AlUla Arts Festival hosts Warhol, workshops and walks

Catch Andy Warhol’s most iconic paintings and films during the festival.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site to world-class concerts. Now, there’s one more: AlUla Arts Festival. Running from 16 to 28 February, it brings together artistic workshops, immersive experiences and exhibitions.

One of the biggest events at AlUla Arts Festival is FAME: Andy Warhol in AlUla , which runs from 17 February to 16 May. The Andy Warhol Museum, which holds the largest collection of the artist’s work, has joined forces to curate a special exhibition for AlUla’s Maraya. This is a rare chance to see some of Warhol’s most famous silkscreens in the kingdom. The display includes Elizabeth Taylor, Muhammad Ali and Dolly Parton.

The Andy Warhol exhibition has inspired a range of additional exciting events. Cinema AlJadidah runs from 16 to 22 February and presents films on the artist Andy Warhol and films on the themes of art, celebrity and fame. FAME: 13 Most Beautiful takes place on 16 February and pairs large-scale projections of the artist’s silent films with a live performance by the rock act Dean and Britta.

AlUla’s Performing Arts Festival runs from 17 February to 4 March, giving visitors the chance to meet with roving artists, both local and international. We’re talking acrobats, buskers and storytellers.

AlUla Arts Festival also includes 100 Best Arabic Posters, which runs from 16 February to 16 May. The competition is held every two years, and this is the first time that it has taken place in AlUla. The judges have whittled down 2,500 submissions and showcased the best posters in the Arab world.

Other events include an Art in Landscape Guided Hike in Wadi Al Fann, Living in Colour Guided Tours in the arts district and oasis, and Silver Scent Walking Tours through Insence Road.

Look out for amazing events throughout the year during AlUla Moments 2023. Other events include AlUla Wellness Festival, from 16 September to 16 October; AlUla’s flagship music festival, Azimuth, runs from 22 to 25 September; and Winter at Tantora returns from 22 December to 22 January.

Paint the town.  

GO: Visit www.experiencealula.com for more information.