Bringing the colour and excitement of AlUla Moments and AlUla’s extraordinary landscapes and rich history to life, an exclusive first-of-its-kind activation, ‘AlUla Immersive’, was held at the Theatre of Digital Art in Dubai, UAE.
Opened free to the public, the immersive experience not only showcased the AlUla Moments line-up of events and festivals but took attendees on a sensory 360-degree journey of some of AlUla’s most mesmerizing landscapes.
Comprising art, wellness, heritage, adventure, sport, music, dining, and immersive cultural experiences – AlUla Moments events and festivals celebrate AlUla’s rich history, unlock its unique stories, and encourage the exchange of cultures across Saudi Arabia, the region, and the world.
At ‘AlUla Immersive’, guests were given a first look at the program and dates for 2023/24, set to the backdrop of dynamic interactive visuals and MDLBEAST-powered performances by regional DJs, building on the excitement for the up-and-coming AZIMUTH.
Rami Al Mouallim, Vice President, Destination Management and Marketing at The Royal Commission for AlUla said: “We are delighted to unveil our AlUla Moments calendar and showcase the rich tapestry of authentic experiences coming up for this year and the next.
Our diverse offerings reinforce AlUla’s standing as a world-class, year-round destination where visitors are captivated by awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient heritage and a thriving arts and cultural scene.
“AlUla is quickly reasserting itself as the vibrant hub for creative and immersive encounters that it was thousands of years ago. From ancient wonders to contemporary festivals and events, the upcoming season at AlUla offers a transformative journey that will leave a lasting impression on every visitor.”
Building on the popularity and success of previous editions, AlUla Moments promises to provide experiences that are even more extraordinary than before. Standout occasions already classed as ‘must attend’ include AZIMUTH, the renowned music and entertainment extravaganza which kicks off the new season on 21 September, coinciding with Saudi National Day.
The one-of-a-kind festival is back with regional artists and international stars, with JORJA SMITH, Shkoon LIVE, THIEVERY CORPORATION, ÂME & DIXON, TINARIWEN, CHET FAKER, and DOPE LEMON now all confirmed to be appearing as part of the star-studded line-up
Following AZIMUTH, the AlUla Wellness Festival will take place from 19 October to 5 November, bringing together the world’s best practitioners of yoga, meditation and more alongside local talent to create a highly anticipated, holistic wellness experience.
The Sanctuary Five returns with immersive sensory-based wellness experiences including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions, running daily from 7am to 7pm during the festival. Visitors can take advantage of art therapy, Ayurveda, and sound-healing from world-class experts, as well as inspiration talks with leading experts in their fields, including Anas Bukhash and Hala Kazim.
Providing opportunities to be at one with nature there are eco-gardening and voluntourism experiences to give back to the stunning AlUla environment as part of the 2023 event schedule. Anchored by opportunities to connect with nature through culture, art, and music, the festival will rejuvenate and enrich minds and bodies.
From 17 November to 3 December, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival returns for its second edition, presenting journeys of wonder and discovery inspired by the ancient world. The rich mix of events will present a journey through time informed by history and designed to delight, ranging from after-dark experiential immersions to family-friendly hands-on activities.
In the coming edition, Hegra – the iconic archaeological site at the heart of the Incense Road – will act as the epicenter of festivities, as the Nabataean masterpiece celebrates its 15th year anniversary as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic heartland will host special performances, innovative tours, and imaginative discovery programmes.
Combining music, art, sport and cultural festivities, Winter at Tantora returns as the festival that started it all. Authentic AlUla celebrations will run from 21 December to 21 January, allowing visitors to experience the wonders of AlUla over four themed weekends filled with geological wonders, mesmerizing arts, dreamy sounds, and cutting-edge fashion.
Amongst the highlights of Winter at Tantora is the Citrus Festival, which takes place during the peak of the harvest season, alongside sporting events such as the epic AlUla Trail Race, which invites athletes, amateur runners, and children alike to participate and, of course, a high fashion event. More information will be divulged soon.
With dates now confirmed as 17 to 20 January, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo returns to AlUla as one of the most exclusive, exciting and visually stunning annual events to take place in Saudi Arabia, with international teams including St Tropez and La Dolfina showing off their sublime horsemanship set against the magnificent backdrop of desert mountains and lush oasis. AlUla’s desert polo is an evolution of one of the world’s oldest sports, delivering unbridled luxury alongside sheer sporting theatre on AlUla’s ancient sands.
In 2024, the AlUla Arts Festival will once again welcome the world’s art aficionados from around the world to interact with the dynamic creative spirit of AlUla that has its roots in antiquity and carries on today.
Held from 8 February to 2 March, 2024, the festival will immerse visitors in a vibrant celebration of contemporary visual and public art, design, curated cinema, art tours, and artist residencies. At AlUla’s mixed-use creative hub, Madrasat Addeera, there will be hands-on workshops on crafts such as palm weaving, pottery, jewelry, geometry, 3D strictures, textiles, and much more.
Returning for a third edition in 2024, Desert X AlUla, the renowned international art in the landscape exhibition will captivate visitors with its large-scale site-responsive installations set against AlUla’s stunning backdrop. In addition, a new contemporary art exhibition specifically curated for Maraya will launch during the AlUla Arts Festival 2024.
Enter the Desert Blaze, an extraordinary event that pushes the boundaries of physical endurance to the extreme. Nestled amidst soaring temperatures that reach up to 42°C (107°F), the second edition of Desert Blaze promises an unparalleled challenge for athletes and adventurers alike.
Featuring an array of races including 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km distances, the event presents routes that meander through AlUla’s timeless ancient monuments and vast sandstone canyons. This unique experience promises not only a physical trial but an unforgettable journey through history and nature.
With more information to be announced in due course, AlUla Moments promises a season of awe-inspiring moments and the chance to make unforgettable memories.
AlUla Moments to mark on the calendar 2023-24
Azimuth 21 – 22 September
AlUla Wellness Festival 19 October – 4 November
Ancient Kingdoms Festival 17 November – 2 December
Winter at Tantora 21 December – 27 January
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 17 January – 20 January
AlUla Arts Festival 8 February -2 March
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup – February
AlUla Skies Festival 10 April – 20 April
AlUla Camel Cup – April
Desert Blaze – June
