AlUla Arts Festival 2025: Artistic Celebration of Creativity and Culture
AlUla is bracing for a myriad of exhibitions, dance shows, music performances, workshops and enriching dialogue sessions at AlUla Arts Festival 2025.
Returning for a fourth edition, from January 16 to February 22, 2025, AlUla Arts Festival promises to bring exciting events that highlight contemporary art against the landscape of the ancient city’s rich history.
AlUla Arts Festival: A Unique Fusion
In an awe-inspiring artistic experience, Al Jadidah Arts District and AlUla Old Town will host contemporary art exhibitions, live music performances, workshops, talk sessions, specially curated programs, and family-friendly activities. AlUla will serve as a vibrant hub for creativity.
Over four weeks, visitors will immerse in art experiences that feature works by talented artists from the region and worldwide. AlUla Arts Festival will bring together creative minds, displaying unmatched art perspectives and turning the ancient oasis city to an open-air live museum.
AlUla is an ancient oasis city located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. It boasts a great cultural significance owing to its rich history and archeological monuments that stand as a testament to the Nabataean civilization. AlUla is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Special Performance
Aiming to mix ancient traditions with contemporary art, AlUla Arts Festival 2025 will feature the “Thikra: Night of Remembering” performance. It is a world-premiere dance performance set to take place at Wadi AlFann.
This special performance is co-created by the award-winning choreographer, Akram Khan, and Saudi artist, Manal AlDowayan. It features an original soundtrack by the renowned musician, Aditya Prakash.
Set against the fascinating backdrop of Wadi AlFann, the special performance focuses on themes such as memory, collective healing, and the timeless connection between past and future.
Wadi AlFann will also host a stunning art exhibition, showcasing the innovative artworks and light installations of James Turrell, an exceptionally talented artist in light and space art.
Reviving Traditional Arts
AlUla Arts Festival 2025 will bring the Arabic traditional arts to life, blending them with contemporary artistic expressions to create a distinct cultural experience. At AlKhatt event, the festival will celebrate traditional and contemporary Arabic calligraphy through outdoor installations, exhibitions, and a showcase of calligraphy-adorned designs. It will highlight how this form of art has evolved over the years.
Moreover, AlUla Arts Festival will feature the ATHR Gallery. It is a hub for showcasing the Arab World’s creativity and vibrancy. Visitors will delve deeper into the rich tapestry of contemporary art.
Meanwhile, the “Madrasat Addeera X Design Space” Exhibition will offer a unique fusion of traditional heritage and innovative artistic designs, reviving AlUla’s authentic culture in a distinguished way.
Visual Experiences
The festival will offer unmatched visual experiences that display AlUla’s rich heritage and modern artistry. At Al Jadidah Arts District, photography fans will enjoy the Reminiscence Exhibition, where the creative artists, Maha Malluh and Taysir Batniji, will turn the venue into vibrant canvas exhibiting photos.
Furthermore, Cinema Al Jadidah will offer open-air screenings of a specially curated series of films that focus on art and artists. It will also screen documentaries, biopics, feature films and talks by experts.
Additionally, the contemporary artist, Ayman Zedani, will present his amazing work as a filmmaker in an impressive journey that connects the past with the present.
Auditory Expressions
For a captivating visual and audio experience, Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House) by Tarek Atoui will explore the connection between materials and sound in an exceptional experience that immerse sound enthusiasts in the world of sound and contemporary art.
Moreover, AlUla Music Hub will host diverse programs and activities designed for all age groups. It will feature live music performances from across all genres, such as jazz and Arabic music.
Interactive Events
AlUla Arts Festival 2025 will host a wide range of interactive events and activities that aim to enrich the cultural experience of visitors. The Gathering Square at Al Jadidah Arts District will present a public program that includes a variety of activities, such as daily workshops, classes, and talk sessions that bring the art community together and enhance their creativity.
Another engaging program is AlUla Artist Residency Program. It is a brand-new open studio experience that revives art, culture and history through the innovative insights of six artists from Saudi Arabia and other countries around the world.
