AlUla Arts Festival 2025 Dazzles With A Global Lineup; All Details Here

The AlUla Arts Festival, running from January 16 to February 22, 2025, has brought together local, regional, and global artists for an immersive cultural experience. As a key event in the annual AlUla Moments Calendar, the festival is being held across multiple locations in the historic city, including AlUla Old Town, Wadi AlFann, and AlJadidah Arts District. Each site serves as a stage for artistic exploration, blending contemporary creativity with AlUla’s rich cultural heritage and dramatic landscapes.

One of the most anticipated events at the festival was the world premiere of "Thikra," a performance choreographed by internationally renowned dance artist Akram Khan and directed by Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan. Commissioned by Wadi AlFann, "Thikra" took place in the striking desert setting of the Valley of the Arts, a 65-square-kilometer open-air museum where monumental land art installations are permanently integrated into the landscape. These works, created by global artists, will offer visitors an opportunity to engage with contemporary art in harmony with AlUla’s geological formations and natural surroundings.

Major Exhibitions And Cultural Experiences

The festival also showcases a series of exhibitions and installations highlighting diverse artistic disciplines. At the upcoming contemporary art museum in AlUla, visitors can explore "Bayt Al Hams," a commission featuring artist and composer Tarek Atoui. This project will culminate in a groundbreaking concert performance while offering daily interactive experiences that allow audiences to engage with Atoui’s innovative work.

Elsewhere, Wadi AlFann will present an exhibition dedicated to James Turrell, the pioneering light and space artist, while "Design Space AlUla: Madrasat Addeera Exhibition" will showcase works that merge traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Saudi artist Sarah Brahim and French artist Ugo Schiavi is set to unveil "Neuma The Forgotten Ceremony," an art installation and exhibition reflecting the identity of the forthcoming Saudi-French cultural institution, Villa Hegra.

The AlKhatt initiative, presented in collaboration with Khawla Art and Culture, celebrates the legacy of Arabic calligraphy through outdoor installations, exhibitions, and a modern concept store. Visitors can explore a special installation by Her Highness Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, as well as Bayt AlKhatt, a historic house reimagined as a store featuring designer abayas, furniture, and jewelry inspired by calligraphy. Additionally, AlKhatt Gallery is hosting a solo exhibition by Lebanese artist Ghaleb Hawila alongside a curated collection of Arabic calligraphy masterpieces by renowned artists like Wissam Shawkat and Abdallah Akkar.

Live Music, Open-Air Cinema, And Interactive Workshops

Beyond exhibitions, the festival is offering a dynamic public program designed to engage visitors of all backgrounds. The AlUla Music Hub will bring vibrant live performances to AlJadidah and Old Town, while Cinema AlJadidah will host open-air film screenings. Madrasat Addeera, a key institution dedicated to preserving and promoting AlUla’s artistic traditions, is hosting year-round workshops where visitors can explore local crafts and techniques.