Blending heritage and contemporary art, the fourth edition of the festival transformed AlUla into a dynamic global hub for artistic expression.
The AlUla Arts Festival returned for its fourth edition, transforming the historic oasis of northwest Saudi Arabia into a vibrant artistic hub. With a diverse lineup of performances, exhibitions, and immersive experiences, the festival established itself as a significant event on the international arts calendar. By integrating contemporary creativity with AlUla’s rich cultural heritage, it offered visitors a compelling journey through time and artistic expression.
Al Khatt presented by Arts AlUla in collaboration with Khawla Art and Culture. Courtesy of The Royal Commission of AlUla.
A mix of Saudi and international artists showcased their creative visions, redefining AlUla’s already mesmerising landscape. As a point where history and innovation intersected, the festival fostered dialogue between various artistic movements, traditions, and forward-thinking ideas. Attendees were invited to engage with a wide-ranging program that spanned multiple disciplines, including visual arts, music, film, and design.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the festival played a crucial role in expanding AlUla’s cultural identity, introducing new ways to experience art within its ancient surroundings. The program extended across landmark creative spaces, such as Wadi AlFann—a groundbreaking land art destination—alongside institutions like Villa Hegra, Madrasat Addeera, and the AlUla Music Hub. Contributions from leading art organisations, such as Athr Gallery and Khawla Art and Culture, showcased the collaborative spirit driving AlUla’s artistic evolution.
Reminiscence by Maha Malluh. Courtesy of The Royal Commission of AlUla.
A key focal point of the festival was Gathering Square in the AlJadidah Arts District, which hosted a curated selection of exhibitions and interactive installations. This vibrant setting served as a dynamic meeting place where visitors could explore thought-provoking works, participate in hands-on workshops, and engage in discussions that connected local and global perspectives. Nora Aldabal, Executive Director of Arts & Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla, emphasised the festival’s significance in shaping AlUla’s cultural landscape. “The AlUla Arts Festival is a testament to our vision of AlUla as a global centre for cultural exchange. This year’s program presented a rich palette of artworks, with the unique backdrop of AlUla serving as a canvas for ambitious creative explorations at the crossroads of civilisations, mediums, and timelines.”
Thikra by Akram Khan and Manal AlDowayan. Courtesy of the Royal Commission for AlUla.
This year’s exhibitions highlighted the depth and range of artistic innovation. Wadi AlFann featured a retrospective of James Turrell’s pioneering Light and Space works, offering insights into his upcoming commission for the site. Maha Malluh’s installation, Reminiscence, invited viewers to consider the complex relationship between perception, representation, and memory. Additionally, Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House) by Tarek Atoui transformed AlWarsha into an experimental sound space that encouraged collaboration and audience interaction.
Design Space AlUla, Raw to Revival. Courtesy Royal Commission for AlUla.
Design Space AlUla’s Raw to Revival showcased the evolving fusion of heritage and modernity, featuring works developed in partnership with Madrasat Addeera. Al Khatt celebrated Arabic calligraphy through installations, exhibitions, and design pieces that explored the beauty of the script in various forms. Meanwhile, NEUMA – The Forgotten Ceremony by Sarah Brahim and Ugo Schiavi served as the inaugural artwork for Villa Hegra, blending blown glass sculptures with cinematic storytelling.
NEUMA – The Forgotten Ceremony Sarah Brahim and Ugo Schiavi. Courtesy of the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Live performances further enhanced the festival’s immersive nature. Thikra: Night of Remembering, a collaboration between choreographer Akram Khan and artist Manal AlDowayan, presented a powerful exploration of memory and collective healing against the dramatic backdrop of Wadi AlFann. Sound artist Tarek Atoui delivered a unique live performance of his latest work, while Ayman Zedani’s To the Eagles lecture performance took audiences on a historical journey across the Arabian Peninsula, weaving archaeology and ecology into an artistic narrative.
Thikra, Night of Remembering by Manal AlDowayan and Akram Khan. Courtesy of the Royal Commission for AlUla.
The festival extended its impact beyond the main events by nurturing creative talent through initiatives like the AlUla Artist Residencies Open Studios. This platform granted visitors exclusive access to the creative processes of six resident artists, each deeply engaged with AlUla’s history, culture, and environment.
Al Jadidah Mural. Courtesy of The Royal Commission of AlUla.
Supporting all these initiatives was Arts AlUla, a visionary project within the Royal Commission for AlUla dedicated to fostering the region’s artistic legacy. By merging ancient storytelling with contemporary artistic practices, Arts AlUla shaped a future where creativity remained central to AlUla’s identity, community, and cultural economy.
A defining feature of this transformation was Wadi AlFann, or the ‘Valley of the Arts’—an extraordinary 65-square-kilometre expanse set to become a permanent home for large-scale land art. The first wave of commissions included works by Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, Ahmed Mater, and James Turrell, each responding to AlUla’s awe-inspiring natural landscape. These installations marked the beginning of a commitment to making AlUla a world-class destination for contemporary artistic experiences. As the festival unfolded, it offered visitors a unique glimpse into the intersection of art and culture.
The AlUla Arts Festival ran from January 16th to February 22nd 2025; select exhibitions, including Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell will continue until April. For more information, please visit AlUla Arts Festival.
