Winter at Tantora: AlUla’s flagship festival returns to Saudi Arabia’s ancient city
Winter at Tantora, the region’s longest-running culture, art, and music festival, will return to Saudi Arabia for its fifth edition this upcoming winter season, AlUla Moments announced.
Running from December 21 until January 27, Winter at Tantora will welcome explorers, music fans, sports fanatics, and nature lovers to partake in a month-long list of events.
The flagship festival will present activities, activations, and events throughout six themed weekends, allowing them to explore the wonders of the ancient city of Al Ula.
Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is home to a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites that date back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.
From mesmerizing showcases of art, music and culinary flavors to ancient history and rich culture, Winter at Tantora is the only festival in AlUla that runs over the holiday season and into the new year.
AlUla Moments’ calendar comprises of five festivals offering diverse experiences in art, culture, music, nature, wellness, equestrian activities, dining, and astronomy.
“Being the longest-running festival of its kind in the Middle East is a testament to its enduring popularity with audiences. Every year, we bring fan-favorite features together with intriguing new additions; and every year, the festival evolves and continues its legacy as the ultimate culture, art, and music spectacle,” said Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to ensure this edition goes above and beyond anything that’s been seen before. Winter at Tantora can only be described as ‘must visit’ and we can’t wait to welcome everyone next month.”
Exciting line-up of events
The festival will kick off with the immersive Tantora Celebrations – running from 22-31 December.
The Tantora Celebrations will begin with the generations-old cultural event, during which AlUla’s winter planting season is initiated by the Old Town’s sundial casting a shadow for all to see.
The Tales After Dark, an exclusive after-dark series where visitors experience different light projection shows in four locations across AlUla, will also run from the beginning of the festival until January 21, 2024.
Concerts and musical performances
Winter at Tantora will coincide with the highly acclaimed AlUla Moments concert series. Renowned Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi will perform on December 29 with her cherished discography spanning classic Arab hits, Lebanese folk songs, religious hymns, and patriotic anthems.
Following the new year, Saudi musician, singer, and composer Dr. Abadi Al Johar is also set to perform on Friday, January 12.
One of the most popular Khaleeji singers in the Gulf, Dr. Al Johar has composed around 50 albums since he began his musical career in 1968. own compositions and hits such as ‘Awazel’ and ‘Eyaunek’.
Other highlighted events during the festival’s opening weeks will be the Shorfat AlJadidah concert which will take place during the first two weekends across consecutive nights on 21-22 and 28-29 December.
The Saudi National Music Band, Shorfat AlJadidah, will meld together covers of famous Saudi songs, traditional opera, and Arab classics in unique live performances in the middle of town.
The Jamil and Bouthaina Musical is also set to return to AlUla for the second time at the world’s largest mirrored building, the globally renowned Maraya.
The musical’s production – featuring an exciting line-up of actors, dancers, and singers – will be staged with support from the Caracalla Dance Theatre, the most prominent professional dance company in the Middle East, with the rising music star Zena Emad performing as the opening act.
Equestrian lovers rejoice
AlUla is a world-class equestrian destination. Thus, it is only fitting that the world’s only modern polo tournament is to be staged in a desert environment and will return as the best players from around the world compete with one another.
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo will be held from 15-20 January 2024.
Challenging athletes
AlUla Moments has also confirmed that the AlUla Trail Race will be back to challenge both international athletes and amateur runners.
From a 100km ultramarathon, a 50km marathon, a 25km half marathon, a 10km fun run, and a 1.4km kids’ race, the sporting event has something for everyone.
The AlUla Trail Race will take place from 11-12 January 2024.
Unveiling the world of fashion
The closing weekend of the Winter at Tantora festival will feature a fashion show to showcase collections from two international brands from the world of fashion: Givenchy and Tiffany & Co.
Several activations will also offer visitors immersive experiences in the world of fashion.
