AlUla Moments has revealed its 2024/2025 calendar that showcases a lineup of events, festivals, and experiences, capturing the adventurous spirit of this ancient oasis city, and promising an exciting journey for travellers from around the world.
Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “Every year, we aim to elevate the AlUla Moments calendar, making it more extraordinary than ever.
“This year, we’re thrilled to unveil an exceptional lineup of festivals, events, and activities that promise unique and authentic experiences, offering both revitalisation and adventure. Against the backdrop of AlUla’s breathtaking and enriching landscape, there truly is no place like it, and no event lineup as vibrant.”
From sporting competitions and all-night music extravaganzas to immersive art experiences, here are some highlights:
Azimuth
Back for another year of epic performances and artistic exploration, Azimuth takes place from September 19-21, kick-starting the AlUla Moments calendar. This festival is where music, art, food, and culture meet to create magic.
Over three exhilarating days, AlUla's stunning canyons will come alive with performances from top international and regional artists. Expect electrifying sets from James Blake, The Blaze, Ben Bohmer, Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, Ghostly Kisses, Eli & Fur, Amine K, Yokoo and Vizar. Local Saudi acts include Agha, Baloo, Cosmicat, Birdperson, Daddy Bisht, Haffs, Hakim, Hats&Klaps, K.LED, RDJ, Solskin, Tarek Antabi, Varoo and Vinyl Mode.
AlUla Skies Festival
The AlUla Skies Festival, taking place from September 26 to October 5 offer a chance to drift over the breathtaking landscapes by day with untethered hot-air balloon flights, and by night, return to earth to witness the Glow Show Hot Air Balloons, stargazing and more.
The festival will align with the return of the AlUla Moments Concert Series, showcasing a curated selection of international, regional, and local artists. This series promises to deliver musical performances of epic proportions, making it a highlight of the calendar.
AlUla Wellness Festival
The AlUla Wellness Festival will return from October 17 to November 2, during which guests can recharge your body and soul through a range of uplifting activities, workshops at the Five Senses Sanctuary, and other experiences designed to celebrate holistic living, and restore balance and well-being.
It’s the ultimate retreat for those looking to disconnect from busy city lives and find true rejuvenation.
Ancient Kingdoms Festival
Embark on a journey back in time with the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, to be held from November 7-30. This dynamic and immersive three-week celebration breathes life into AlUla’s rich cultural heritage and legacy as a stop on the Incense Road, blending history with innovation.
Visitors will be captivated by experiences that honour the stories of this ancient crossroads of civilisations and the vital link between the three great oases of AlUla, Khaybar and Tayma.
Winter at Tantora
Celebrate the best of what AlUla has to offer during the enchanting Winter at Tantora, taking place from December 19, 2024 to January 9, 2025. Over the course of 22 days, the desert oasis transforms into a winter wonderland, offers guests a unique blend of culture, art, and music set against the backdrop of AlUla’s stunning winter scenery.
Expect immersive theatre shows, Tantora Old Town Celebrations, the AlManshiyah Carnival and more. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the oasis at its most magical.
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo returns from January 15-18, 2025, as one of the most exclusive, exciting, and visually stunning annual sporting events in Saudi Arabia. Well known players and teams, including the highly regarded La Dolfina players, will compete within a specially designed arena, showcasing sublime horsemanship set against the magnificent backdrop of desert mountains and lush oasis.
AlUla Trail Race
The AlUla Trail Race is AlUla’s ultimate winter running challenge, taking place in January, 2025. More than just a test of physical and mental fortitude; this ultramarathon takes competitors through some of the most spectacular, and culturally significant sites in Saudi Arabia in a challenging endurance race.
AlUla Arts Festival
From 16 January to 22 February, 2025, the ancient city will be transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity for the AlUla Arts Festival. This celebration of various art forms and mediums turns the city into an open-air living museum, featuring immersive exhibitions and innovative initiatives.
Exhibitions and performances by renowned global artists will be presented as a precursor to Wadi AlFann, the future destination for large-scale outdoor contemporary art, along with activations and displays across the AlJadidah Arts District including a new Arts Hub creative space and film programme at Cinema AlJadidah.
AlUla Tour
Witness the world's top cyclists compete in the AlUla Tour, from January 28 to February 1, 2025, a five-day spectacle of elite sporting action. Set against the stunning scenery of AlUla’s iconic landscapes, this event is a thrilling showcase of speed, endurance, and the beauty of the oasis city, promising a memorable experience for cycling fans from all over the world.
The AlFursan Cup
The AlFursan Cup, scheduled from February 6 to 8, 2025, is a true test of strength and endurance, where riders and their horses will challenge AlUla’s rugged terrain in a series of demanding endurance competitions.
At the heart of this prestigious event is The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, a formidable CEI2 120-kilometre race that stands as the pinnacle of the AlFursan Cup.
Over 200 riders from around the world will compete for the hero title and the largest prize money pot in endurance competitions. This exhilarating equestrian event promises an unforgettable weekend, filled with activities, entertainment, and dining experiences for the entire family.
AlUla Falcon Cup
The AlUla Falcon Cup is the world’s largest event of its kind, drawing professional falconers from across the globe to compete in this prestigious championship. Held from February 9 to 15, 2025, and set in the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village, this event highlights Saudi Arabia's deep-rooted tradition of falconry and showcases the skill and dedication of both birds of prey and handlers.
Ramadan in AlUla
From February 28 to March 29, 2025, experience the spiritual essence of Ramadan in AlUla, where traditional open-air Iftars, local folklore, and cultural activities bring people together. The serene desert landscape enhances this reflective time, culminating in joyous Eid celebrations that highlight the beauty of community and togetherness.
The Camel Cup
The Camel Cup is the Pinnacle of Camel Racing competitions in the world, featuring the fastest camels and most skilled riders in the region. Over four days in April 2025, AlMughayra Heritage Sports Village will be alive with the excitement of this ancient sport, celebrating tradition, speed, and the enduring bond between Saudi Arabia’s culture and the camels in a setting as timeless as the sport itself. – TradeArabia News Service
