In a dazzling array of color, culture, and creativity, the third AlUla Arts Festival is poised to captivate the historic city from February 8 to February 24. With a dynamic lineup that promises a top-notch experience, the multi-artist festival is set to showcase flagship events, immersive exhibitions, live performances, photography showcases, street art tours, cinema screenings, and hands-on workshops, making it a must-attend event for art enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike.
The three-week program is designed to cast a spotlight on AlUla’s pivotal role as a hub for creative inspiration and cultural interchange. By stimulating imagination, fostering dialogue, and positioning AlUla as a prominent center for contemporary art integrated with the landscape, the festival aspires to revive ancient artistic traditions of past civilizations.
A highlight of the festival is the third edition of Desert X AlUla, scheduled from February 8 to March 23. This site-responsive exhibition, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, will showcase visionary contemporary artworks against the breathtaking desert backdrop of AlUla. The exhibition invites a cross-cultural artistic exchange, featuring works by both Saudi and international artists, and is complemented by the upcoming Wadi AlFann, a cultural destination slated to open in 2026. This space will host permanent contemporary land art installations, adding a timeless dimension to AlUla’s desert landscape.
As part of the pre-opening program at Wadi AlFann, festivalgoers can explore an exhibition by renowned Saudi artist Manal Al-Dowayan. Her work intricately weaves together stories from AlUla’s communities, providing a compelling prelude to her groundbreaking commission, “Oasis of Stories.” Notably, Al-Dowayan is set to represent the Kingdom at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia from April 20 to November 24, further solidifying AlUla’s position on the global art stage.
The festival’s flagship event lineup includes the exhibition “More than Meets the Eye,” showcasing modern and contemporary works by Saudi artists. With the support of prominent art collectors, this exhibition aims to re-canonize the history of Saudi Arabian art, documenting the stories of artists and recent art movements. It serves as a crucial prelude to the opening of AlUla’s contemporary art museum, focusing on regional and global contemporary art with a special emphasis on the Arab world.
Madrasat Addeera, AlUla’s mixed-use creative hub, will provide the picturesque backdrop for workshops covering a range of artistic disciplines, including palm weaving, pottery, jewelry-making, geometry, 3D structures, textiles, and more. Additionally, the Arts Festival will mark the opening of Design Space AlUla, introducing its inaugural exhibition and offering culture enthusiasts a glimpse into the evolving landscape of contemporary design.
With its diverse and immersive offerings, the AlUla Arts Festival promises not only to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the region but also to spark a renewed sense of creativity and innovation, setting the stage for AlUla to emerge as a global epicenter for the arts.
