AlUla Moments has released its eagerly awaited 2025-2026 events calendar, inviting visitors from the Saudi Arabia and worldwide to experience a diverse program of festivals celebrating the region’s heritage, culture, and natural beauty.
The calendar features a carefully curated mix of heritage, music, art, wellness, sports, gastronomy, and community events, reinforcing AlUla’s growing reputation as a leading year-round destination in the region.
A year of diverse experiences
Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “Each year, AlUla Moments evolves to offer an even more diverse and enriching array of experiences. The 2025-2026 calendar is a testament to our commitment to creating unique and authentic events that resonate with visitors from around the world. Whether it’s through heritage, music, art, adventure, or wellness, AlUla continues to inspire and captivate.”
September: AZIMUTH music festival
The season kicks off in September with AZIMUTH, the annual music event held during the Saudi National Day weekend.
This festival brings together global and regional artists for immersive performances with cutting-edge visuals under AlUla’s expansive skies.
October: Wellness and endurance events
October spotlights wellness with the return of the AlUla Wellness Festival, a week-long celebration featuring yoga, meditation, and live performances. New to the program are endurance challenges, including the AlUla Half Marathon Road Race, 24-Hour Endurance Race, Duathlon, and Ashar Valley Triathlon. Iconic fitness sessions by Les Mills invite participants to push their limits in stunning desert settings.
November: The Ancient Kingdoms Festival
November introduces The Ancient Kingdoms Festival, inviting visitors to explore AlUla’s ancient sites and stories. Highlights include Hegra After Dark, The Incense Road Experience, the Hegra Drone Show ‘Stories from the Sky,’ Ikmah After Dark, and the Hegra Candlelit Classics concerts featuring world-renowned artists. This festival offers a unique opportunity to experience AlUla’s rich cultural heritage at its historic sites.
December: Winter at Tantora
Winter at Tantora returns in December with its signature blend of music, gastronomy, and heritage. The festival opens with a tribute to the Saudi Year of Handicrafts and a performance by acclaimed artist Ahlam. Events include Shorofat Tantora, Old Town Culinary Voyage, Tantora Old Town Nights, and exclusive fine dining experiences featuring returning restaurants Ducasse and Annabel’s, all set against the historic oasis backdrop.
January 2026: Sporting highlights
The new year brings high-profile sporting events. In January, AlUla Desert Polo takes place on a sand track near AlUla’s sandstone cliffs, drawing elite players from around the world. The AlUla Tour cycling race follows, part of the UCI Asia Tour, showcasing the region’s landscapes. February features the AlFursan Endurance competition and the AlUla Trail Race, both attracting international athletes.
January: AlUla Arts Festival
Also in January, the fifth edition of the AlUla Arts Festival celebrates creativity across multiple disciplines. Desert X AlUla returns with contemporary artworks by Saudi and international artists displayed in the desert.
A new exhibition co-curated with the Pompidou Centre, Paris, will be featured, alongside performances and programs in the AlJadidah Arts District, including contemporary design exhibitions inspired by AlUla.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
