AlUla's Festive Extravaganza: Your 2023-24 event guide

Hidden in the Medina province of northwestern Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a mesmerizing Arabic city with thrilling terrains and rich cultural heritage. AlUla lets you walk into a living museum of preserved historical tombs, sandstone outcrops, ancient civilizations and geological wonders.

AlUla is a place where time itself seems to have paused, leaving behind a treasure trove of historical marvels and natural beauty that defy imagination. AlUla isn't just a destination; it's an odyssey of exuberant festivals and immersive events across art, wellness, heritage adventure, sports, music, dining and cultural experiences. AlUla's festivals are a feast for the senses, let’s get introduced to the upcoming festivals in AlUla that promise an unforgettable experience like no other.

AlUla Wellness Festival: Tranquil Healing (19 October – 4 November)

AlUla Wellness Festival provides visitors with a complete getaway in the serene AlUla historical surroundings. This is a perfect rejuvenation opportunity for energizing your mind, body and soul for optimal well-being and finding inner peace. AlUla's verdant oasis has historically offered rest and rejuvenation to travelers from other regions. It was formerly a significant way stop on the ancient incense trade route.

The 17-day festival pays tribute to this tradition by bringing together local talent and wellness practitioners from around the world specializing in yoga and meditation to create an envisioned wellness journey.

Ancient Kingdoms Festival: Dive Into Arabian History (16 November – 2 December)

The second iteration of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival brings history to life by igniting AlUla's rich heritage through a number of unforgettable activities. In addition to commemorating Hegra's 15 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival is back for a second time to link the three significant oases of northwest Arabia, AlUla, Khaybar, and Tayma. Visitors will have exclusive access to a unique view into the history of AlUla's cultural tapestry through nighttime expeditions and live entertainment.

Winter at Tantora: Trailblazing Festival of Culture (21 December – 27 January 2024)

Winter at Tantora is a pioneering celebration of culture, art, and music—the first of its type in the Kingdom. This premier event features an extensive program of diverse experiences and activities with culture at its center. This must-attend event highlights the finest of AlUla, showcasing everything from music and art to cooking and fashion to even a citrus festival. Attendees can immerse themselves in a varied tapestry of musical, artistic, athletic, and cultural celebrations over the course of four themed weekends, all of which perfectly complement AlUla's enduring charm.

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo:  A Spectacular Desert Battle (17-20 January 2024)

The world's first contemporary polo competition, held on an exceptional desert sand field, is back for a spectacular third rendition. This year's edition will be greater than ever, drawing notable polo players and celebrity audience members from nearby regions and around the world. Four teams, including St Tropez and La Dolfina, will converge to show off their sublime horsemanship set against the magnificent backdrop of desert mountains and lush oasis –setting the stage for a superlative competition infused with luxury and athletic grace. Incorporating equestrian talent, scenic beauty, and sartorial refinement, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo promises an amazing experience.

AlUla Arts Festival:  Immerse in an Art Grandeur (8 February - 2 March 2024)

The AlUla Arts Festival is a multi-arts event that highlights AlUla's long history as a crossroads of cultures and an advocate for the arts. This dynamic and varied yearly festival transforms AlUla into a city-wide celebration of the arts with cutting-edge exhibitions, street art tours, movie screenings, and a bustling program of performances. This art festival embraces art in its many manifestations. Leading artists from renowned Saudi Arabian private collections are also featured in the much-awaited Saudi Contemporary Art Exhibition, held at the famous Maraya.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup:  A Test of Resilience (February 2024)

In 2024, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup will still be the gold standard in endurance competition. Riders must negotiate 120 km of AlUla's distinctive and challenging desert landscape in this ultimate test of man and horse against time and the elements, which is very different from other global contests of similar caliber.

AlUla Skies Festival: Live in the Sky (10–20 April 2024)

The yearly AlUla Skies Festival is a celebration of the entire sky, from flying over AlUla's breathtaking terrain to stargazing at galaxies. Daytime rides over the stunning scenery of AlUla are spectacularly offered by hot-air balloons and helicopters. In addition, the sky itself is expected to come alive in an inspirational display that will feature hundreds of kites, creating a celebration with a distinctive sky theme.

AlUla Camel Cup: A One-of-a-Kind Race (April 2024)

A second running of "The Pinnacle of Camel Racing" will feature the AlUla Camel Cup. Visitors can seek delight in thrilling camel races over several days and enjoy one of the area's oldest sports, which is truly a spectacle to watch. Be one of the stylish spectators encouraging these wonderful animals as they contend for the top prize. In addition to the thrill of camel racing, a wide variety of traditional music, arts, and authentic dining experiences are available for spectators to relish.

AlUla Desert Blaze:  Running for Glory (June 2024)

AlUla Desert Blaze, the first race of its sort in Saudi Arabia, puts the toughest of runners to the test. This road race, which is held in the sweltering summer, tests the endurance of competitors from around the globe. A 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km full marathon are among the available distances. To help assure participants' safety, multiple medical and hydration support stations are positioned throughout the courses.

In a nutshell

From traditional celebrations to contemporary gatherings, AlUla's vibrant spirit shines year-round. So, plan your visit, embrace the cultural tapestry, and let the magic of AlUla's events transport you to a world of unforgettable memories. Your journey to this desert gem is bound to be an extraordinary one.

(Above mentioned article is consumer connect initiative. This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of DMCL, and DMCL claims no responsibility whatsoever)