5 fun things to do at Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival
So much to see and do at this cool art festival…
Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) is returning adding a splash of colour to your life from February 4 to March 31 in Ras Al Khaimah.
Now in its 10th edition, the festival will be celebrated under the theme ‘The Journey’ to celebrate its’ decade long run as well as the UAE turning 50 years young. Expect to see creations from over 150+ artists from across the world sharing their interpretation of what this theme means to them.
The free to attend art festival will be returning to the historic Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village in Ras Al Khaimah –UAE’s last authentic and traditional town. Art events will also be held at the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais and Al Marjan Island’s serene Open Park.
The Festival is open during the day from Tuesday to Thursday 8am to 6pm and from Friday to Sunday it will remain open until 10pm.
Here are 5 top things to do at the festival
Must-visit art exhibits
Award-winning Emirati photographer, Yousef Al Zaabi has had his photographs featured on the cover of National Geographic Arabia and has showcased his snaps around the world. He will be displaying his photography exhibition at the fort during the festival.
Al Qasimi Foundation is putting on a special exhibition titled Travel in Covid which chronicles life worldwide in the wake of a pandemic. The immersive art experience includes mixed media photography and journal entries and will take place at AQF Villa.
Watch a film under the stars
Cinema Akil will bring a number of documentaries, foreign language and drama films to Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village on February 11 to 13. Too chilly for you? Vox Cinemas will be screening indoors on February 28 and March 4.
Cultural Weekend
Running during the last week of February, this weekend includes ghawa (Arabic coffee) making, traditional storytelling, camel rides, and an immersive local theatre performance from the talented members of the National Theatre of Ras Al Khaimah.
Pet-friendly weekend
Running on the second weekend of February, furry four-legged ones can attend the arts festival. There will be dog-friendly events including workshops for pet lovers, pet yoga, paw print moulding, portraiture drawing and more.
Want to add a permanent member to your family? Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center will be at the festival with tail-waggers looking for their forever home.
Walking Guided Tours
To enhance your knowledge of the historical Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village, take a walking tour by the Department of Antiquities and Museums on February 13, 19 and 27.
There’s another walking tour of Old Ras Al Khaimah’s food and heritage sites on February 11, 18 and 26.
Do note: To attend any of the workshops, activities, tours or film screenings, book your spot on rakfinearts.ae as there is limited capacity.
Can’t make it to RAK? There will be virtual tours available online and if you do want to see an art festival in Dubai, Quoz Arts Fest by Alserkal is taking place at the end of January.
Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, three locations: Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village, Jebel Jais and Open Park on Al Marjan Island, from Feb 4 to Mar 31 . @rakfinearts
Images: Supplied