Every winter, AlUla transforms from a quiet desert landscape into one of the region’s most exciting cultural destinations. This year, the AlUla Arts Festival 2026 returns with its biggest edition yet, offering a packed calendar of art installations, performances, exhibitions, and creative programmes that stretch across the city’s historic sites.
For travellers from Dubai and the wider UAE, the festival continues to be one of the most popular winter escapes. Between the cooler temperatures, the dramatic desert backdrops, and the scale of the artworks on display, AlUla offers something completely different from the city’s fast-paced rhythm.
Running from January 16, the month-long programme covers everything from large-scale land art to quiet heritage workshops, giving visitors multiple reasons to explore different corners of the ancient oasis.
Desert X AlUla 2026
One of the festival’s biggest draws is Desert X AlUla, returning for its fourth edition with ten new site-specific artworks. The event takes place from January 16 to February 28, and is designed to be experienced outdoors, with installations spread across the desert terrain.
This year’s theme, “Space Without Measure”, takes inspiration from the writings of Kahlil Gibran. It focuses on imagination and how art can expand our perception of landscape. Visitors can expect sound corridors, sculptural forms, and artistic interventions that blend into the cliffs, canyons, and open sand valleys.
For guests arriving from the UAE, Desert X is one of the most immersive ways to experience AlUla. The walk between installations, the changing light throughout the day, and the silence of the surroundings all contribute to a rare kind of cultural experience—one that feels personal and reflective.
Arduna: A Preview of AlUla’s Contemporary Art Museum
From February 1 to April 15, the festival presents Arduna, an exhibition that offers a glimpse of what AlUla’s upcoming contemporary art museum will eventually showcase. The title translates to “our land,” and the exhibition explores the deep relationship between people and nature.
Featuring more than 80 artworks, Arduna includes pieces from Saudi, regional, and international artists, with significant loans from the Musée National d’Art Moderne, including works by Kandinsky and Picasso. The exhibition is co-curated with the Centre Pompidou and AFALULA, adding a strong global perspective while remaining rooted in the region’s environment.
For travellers who enjoy Dubai’s art scene—from Alserkal Avenue to the Jameel Arts Centre—Arduna is likely to be a highlight.
Design Space AlUla: A Celebration of Craft and Creativity
Design Space AlUla returns as an important pillar of the festival, hosting the AlUla Design Exhibition from January 16 to February 28. The exhibition showcases works developed through the AlUla Artists Residency, the AlUla Design Award 2025, and collaborations with regional and international designers.
The focus is on how artists interpret AlUla’s textures, craft traditions, and natural patterns. From product design to conceptual pieces, the range of work on display is broad and engaging.
Alongside this, the AlUla Design Stores will run from January 22 to February 28, featuring retail items created through designathons, craft residencies, and partnerships with artisans from Madrasat Addeera. It’s a space where visitors can purchase meaningful, design-led souvenirs rooted in the region’s heritage.
AlJadidah Arts District: The Heart of the Festival
AlJadidah is where the energy of the festival feels most alive. The district transforms into an open-air gallery, with public art installations lining the Incense Road and Gathering Square. During the festival, the district becomes a walkable hub of workshops, screenings, café terraces, and community spaces.
Key highlights include:
AlUla Music Hub (until January 31)
A series of concerts spanning Arabic music, fusion, jazz, and vocal performances.
ATHR Gallery (January to February)
Featuring a curated selection of works by Saudi contemporary artist Sara Abdu.
Madrasat Addeera (January 16 to April 30)
A hands-on creative environment where visitors can observe artisans and learn about traditional crafts that are being revived for modern audiences.
Cinema AlJadidah
An outdoor cinema screening documentaries, feature films, and short works related to art and culture.
For visitors from the UAE, AlJadidah often feels familiar: social, lively, and full of creative energy, similar to Dubai’s pedestrian-friendly design districts—only with a distinctly historic backdrop.
Villa Hegra: A Saudi-French Cultural Bridge
From January 16 to February 14, Villa Hegra hosts Not Deserted, an exhibition featuring early 20th-century photographs of AlUla paired with contemporary cinematic work from Saudi filmmaker Saad Tahaitah.
The major highlight is Vertigo, a contemporary performance staged at Wadi AlFann in partnership with Chaillot – National Dance Theatre. Featuring French highliner Nathan Paulin and local performers, the show uses the natural cliffs and open valley as its stage. It promises to be one of the most striking visual moments of the festival.
Villa Hegra will also run curated workshops led by international and Saudi creatives working across music, dance, and choreography.
British Council KSA Art Takeover
The British Council’s contribution brings two installations to the festival:
- Studio Ü London, developing a sustainable fashion capsule inspired by AlUla in collaboration with Saudi artists
- Cries in the Desert, a sound installation that uses archived oral histories and music to reimagine AlUla’s cultural memory
Both projects focus on storytelling and cultural preservation, tying back to the festival’s emphasis on heritage.
Daimumah: Nature, Heritage, and Slow Experiences
Daimumah, located near AlUla Old Town, offers a slower, more contemplative experience. The farm invites guests to take part in planting sessions, public art workshops, craft classes, and heritage-focused activities. There are also food and beverage options scattered around the farm, making it an ideal place for a relaxed afternoon after a morning of exploring exhibitions.
The space feels grounded, with greenery, shaded walkways, and a sense of calm that contrasts beautifully with the busier festival areas.
The AlUla Arts Festival 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant cultural events in the region. Whether you’re interested in land art, design, film, craft, or simply want a scenic weekend away from Dubai’s city pace, the festival offers something for every type of traveller.
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