The ancient desert city of AlUla is all set to welcome back visitors with a line-up of exciting events and festivals for the rest of 2022. Under the umbrella of AlUla Moments, the 2022 lineup includes the return of AlUla Wellness Festival as well as Winter at Tantora and announces a new addition to the calendar – The Ancient Kingdoms Festival.
Also, in an exciting return to the city’s marquee events, the calendar kicks off this September with the return of the Kingdom’s first music festival, Azimuth. The intimate 3-day celebration of music, art, and food is back with a refreshed approach in a stunning canyon setting.
With a focus on sunrise and sunset performances and an exciting mix of east meets west – the festival is set to be a hot ticket for music and arts lovers who want to escape the city heat over the Saudi National Day weekend.
Azimuth is followed directly by The Wellness Festival. Debuting in March 2022, the festival returns in a new September/October period to capitalise on the changing of the season and the beginning of new life. The festival will once again be anchored by Five Senses Sanctuary – a purpose-built spa, fitness, and wellness retreat which will bring the world’s best practitioners together with local talent to create the Kingdom’s most significant offering of experiences for the mind, body, and soul.
The Ancient Kingdoms Festival brings the past into the present with experiences inspired by the significance of 7000 years of successive civilizations on the Arabian Peninsula and the famed incense road trading route that cemented AlUla as the bustling commercial and cultural crossroad.
The festival marks the first time that visitors will be invited to discover the linked frontier oases of Northwest Arabia – Khaybar, AlUla, and Tayma – both of which hold their own globally significant geological and historical legacy. The Ancient Kingdoms Festival will also offer a series of exciting music, arts, and outdoor events at the key heritage sites of AlUla – including the popular Hegra After Dark.
Winter at Tantora continues to grow as AlUla Moments signature festival offering the best of the best in eclectic, surprising, and ground-breaking events that showcase the destination in new and exciting ways. This year’s experiences include innovative dining, high fashion, immersive arts, outdoor theatre, and more.
Other experiences to mark on the calendar for those looking to visit AlUla in the coming months include the Dates Festival which runs for four weekends in September and October, and a visit to AlUla’s new Adventure Hub which offers abseiling, rock climbing, Via Ferrata and canyon hammock, and zipline – all of which are perfect for beginner adventurers and available all year round. These experiences are perfect for the early mornings and late afternoons in the summer and anytime during winter.
AlUla Moments is AlUla’s new home of events. The brand was launched at the end of 2021 and introduced four new festivals to celebrate and unlock AlUla’s stories, uncover its secrets and celebrate local and international cultures. With 7000 years of civilisations and home to some of the most sophisticated ancient Kingdoms of antiquity, AlUla is no stranger to social gatherings and cultural celebrations.