Set against the striking backdrop of Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village - a beautifully preserved site that provides the perfect setting for this year’s theme: Memory.
In its 13th year, Ras Al Khaimah Arts Festival brings together over 200 local and international artists, the festival invites visitors to explore the power of recollection, nostalgia, and personal storytelling through art. Expect a captivating mix of large-scale installations, immersive performances, hands-on workshops, and open-air film screenings, all woven into the cultural fabric of Ras Al Khaimah.
Where It’s Happening: The festival unfolds within Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, an abandoned pearling settlement that now serves as an open-air museum. With its winding alleys, centuries-old coral-stone houses, and evocative atmosphere, the village provides an immersive setting for exploring memory through contemporary artistic interpretations.
Visitors can expect a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor exhibits, where artworks are carefully placed within courtyards, narrow pathways, and hidden alcoves, creating an experience that feels more like a journey of discovery than a traditional exhibition.
What to See and Do: Explore Large-Scale Installations and Immersive Art Throughout RAK Art 2025, the historic village transforms into a vibrant canvas of memory and artistic expression. Highlights include: Monumental sculptures and conceptual pieces that explore personal and collective recollections, Immersive digital projections that examine nostalgia, identity, and shifting realities, & Interactive exhibits that invite visitors to contribute their own stories, making the festival a shared space for reflection. Also experience Live Performances and Creative Workshops.
Art takes on new dimensions at RAK Art 2025, with a dynamic programme of spoken word, experimental theatre, live music, and immersive soundscapes. Avant-garde theatre and movement-based storytelling unfold in atmospheric locations, blending heritage with contemporary expression. Live music performances fuse traditional Emirati sounds with modern beats, offering an unforgettable auditory experience. Spontaneous street performances pop up throughout the festival, merging Ras Al Khaimah’s cultural history with contemporary artistic interpretations.
Courtesy of Ras Al Khaimah Arts Festival 2025
For those looking to engage creatively, the festival offers an exciting lineup of interactive workshops across various mediums. Attendees can explore experimental printmaking and ceramics with sessions such as Painting on Palm Tree Frond by Ghaleya Almansoor (21 February) and Ceramic House Buildingby Shatha Al Rubaei (22 February). Delve into mixed-media experiences exploring personal and cultural heritage, including Colouring Black and White Photographs by Anna Jopp (23 February). View the full workshop schedule and secure a spot in advance.
Gain deeper insight into the connection between art and memory through a series of engaging talks led by renowned artists, curators, and cultural thinkers. Notably, Green Recollections: Nurturing Ecological Memory (22 February) explores the intersection of ecological practices and artistic storytelling, highlighting how nature and creativity intertwine to preserve collective memory.
For cinema enthusiasts, the festival presents a curated selection of films celebrating culture, memory, and creativity in collaboration with VOX Cinemas. Indoor screenings take place at Al Hamra Mall every Saturday (1–22 February). Outdoor screenings under the stars will be held every Friday (7–21 February) at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village. The festival also introduces Cultural Weekend (21–23 February), a celebration of traditional music, dance, cuisine, and guided heritage tours. Secure your place in advance. Beyond the festival grounds, visitors can embark on Guided Art and Heritage Tours for a deeper dive into Ras Al Khaimah’s cultural landscape. Options include:
Art Tours: A curated walk through the festival’s standout installations.
Heritage Tours: Exploring the architectural and historical significance of Al Jazeera Al Hamra.
Food Walks: A journey through the region’s best-kept culinary secrets.
Extend your stay to discover The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, Dhayah Fort, Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, Suwaidi Pearls Farm, and Jebel Jais, home to breathtaking views and the world’s longest zipline.
Visit: Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Ras Al Khaimah/ Images courtesy of Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival.