and pet owners through activities that celebrate curiosity, play, and the shared creativity that shape civilizations. With a mix of free public access and limited-capacity experiences, make sure to register via www.rakart.ae to secure your spot.
When: From January 16th to February 8th
Where: Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Ras Al Khaimah
What: A month-long outdoor arts festival featuring exhibitions, performances, workshops, heritage tours, film screenings, and curated culinary experiences
Price: Experiences are priced individually
*For more information, please visit www.rakart.ae