Ras Al Khaimah may be a quieter emirate compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but its annual events in Ras Al Khaimah showcase a vibrant mix of cultural celebrations, sporting competitions, food festivals, and community gatherings that bring the city to life every year. The city’s annual calendar of events is diverse.
Whether you’re interested in food festivals, heritage events, or seasonal celebrations, these festivals and events in Ras Al Khaimah, coming up in the remainder of 2026 and early 2027, offer residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the city’s community spirit and growing tourism scene.
Events Coming Up in Ras Al Khaimah
RAK On Wheels
RAK On Wheels is a specialised automotive lifestyle event for car and motorcycle enthusiasts. It brings together leading companies, stores, collectors, and industry professionals. The 2026 edition will be its second season, offering more exciting experiences for automotive lovers by combining business, entertainment, and community engagement.
Visitors can explore a range of exhibits displaying the latest car and motorcycle products, accessories, customisation solutions, performance parts, detailing services, lifestyle brands and technologies.
Activities typically include car and motorcycle club gatherings, drifting and stunt performances, entertainment areas for kids and families, food trucks, and lifestyle vendors.
- On: Friday, 16th October to Sunday, 18th October, 2026; 4 pm to 10 pm (Friday), 10 am to 10 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
- Location: RAK Exhibition Center
Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2027
While the next edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival is scheduled for January 2027, the selection process has already begun, with artists submitting their works for evaluation over the remainder of 2026. As the emirate’s most popular arts and culture festival, it provides a platform for emerging young artists in the UAE to showcase their talents.
The 2027 theme is ‘Lost in Translation’, inviting artworks centred on the emotion and experience of being in a place where you do not fully belong and the deep human desire to connect even without understanding. Art media include photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, and video art or short films (narrative, documentary, or animation), creating a diverse lineup of works for art enthusiasts in Ras Al Khaimah to enjoy.
- On: Wednesday, 22nd January, 2027 (Festival opening)
- Location: Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon
The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is the city’s most popular sporting event, held annually. The 20th edition is scheduled for 2027.
The event is a must for anyone who is enthusiastic about running or fitness. Prizes include t-shirts, medals, and certificates, with amenities provided to every runner throughout the event.
Live bands and a selection of other activities will also be available at the half marathon village throughout the day to entertain both participants and spectators, along with food and beverage facilities.
- On: Saturday, 13th February, 2027
- Location: Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
RAK Eats Festival
Foodies will love the RAK Eats Festival, hosted in winter, typically held throughout December. A large number of local and international food vendors gather at a single venue to celebrate and share cuisines from across cultures.
Visitors can sample authentic Emirati dishes and global street food, with enough entertainment, live music, and family-friendly activities to round off the evening. You’re also likely to find cooking demos, sustainability initiatives and artisan stalls.
- Location: Manar Mall, Al Muntasir Road, Dafan Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Triathlon
The Ras Al Khaimah Triathlon is another significant event in the emirate. It is usually held on Al Marjan Island in January every year and is a multidisciplinary competition that includes swimming, cycling, and running, allowing people with different skill sets to participate.
Categories include Junior Super-Sprint and Sprint distances, as well as an Olympic Triathlon. It is a vibrant day not just for those who sign up, but also for spectators, as the city comes alive along one of the UAE’s most scenic coastal settings.
- On: January 2027
- Location: Rixos Al Mairid and Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
UAE Awafi Festival
The UAE Awafi Festival is among the events in Ras Al Khaimah that run for a longer period. It’s typically held every winter, between December and January, in the desert area of Awafi, with its stunning red sand dunes.
The Awafi Festival celebrates Emirati heritage, blending traditional cultural elements with desert sports. Visitors get to experience 4×4 dune-climbing competitions, camel shows, sand drag races, heritage village displays, and food market stalls at a bazaar.
While this festival offers an amazing option for a family day out, it is also open to tourists looking to experience more of the emirate. You’ll get to experience Bedouin traditions alongside outdoor adventures.
Attending these annual events and festivals is a great way to explore Ras Al Khaimah’s culture, entertainment, and local traditions. No matter your interests, these experiences offer memorable moments, unique attractions, and plenty of reasons to get involved in the dynamic, lively atmosphere.
Due to ongoing regional tensions, the exact dates for a few of these events have not yet been finalised. However, they continue to be expected on the city’s calendar.
Follow The Ras Al Khaimah Atlas for more weekly events, family activities, foodie experiences, and the latest things to do across the emirate.