AlUla Arts Festival returns with renowned Saudi, international artists and exciting events
The AlUla Arts Festival returns for its fourth edition from January 16 to February 22 with a vibrant program of performances, exhibitions and activities highlighting the best of local, regional, and global art.
The festival has been central in positioning the Kingdom as a pioneer in the global arts scene and transforming the ancient city into a creative hub.
“We are proud to build on our legacy as a global hub for art and culture with the return of the AlUla Arts Festival. This year’s program reinforces AlUla as a destination where artists and creatives thrive, and where ancient handicrafts, contemporary art practices, and breathtaking art-in-the-landscape experiences converge in harmony,” Nora al-Dabal, Executive Director of Arts & Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said in a statement.
Program events, including workshops, classes and talks for adults and families will be held in the Gathering Square in AlJadidah Arts District.
With its diverse offerings, the AlUla Arts Festival provides a platform for creative expression and cultural dialogue, connecting visitors to the region’s unique heritage and contemporary vision.
Here are some of the activities that visitors can look forward to:
Wadi AlFann Presents Thikra: Night of Remembering
The world premiere of the site-specific commissioned performance ‘Thikra: Night of Remembering’ is a key highlight of this year’s festival.
The performance was created by internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning choreographer Akram Khan and Wadi AlFann artist Manal al-Dowayan, who represented Saudi Arabia at the 60th International Venice Biennale.
The performance will feature 14 world-class international dancers, an original music score by award-winning composer Aditya Prakash and uniquely designed costumes and set by al-Dowayan.
The performance embodies AlUla’s commitment to engaging local audiences through involving our communities in shaping its design, music, and movement, according to al-Dabal.
“The world premiere of ‘Thikra’, an epic performance commissioned by Wadi AlFann, reflects our vision to share collective memories from AlUla to the world and invest in the creative innovation emerging from the region. Aligned with our vision to solidify AlUla’s place as a global cultural center, we remain dedicated to fostering artistic dialogue, nurturing a creative ecosystem of Saudi and global talent, and celebrating the unique heritage and pioneering spirit that define our city,” she said.
The performance will take place against the backdrop of Wadi AlFann, which translates to ‘Valley of the Arts’.
The 65-square-kilometer global cultural destination for contemporary land art will be home to works by international artists that will be permanently installed in the landscape of AlUla.
The Thikra performance will be held on January 25, 26 and 27.
Following its world premiere in AlUla, the performance will be adapted to an indoor version for theaters – bringing AlUla culture, heritage and artistry to wider audiences worldwide.
Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House)
Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House), conceived by contemporary artist and performer Tarek Atoui, will be hosting a public concert performance on January 16.
This event will showcase his latest work, which is part of his ongoing collaboration with the contemporary art museum in AlUla.
During the festival, this space will be dedicated to auditory and sound practices, emphasizing education, improvisation, experimentation, and the production of Atoui’s new works. It will serve as a platform for hosting local, national, and international collaborators.
Ayman Zedani’s lecture performance
Part of his long-term artist residency in AlUla and contemporary art museum in AlUla commission, artist and film-maker Ayman Zedani will be presenting a lecture performance in Cinema AlJadidah.
On January 29, he will introduce the public to his new research and science-fiction film commission for the contemporary art museum in AlUla.
Wadi AlFann Presents James Turrell
An exhibition surveying the work of pioneering light and space artist James Turrell will take place from January 16 to April 18.
Turrell is one of the first five artists creating new, large-scale, site-specific commissions for Wadi AlFann, alongside al-Dowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, and Ahmed Mater.
The highlights include renders, plans, and a constellation map for the artist’s upcoming site-specific commission in Wadi AlFann.
Also on view will be a Cross Corner projection and a Glasswork from the Royal Commission for AlUla’s contemporary art collection.
Design Space AlUla: Madrasat Addeera Exhibition
Design space AlUla returns for its second edition from January 16 to April 19 and merges two of AlUla’s creative hubs to spotlight the region’s cultural heritage and innovative design.
For the first time, Design Space will present works created within Madrasat Addeera.
The exhibition offers a multi-sensory experience that showcases AlUla’s unique blend of natural beauty and craftsmanship. It invites visitors to explore textures, scents, sounds, and visuals that tell the story of Madrasat Addeera’s transformation from a historic girls’ school into a thriving arts and design center.
AlKhatt Calligraphy
Presented by Arts AlUla in collaboration with Khawla Art and Culture, this activation celebrates and elevates the rich legacy of Arabic calligraphy.
From January 16 to February 22, the activation unfolds in three segments, each weaving Arabic calligraphy into its essence.
AlKhatt in Tantora: This section features an installation by Her Highness Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed Khalifa al-Suwaidi, inspired by her work Al Hayat (Life).
AlKhatt Gallery: This segment showcases a solo exhibition by Lebanese artist Ghaleb Hawila; and a collective exhibition featuring a diverse array of Arabic calligraphy masterpieces, including works by Wissam Shawkat, Abdallah Akkar, and typography by Ibrahim Zaki, among others.
Bayt AlKhatt: The aspect of the activation is the concept store that invites visitors to explore everyday objects adorned with Arabic calligraphy. Adding to the allure is a historic house transformed into an indoor gallery featuring exquisite abayas by Hanayen, designer furniture by Sandra Haber Wehbe, and jewelry co-designed by Sandra and Azza Al Qubaisi.
Neuma: The Forgotten Ceremony art installation and exhibition
Saudi artist Sarah Brahim and French artist Ugo Schiavi present Neuma: The Forgotten Ceremony, the first collaborative artwork embodying the identity of Villa Hegra – the Saudi-French institution set to open in central AlUla.
Taking place from December 12 to February 27, the project features an indoor exhibition at Dar Tantora and an outdoor installation at Wadi Al Naam, including a minimalist glass temple for reflection. The exhibition showcases blown glass sculptures inspired by local stones and a film of their research process.
Echoes of Time
Athr Gallery presents ‘Echoes of Time’ by Daniah Alsaleh and Susanne Kriemann, curated by Salma al-Khalidi, from January 16 to April 19.
The exhibition celebrates the German Archaeological Institute’s (DAI) 20th year of excavations in Saudi Arabia through a unique collaboration.
Set against the backdrop of the archaeological sites of Tayma and AlUla, ‘Echoes of Time’ invites viewers to rethink the desert landscape, not merely as a relic but as a realm where history and the present intersect in many ways.
AlUla Artist Residencies Open Studios
The AlUla Artist Residencies Open Studios invites guests to experience the work of six Saudi and international artists that are part of the AlUla Artist Residency program from January 25 to 29.
AlUla Music Hub
The AlUla Music Hub comes alive with live performances in AlJadidah and Old Town, showcasing a diverse range of Arabic, fusion, vocal, and jazz music that highlight both regional and global talent.
Cinema AlJadidah
Film enthusiasts can enjoy Cinema AlJadidah, an open-air cinema showcasing art house films and introducing audiences to new cinematic cultures.
Madrasat Addeera’s public programing
Meanwhile, Madrasat Addeera’s public programing continues year-round, offering hands-on activities that celebrate AlUla’s rich tradition of arts and crafts.
