If you haven’t heard us say it already: right now, Saudi Arabia is the place to be.
From whole new cities being built in NEOM, to a burgeoning art scene in Jeddah, to Riyadh becoming a business epicentre and F&B hub, it’s hard to keep up with how much change and development is happening.
This also includes the growth and positioning of AlUla as a must-visit tourist and culture destination. With that, the new instalment of AlUla Moments was unveiled during an immersive experience at Dubai’s Theatre of Digital Art, showcasing a packed calendar for 2023 to 2024.
Encompassing the areas of wellness, sport, music, dining, art and more, AlUla Moments platforms the ancient heritage of the area on a global platform, exchanging cultures from Saudi and the world, through a number of different activations.
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As described by Rami Al Mouallim, Vice President, Destination Management and Marketing at The Royal Commission for AlUla, the destination is aligning itself with what it was over 1,000 years ago.
“AlUla is quickly reasserting itself as the vibrant hub for creative and immersive encounters that it was thousands of years ago,” he said. “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.”
With the new AlUla season kicking off in September, GRAZIA outlines the key events to look forward to.
Azimuth – September 21, 2023
Beginning on a high note, AlUla Moments begins with its highly anticipated music festival Azimuth which will start off the new season on September 21, 2023, also coinciding with Saudi National Day.
A host of artists have been confirmed including Jorja Smith, Thievery Corporation, Chet Faker, Shkoon Live and more.
The AlUla Wellness Festival – October 19 to November 5, 2023
The AlUla Wellness Festival returns in mid-October for two weeks and will feature practitioners in yoga and meditation, as well as sound healing, holistic wellness experiences and much more.
The Ancient Kingdoms Festival – November 17 to December 3, 2023
Returning for its second edition, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival will highlight the rich history of AlUla at UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra.
Winter at Tantora – December 21, 2023 to January 21, 2024
Running over a total of four weekends, Winter at Tantora will embody different themes including music, art, fashion and more.
Richard Mille Desert Polo – January 17 to January 20, 2024
The three-day event is one of AlUIla Moments’ most exclusive, where attendees will see teams including St Tropez and La Dolfina show off their equestrian skills. Guests in the past have included Alicia Keys, so watch this space for some A-list attendees!
The AlUla Arts Festival – February 8 to March 2, 2024
For a total of four weeks, immersive yourself in the art and creativity of AlUla, with aficionados around the world welcome to experience a series of workshops, creative hubs, curated cinema, artist residences and more.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup – February 2024
AlUla will welcome the world’s best endurance riders to compete in the 120km equestrian challenge.
AlUla Skies Festival – April 10 to April 20, 2024
See the wonders of AlUla from a whole new perspective during the AlUla Skies Festival.
AlUla Camel Cup – April 2024
The pinnacle of the Saudi Arabian camel racing season will return in April 2023, with an entertainment, retail and dining venue.
Desert Blaze – June 2024
Known as one of the most challenging endurance races over 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km distances, Desert Blaze is a physical trial through some of AlUla’s most timeless monuments and vast spaces.
