Today marks the return of the AlUla Arts Festival, transforming the beautiful oasis city in northwest Saudi Arabia into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture. Running from now until February 22, 2025, the festival brings together renowned Saudi and international artists from various disciplines, offering a unique opportunity to experience contemporary art against the backdrop of AlUla’s ancient landscapes.
A Fusion of Past and Present
The festival, part of the annual AlUla Moments season, has quickly become a key event on the global arts calendar. This year, it breathes new life into AlUla’s rich heritage with exciting contemporary art installations, performances, exhibitions, and interactive activities. From mesmerizing performances to thought-provoking exhibitions, the festival highlights AlUla’s evolution as a global cultural destination at the crossroads of civilizations and creative movements.
Explore AlUla’s Stunning Landscape Through Art
Set in AlUla’s otherworldly landscapes, the festival offers a variety of events for art lovers, families, and visitors of all ages. The picturesque city provides the perfect backdrop for a wide range of art forms, from photography and film to music and sound installations. Visitors can immerse themselves in a sensory journey, exploring the sights, sounds, and even the tastes and smells of AlUla’s rich cultural landscape.
Key Attractions at the Festival
The festival showcases major contributions from AlUla’s cultural ecosystem, including:
- Wadi AlFann: A 65-square-kilometre cultural destination for contemporary land art, featuring permanent installations by international artists in the stunning AlUla landscape.
- AlJadidah Arts District: Home to Gathering Square, the district hosts exhibitions, workshops, and performances by local and global artists. It’s a place for cultural exchange, with regular talks and activities for all ages.
- Villa Hegra & Madrasat Addeera: Both venues offer thought-provoking exhibitions and workshops, celebrating the region’s cultural heritage while embracing modern artistic expressions.
Notable Exhibitions and Performances
The festival features a variety of exciting exhibitions and performances, including:
- James Turrell at Wadi AlFann (January 16 – April 19): A major exhibition of light art by the renowned artist, offering a unique experience in the desert landscape.
- Maha Malluh: Reminiscence (January 16 – April 19): An outdoor exhibition exploring the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and visual art.
- Thikra: Night of Remembering (January 25–27): A performance by choreographer Akram Khan and artist Manal AlDowayan, exploring themes of memory, collective learning, and healing.
- ‘To the Eagles’ by Ayman Zedani (January 29 and February 18): A lecture performance that journeys through the rich history of the Arabian Peninsula, linking ancient discoveries with contemporary research.
Family-Friendly and Interactive Events
Beyond exhibitions and performances, the festival offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning and creativity. Visitors can take part in:
- AlUla Music Hub (January 16 – February 22): Live music performances and workshops showcasing regional and global talent.
- Cinema AlJadidah (January 16 – February 22): An open-air arthouse cinema featuring films focused on art and culture.
- Madrasat Addeera Workshops: Traditional arts workshops in design, crafts, and more, giving visitors a chance to learn new skills and appreciate AlUla’s craftsmanship.
An Invitation to Experience AlUla’s Unique Artistic Spirit
The AlUla Arts Festival invites you to explore the rich cultural heritage and contemporary artistic vision of this extraordinary region. With a dynamic programme filled with exhibitions, performances, and activities, it’s an unmissable event for anyone passionate about art and culture.
For more details on the festival and to secure your tickets, visit experiencealula.com. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this remarkable celebration of creativity, history, and heritage.
