Latest Events in Al Ula(February Updated)

The international open-air art exhibition "Desert X AlUla," set against the backdrop of the magnificent rock formations and oases of northwestern Saudi Arabia, will be held for the fourth time from January 16 to February 28, 2026. As the core event of the fifth AlUla Arts Festival, the exhibition transforms this ancient city into a vibrant gallery of contemporary art, design, and culture. For 2026, the curatorial team chose "Boundless Space" as the theme, inspired by the poetic vision of Lebanese-American writer Kahlil Gibran. His reflections on possibility, perception, and the vastness of the human spirit resonate with Euler's seemingly infinitely extending vision. Against this backdrop, each temporary installation will become a landmark for contemplation, guiding visitors to experience connection, hope, and sharing. The 2026 AlUla Desert Arts Festival is a joint event of Desert X and Arts AlUla, and admission is by ticket. This exhibition builds upon the success of the Coachella Valley Desert Art Festival in California (which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary) and draws inspiration from land art concepts, striving to present a powerful experience of direct dialogue between art and nature. Al-Lura, located in the heart of Saudi Arabia's thriving art ecosystem, is both a living museum of human history and a vibrant center of contemporary creativity.

From soaring above breathtaking vistas to gazing at the vast starry sky, the Elola Sky Festival is a grand celebration of the universe. By day, colorful hot air balloons take you to the valleys for unforgettable views and a tranquil atmosphere. As night falls, the excitement moves to the ground, including tethered balloon performances with music, moonlight movies, stargazing adventures, and starlight concerts. As the first certified Dark Sky Reserve in the Gulf region, Elola boasts pristine, light-pollution-free skies, offering a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience the mysteries of the universe. The 2026 event will take place from April 17th to 26th, coinciding with moonless nights and the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower—ideal time for stargazing and experiencing celestial activities.

AlUla Wellness Festival is a celebration of personal growth, fitness, and holistic well-being, set in one of the world's most naturally vibrant landscapes. From sporting events to mindfulness and movement, music, and nutrition, the festival invites guests of all levels to reset, recharge, reconnect, and strive on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Whether you're a serenity seeker seeking stillness or a rhythm chaser embracing rhythm and energy, the festival offers both intense challenges and carefully curated moments of peace. It fosters personal transformation and a strong sense of community, all rooted in the beauty and authenticity of AlUla.

Winter at Tantora brings you closer to the best of AlUla, connecting you to history, culture, art, music, dining and more, presenting a seasonal spectacle that captures the essence of the region. Named after the traditional sundial in the heart of the old city, around which residents have gathered for centuries to mark the start of the planting season, the flagship festival offers an immersive experience into the rich traditions of AlUla and Northwest Arabia. For three glorious weeks, people from all over the world converge on AlUla to be overwhelmed by a spectacular event that presents a rich highlight that brings the best to life with concerts, tours, carnivals, cultural performances and specially curated dining experiences.