DUBAI: Visitors got a peek into the upcoming 2023/2024 edition of AlUla Moments, the ancient Saudi Arabian city’s calendar of events and festivals, with “AlUla Immersive,” held at the Theatre of Digital Art in Dubai on Aug. 24.
The immersive experience showcased the AlUla Moments lineup of events and festivals, set against the backdrop of dynamic interactive visuals and MDLbeast-powered performances by regional DJs who will perform at AlUla’s Azimuth music festival over the Saudi National Day weekend.
Rami Al-Mouallim, vice president, destination management and marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said in a statement: “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.”
The first of the many events lined up for AlUla Moments is Azimuth, the music and entertainment festival that kicks off the new season on Sept. 21, coinciding with Saudi National Day.
The festival will feature regional artists and international stars, including Jorja Smith, Shkoon Live, Thievery Corporation, Ame and Dixon, Tinariwen, Chet Faker and Dope Lemon.
Following Azimuth, the AlUla Wellness Festival will take place from Oct. 19 -Nov. 5, bringing together practitioners of yoga, meditation and more alongside local talent to create a holistic wellness experience.
From Nov. 17-Dec. 3, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival returns for its second edition, presenting a journey through time, ranging from after-dark experiential immersions to family-friendly hands-on activities.
In the upcoming edition, Hegra will be the center of festivities as it celebrates its 15th anniversary as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic location will host special performances, tours, and discovery programs.
Combining music, art, sport and cultural festivities, Winter at Tantora returns from Dec. 21-Jan. 21, allowing visitors to experience AlUla over four themed weekends.
Among the highlights is the Citrus Festival, which takes place during the peak of the harvest season, alongside sporting events such as the AlUla Trail Race, which invites athletes, amateur runners and children to participate.
The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo event returns to AlUla from Jan. 17– 20, with international teams including St. Tropez and La Dolfina showing off their horsemanship.
In 2024, the AlUla Arts Festival from Feb. 8 to March 2 will include contemporary visual and public art, design, curated cinema, art tours and artist residencies.
Returning for a third edition in 2024, Desert X AlUla, the international art exhibition, will feature large-scale installations set against AlUla’s backdrop. In addition, a new contemporary art exhibition curated for Maraya will launch during the AlUla Arts Festival 2024.
The fifth edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, an established fixture on the world equestrian stage, will take place in February 2024, with the world’s best endurance riders competing in the 120 km equestrian challenge.
Continuing the winter season, the AlUla Skies Festival allows visitors to view Saudi Arabia’s ancient city from above, with activities such as hot air balloons, helicopter tours, drone shows and stargazing.
AlUla Camel Cup set a new standard for camel racing in the region with its first event in March 2023 and is set to return in April 2024.
Desert Blaze will also return in 2024. Featuring races over 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km distances, the event includes routes that pass through AlUla’s ancient monuments and sandstone canyons.
