AlUla Arts Festival marks its fifth anniversary edition with a vibrant programme of groundbreaking exhibitions, performances and experiential installations

What is AlUla Arts Festival?

The AlUla Arts Festival is an annual festival that transforms the ancient oasis city of AlUla into a sprawling, open-air gallery.

This edition is the most diverse to date, headlined by the return of Desert X AlUla, which features 10 site-specific land art installations inspired by the poetry of Kahlil Gibran.

Beyond the desert floor, the festival offers a glimpse into the future of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape with Arduna, a world-first exhibition from the pre-opening programme of AlUla’s forthcoming contemporary art museum, curated in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou and a Design Space AlUla exhibition spotlighting Saudi and international talents, among others.

From high-altitude performances like Vertigo at Wadi AlFann to traditional craft revival at Madrasat Addeera, the festival weaves together local heritage and international pioneering art.

Public talk, eL Seed Mural, AlUla Arts Festival 2023..webp — Image courtesy of AlUla Arts Festival

When is AlUla Arts Festival?

The fifth edition of the festival officially runs from 16 January to 14 February 2026. However, several major exhibitions offer extended viewing windows. Desert X AlUla and the design showcase at Design Space AlUla remain open until 28 February, while the Arduna museum exhibition continues to welcome visitors through to 15 April.

Sonic Bloom, Yuri Suzuki, Diamumah 2023 .webp — Image courtesy of AlUla Arts Festival

The Holy Wadi, Ayman Zedani, Arduna, 2025 (1).webp — Image courtesy of AlUla Arts Festival

Where is AlUla Arts Festival?

The festival is set in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, about 1,100 km from Riyadh. The programming is intentionally spread across the region’s dramatic topography, including the sandstone canyons of the desert, the lush palm groves of the Daimumah farm and the winding, storied streets of the AlJadidah Arts District.

Madrasat Addeera Ceramics Workshop.webp — Image courtesy of AlUla Arts Festival

Art in the Middle Top Tip

Since the festival spans a vast landscape, from the urban AlJadidah district to remote desert sites, plan your transportation in advance. Many of the most breathtaking land art pieces are site-specific and require time to reach; consider booking a guided tour or a dedicated driver to ensure you don’t miss the hidden installations tucked away in the canyons.

Visit: experiencealula.com