Known for its dramatic desert, Elephant Rock, historical old town and so much more, AlUla Saudi Arabia is the ultimate dream backdrop canvas for the AlUla Arts Festival and art lovers from around the world. Located in the extraordinary desert landscape of north-west Saudi Arabia, the festival, in its fourth edition, has solidified AlUla as a must-visit destination on the global arts calendar. It has transformed the region into a vibrant hub of performances, visual exhibitions, music, and film.
AlUla’s otherworldly desert terrain, dotted with ancient rock formations and archaeological wonders, provided the perfect backdrop for contemporary art. The partnership with local and international cultural institutions, like Wadi AlFann, elevated the experience further. Wadi AlFann, a vast cultural destination dedicated to land art, showcased works by global artists such as James Turrell and Maha Malluh, whose pieces were deeply inspired by AlUla’s natural beauty. The environment itself became a central element, enriching the immersive nature of the festival.
At the heart of the festival stood AlJadidah Arts District, where Gathering Square became a vibrant hub of exhibitions and workshops. This dynamic space brought together Saudi and international artists, offering the public an opportunity to experience art in engaging and interactive ways. Beyond visual art, the district was also home to performances, talks, and workshops that examined the interplay between AlUla’s ancient traditions and its contemporary cultural evolution. It was here that the festival’s atmosphere truly flourished, where the community could delve into creative discussions while surrounded by inspiring works of art that bridged the past with the future.
If you missed some of the festival’s exhibitions, there’s still time to catch theses until April 2025: view James Turrell’s exhibition at Wadi AlFann, on until 19 April, where visitors can explore the pioneering Light and Space artist’s stunning works. Curated by Michael Govan from LACMA, this exhibition immerses viewers in Turrell’s legacy and his future commission in AlUla. Meanwhile, Maha Malluh’s Reminiscence, also open until 19 April, critically examines visual perception and representation, blending philosophy and art in an outdoor setting that invites personal reflection on memory and artistic practice.
Another must-see is Tarek Atoui’s Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House), running until 16 April at AlWarsha. Dedicated to contemporary sound art, this installation invites visitors to interact with instruments, fostering an environment of experimentation and collaboration. Also continuing until 19 April, Design Space AlUla’s Raw to Revival exhibition highlights the intersection of tradition and modernity, showcasing works created within Madrasat Addeera, AlUla’s arts and design centre. This multi-sensory exhibition explores the region’s cultural heritage through innovative design, offering visitors a deeper connection with AlUla’s rich craftsmanship and artistic evolution.
Finally, Madrasat Addeera’s public programming remains open until 19 April, offering workshops in design, arts, and crafts. Once a historic girls' school, this centre is now a thriving space for transforming AlUla’s artisanal practices. With daily programming and weekend workshops, it continues to inspire both locals and visitors, blending the region's past with a modern artistic vision.
Visitors and art lovers alike can look forward to the next edition, AlUla Arts Festival 2026, continuing the tradition of celebrating Saudi art and creativity in unique cultural spaces across AlUla.
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Hayley is passionate about everything 90s, from art and fashion to music. Her love for glossy, artful coffee table books started early during her days in book publishing and has only grown since. She collects luxury magazines from around the world, enjoys exploring creative workshops around the city, and always chases dinners with a view, preferably by the beach.
