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.
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.
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.
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
Mariam Khawer is a Dubai-based writer and PR professional whose work spans food, art, and travel across the region. When she isn’t chasing deadlines, she’s likely at a gallery opening, testing out a new restaurant, piecing together one of her mixed-media art projects or at home with her four cats, who keep her on her toes.
