The event takes place from until 22 February.
AlUla is home to world-class sights, historical attractions, and vibrant festivals. Now, its AlUla Arts Festival, for its fourth edition, running 22 February. The festival brings together exciting events from art exhibitions to music shows.
AlUla Arts Festival takes place across AlUla in locations including Al Jadidah and Old Town. The events include exhibitions, dance and music performances from local as well as international artists. Plus, guests can join talks, workshops and specially curated programmes.
This year’s festival celebrates the fusion of ancient traditions with contemporary art through workshops, talks, and performances. The highlight will be Thikra: Night of Remembering, a site-specific performance in Wadi AlFann, featuring world-class dancers and an original music set against AlUla’s landscapes, taking place from 25 to 27 January. There will be art exhibitions commissioned for the site as well.
In AlJadidah Arts District, there will be a public photography exhibition, and daily classes, talks and workshops. You can also enjoy exhibitions like Tarek Atoui’s soundscapes until 16 April, James Turrell’s light installations happening and Design Space AlUla showcasing the region’s heritage and modern artistry, until 19 April.
The festival expands beyond visual arts, offering live music at the AlUla Music Hub, open-air film screenings at Cinema AlJadidah, happening until the end of the AlUla Arts Festival and public art programming at Madrasat Addeera taking place till 19 April. Guests can engage with artist residencies, calligraphy showcases, and multidisciplinary exhibitions.
For those who enjoy lecture performances, Ayman Zedani’s To the Eagles, running until 18 February, offers an inspiring journey through archaeological treasures. Meanwhile, Al Khatt, happening until 22 February, celebrates the beauty of Arabic calligraphy with installations, galleries, and concept stores. On the final day of the AlUla Arts Festival, the AlUla Artist Residency Open Studios invites you to immerse yourself in the creative processes of multiple artists, providing a dive into history.
NEUMA – The Forgotten Ceremony, running until 27 February, showcases the collaboration between Saudi artist Sarah Brahim and French artist Ugo Schiavi. Together, they unveil a stunning glass temple and sculptures inspired by AlUla’s stones at Wadi AlNaam and Dar Tantora. Additionally, Alamaat, on display until 26 March, blends ancient archaeology with contemporary art. Maha Malluh: Reminiscence, an outdoor exhibition running until 19 April, takes center stage as part of AlUla’s contemporary art museum, further cementing AlUla’s status as a hub for cultural innovation.
AlUla Arts Festival also takes place at locations including ATHR Gallery, Bayt Al Hams by Tarek Atoui, and Madrasat Addeera X Design Space.
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GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.