Local festivals and events
Whether it’s arts, music, outdoor activities or thrill-seeking adventures you’re looking for, the local festivals and events will provide unforgettable experiences during the duration of your trip. Here’s just a sample of what’s happening locally over the next few months.
Festivals
- 07 Nov - 30 Nov 2024
Exploring the textured past of the region’s three great oases of AlUla, Khaybar and Tayma, and the ancient burial sites and desert villages built from mud and stone up close. Immersing guests in cultures of yesteryear and teaching about the power shifts that shaped the region.
- Summer 2024
Madrasat Addeera is AlUla’s first Arts and Design Centre. It’s dedicated to developing artisanal skills and craft programs among the local population to support the growth of a sustainable, vibrant, and authentically creative artisan and design industry. At a cornerstone of AlJadidah, AlUla’s vibrant arts district, the centre aims to
- Summer 2024
Explore the vibrant public art scene in AlJadidah, AlUla’s artistic district and cultural hub, through a guided walking tour. The tour, led by Hukat AlFann, will showcase contemporary art by leading artists from around the world, specially commissioned works for the AlUla Arts Festival, and pieces created by local students
- Summer 2024
Showcasing the work of leading artists from key Saudi Arabian private collections. The exhibition will feature paintings, sculpture, photography, installation, and video works from the past 25 years, highlighting the diversity and creativity of contemporary artists.
Events
The first of its kind in the Kingdom, this unique running challenge will take place over the hottest time of the year. Runners from all over the world will participate in this sweltering desert race, across distances ranging from five kilometres to a full marathon.
Immerse yourself in nature with this 4km hike through the Hidden Valley within the Sharaan Nature Reserve.
Take your adventure to the next level with rock climbing on the spectacular rocks of AlUla.
Take a leap on the Giant Swing in AlUla swinging over 85 metres above the ground into a 70-metre arc in a stunning canyon.
The first of its kind in the region, the AlUla Stairway takes you up a 45-metre ladder with a zipline back down.
‘The Pinnacle of Camel Racing’, the AlUla Camel Cup brings together some of the world’s finest racing camels to compete in one of the region’s oldest sports. Each day features a different kind of race, testing the speed, strength and endurance of these remarkable ‘ships of the desert’.
The first Infinity race to ever take place outside of North America, this epic eight-hour competition challenges athletes to accomplish the largest number of laps around an obstacle course. The winner of this incredible event will be awarded one of the largest financial prizes in obstacle-course racing history.
Returning in its fifth edition, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup will welcome riders to compete on the desert track with the finest horses from around the world. Equestrian enthusiasts and spectators will have an opportunity to experience AlUla’s ancient Arabian horse heritage culture.
In partnership with a top fashion house, this landmark event will feature a couture collection inspired by AlUla. The mirrored Mayara building and surrounding scenery will also provide stunning backdrops for the fashion show, cocktail reception and showroom.
Returning for a third edition, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo promises four days of high-energy tournament action. The prestigious equestrian event will attract top players from the region and beyond to compete among AlUla’s spectacular scenery.
This epic event takes runners through stunning desert landscapes and past some of AlUla’s most iconic landmarks. From an ultramarathon to a run for kids, there are also routes for participants of all ages and levels.
A dynamic centre of all things music, the AlUla Music Hub is located in the bustling arts and culture district of AlJadidah. Children and adults are invited to take lessons for instruments such as the oud, guitar, qanoon and piano. All group courses at the AlUla Music Hub are designed
From enjoying AlUla’s stunning landscape from the air to gazing up at galaxies of stars, the annual AlUla Skies Festival is a celebration of all things sky.