Ras Al Khaimah Art 2025 embraces ‘Memory’ to celebrate art and culture

Ras Al Khaimah Art festival, one of the region’s premier celebration of arts and culture, returns with renewed creative energy this year, showcasing works of over 100 artists alongside an immersive programme featuring discussions, interactive workshops, art and heritage tours, films and authentic cultural experiences (Jan. 31 – Feb. 28). The 13th edition of the fest, being presented by Aldar, will open to the public at the iconic Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village. As the last remaining pearling village, the heritage site-turned-location provides the ideal backdrop for the festival, since it combines innovation and tradition.

Al Jazeera Al Hamra (‘Red Island’) possesses a large number of heritage buildings, including the original fortress and watchtowers, ornate residential wind tower complexes and closely-packed residential quarters, as well as three historical mosques and a central souq. It is defined by narrow alleyways (sikka) between residential building compounds, evocative courtyards amidst intricately created decorative design features. Curated by award-winning photographer Alfio Tommasini, the 2025 edition of Ras Al Khaimah Art, embraces ‘Memory’ as the theme and invites visitors to explore how the past shapes the present and guides the future. Visitors are encouraged to delve into collective and personal memories that can link to a place, a person, an experience, or a story.

From immersive installations and cinematic storytelling to heritage-inspired culinary adventures, the fest celebrates the power of remembrance and reinvention, showcasing connections between artists, audiences and communities. Embracing Ras Al Khaimah emirate’s identity as the ‘Land of Opportunities’ and still a hidden gem for adventure, history and culture, the event highlights RAK as a thriving global hub for artistic expression. New for 2025 is the addition of Memory Lane, which invites visitors to wander along Zone C to Ahmed bin Omran villa, where they can admire a curated collection of artworks from past festival winners. Another feature is the Garden of Self-Reflected Memory, a modern art installation or “house of light” that mirrors ancient village houses, blending history and architecture with contemporary crowds. It conceptually rehabilitates the village by merging old memories with current experiences.

Artworks at location.

The Belly of the Beast, an exclusive South African culinary experience led by chefs Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart, features a surprise menu crafted from sustainable and seasonal ingredients. A one-night-only dinner takes place on March 1 and tickets are available in advance at the festival website. Food enthusiasts will also be delighted by the return of the award-winning Antica Australis. Led by husband-and-wife team Paolo and Kelly Picarazzi, the pop-up returns for its third year, bringing their renowned Ciociarian dining experience all the way from Australia. Recognised as one of Australia’s top ten regional restaurants, Antica Australis offers a five-course Italian/Emirati fusion menu using organic, locally sourced ingredients from the UAE. Antica Australis specialises in serving up ancient dishes from the ‘hidden’ region of Ciociaria in central Italy.

The festival also hosts a series of special thematic weekends featuring interactive workshops, live performances and talks. The Opening Weekend (Jan. 31 – Feb. 2) sets the tone for a celebration while the Back in Time Weekend (Feb. 7 - 9) invites visitors to immerse themselves in the past. Family and Pet-Friendly (Feb. 14 - 16) is perhaps a perfect setting for families and their furry companions, offering a fun and inclusive experience for all. The festival concludes with the Cultural Weekend (Feb. 21 - 23), a highlight celebrating Emirati cultural traditions, artisans and artists.

Born and raised in Vallemaggia (Switzerland), Tommasini lived away several years in the UK, Central America and Spain before returning to live among his roots, drawn by his affection for the mountains. He is curator and art director of Verzasca Foto Festival, which he co-founded in 2013. As a curator, he has collaborated with different cultural entities primarily from Latin America, besides being curator of Ras Al Khaimah Art festival. He has exhibited his projects internationally and received awards such as first prize at the Conjuntos da Imagen international festival, first prize at the Phodar Biennal and the bronze medal at the Sony World Photography Awards. His images have been published in magazines and newspapers such as The Guardian, British Journal of Photography, Le Temps Magazine, The North Face Mountain, Jiazazhi Press China and Burn Mag. His book, Via Lactea, has been published by Edition Patrick Frey.

Via Lactea presents tableau-like landscapes shot between 2015 and 2019, as well as precisely detailed and yet intimate painterly portraits of farmers and farm animals. Tommasini undertakes a visual study of the relationship between humans, animals and topography in the context of rapidly changing and increasingly mechanised agriculture and dairy industry. Beginning 1986, Edition Patrick Frey has published more than 350 books. Collaborating with mainly Swiss but also international artists, the publishing house focuses on special projects and produces books in small print runs.

Since its inception in 2013, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ras Al Khaimah Art has evolved from a modest gathering of 30 emerging local artists into the emirate’s premier art and cultural showcase. Formerly known as the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, the rebranded Ras Al Khaimah Art transcends conventional boundaries, serving as a dynamic creative hub dedicated to nurturing talents, both local and international. Through the provision of grants, master classes, workshops and year-round events, it strives to foster artistic growth.