AlUla Moments 2025–26 calendar: Full guide for UAE travellers to festivals, art and sport

UAE residents seeking a unique regional escape can now mark their calendars—AlUla Moments has unveiled its full 2025–2026 line-up of festivals and events, offering the perfect short-haul retreat just a few hours from the Emirates.

From music festivals like AZIMUTH to wellness retreats, endurance races, and contemporary art exhibitions, the upcoming season promises a rich blend of experiences set against AlUla’s breathtaking desert landscapes. The destination has seen a steady rise in popularity among UAE-based travellers, thanks to improved connectivity, streamlined e-visas, and weekend-friendly itineraries.

With direct flights from major UAE cities and visa-on-arrival access for residents, AlUla’s year-round cultural calendar is a compelling reason to explore one of Saudi Arabia’s most inspiring heritage hubs.

The diverse programme spans music, adventure, gastronomy, wellness, and community events—reinforcing AlUla’s status as one of the Middle East’s most dynamic destinations.

“Each year, AlUla Moments evolves to offer an even more diverse and enriching array of experiences,” said Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla. “Whether it’s through heritage, music, adventure, or wellness, AlUla continues to inspire and captivate.”

The calendar kicks off in September with AZIMUTH, AlUla’s signature open-air music festival aligned with Saudi National Day. The event unites global and regional music stars, immersive audiovisuals, and high-energy performances under AlUla’s vast desert skies.

October welcomes the return of the AlUla Wellness Festival, blending mindfulness and movement. This year’s edition introduces adrenaline-pumping events like the AlUla Half Marathon, 24-Hour Endurance Race, Duathlon, and Ashar Valley Triathlon—alongside daily yoga, meditation, and high-impact Les Mills workouts set against cinematic desert backdrops.

Step into history: Ancient Kingdoms Festival debuts in November
In November, AlUla’s rich heritage takes the spotlight with the launch of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival. Visitors can ‘journey through time’ with experiences like Hegra After Dark, The Incense Road Experience, the Hegra Drone Show, and Candlelit Classics concerts—all staged at some of the world's most significant archaeological sites.

The beloved Winter at Tantora festival is back in December, kicking off with a tribute to Saudi handicrafts and a headline performance by superstar Ahlam. The season includes Shorofat Tantora, Tantora Old Town Nights, and exclusive pop-ups by world-renowned chefs like Ducasse and Annabel’s, all set in AlUla’s enchanting Old Town.

2026 begins with a powerful sporting line-up. AlUla Desert Polo returns in January, drawing international players to a purpose-built sand arena beside dramatic cliffs. The AlUla Tour cycling race follows, bringing top-tier cyclists for a multi-stage UCI Asia Tour event. February ups the challenge with AlFursan Endurance AlUla and the AlUla Trail Race, set along the region’s breathtaking natural terrain.

Also in January, the fifth AlUla Arts Festival transforms the landscape into a stage for bold artistic expression. Highlights include the fourth edition of Desert X AlUla, a major new exhibition curated with the Pompidou Centre, and design showcases across the AlJadidah Arts District, making the city a living gallery of contemporary culture. 

With its immersive mix of ancient heritage and forward-thinking creativity, AlUla Moments 2025–26 invites travellers to be part of a destination where stories unfold through festivals, food, art, and sport. It’s not just a calendar—it's a call to experience AlUla’s timeless spirit and ever-evolving cultural pulse.