By RAK Art Fair 2026 is an ode to Civilizations
Large frames of riveting landscapes, striking portraits and vivid textiles set against the alluring backdrop of crumbling ruins and luminous trees, make walking through the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, the venue for the ongoing RAK Art Fair, an ethereal experience. For an entire month, from January 16 to February 8, 2026, the heritage site — UAE’s last pearling village – has been transformed into a home for art exhibits, photographs, video installations, talks and workshops, masterfully curated to give visitors a truly artistic experience.
In its 14th edition, the fair’s themes centred around – Civilizations – tracing how ancestral voices and contemporary innovation shape creative expression. The fair supported by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, also supports local talents through grants, masterclasses and workshops.
Over 106 artists from 49 nationalities are participating in the fair, that also marks the launch of the inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Contemporary Art Biennial. Curated by Sharon Toval, the month-long exhibition beautifully embodies this year’s theme, showcasing how cultures evolve, intersect, and leave creative legacies across time and place. Guests can expect moments of quiet reflection and bold provocation, with works by Sutee Kunavichayanont and Stefano Cagol exploring the metaphysical, while photographers such as Hicham Benohoud and Marie Hudelot challenge perceptions of identity. Elsewhere, artists including Hannan Abu-Hussein, Sophy Abu Shakra, Kawita Vatanajyankur, and Francesca Fini reinterpret heritage, gender, and technology through textiles, performance, and AI.
Community events
Bringing the whole community together, each weekend will have thematic activities including cultural weekend and pet friendly weekends. At The Hidden Table sessions, each week different restaurants will bring their signature tastes to Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village. Serving bold flavours, the highlights include flame-kissed creations by Portugal’s Chama, nostalgic Mediterranean classics crafted by Bungalo34, and inventive seasonal masterpieces by Newcastle’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Pine.
Showcasing creative expression in all forms, live performances and film screenings will unfold across atmospheric settings within Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village and beyond. Music and movements take centre stage, featuring moments of soul and rhythm from Emirati vocalist AlMaydee, the electric blend of violin and beats from MadamDXB, and the quiet, theatrical storytelling of James SCARR’s mime performances. These performances will be paired alongside intimate monologues on civilizations by Alana Hicks and a richly textured musical set by Grammy-nominated composer Roger Ryan. There will also be outdoor and indoor film screenings, several workshops and masterclasses guided by artists and expert practitioners.
These workshops will help fair visitors explore traditional agriculture, Arabic calligraphy, light painting, fabric art, photography, and paper quilling, enameling, plaster tile making, Moroccan zellij, embroidery, and bookbinding.
The Opening Weekend: January 16th to 18th
Family and Pet Friendly: January 23rd to 25th
Around the World: January 30th to February 1st
Cultural Weekend: February 6th to 8th.
Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Ras Al Khaimah
For workshop schedule and timings visit: http://www.rakart.ae