AlUla Moments Reveals Details of its Program 2023/24

Bringing the color and excitement of AlUla Moments and AlUla's extraordinary landscapes and rich history to life, an exclusive first-of-its-kind activation, "AlUla Immersive", was held at the Theater of Digital Art on August 24, in Dubai, UAE.
 Opened free to the public, the immersive experience not only showcased AlUla Moments line-up of events and festivals, it also took attendees on a sensory 360-degree journey of some of AlUla's most mesmerizing landscapes.
 Comprising art, wellness, heritage, adventure, sport, music, dining, and immersive cultural experiences, AlUla Moments events and festivals celebrate its rich history, unlock its unique stories, and encourage the exchange of cultures across Saudi Arabia, with the region, and the world.
 At "AlUla Immersive", guests were given a first look at the program and dates for events scheduled for 2023-24, set to the backdrop of dynamic interactive visuals and MDLBEAST-powered performances by regional DJs, building on the excitement for the up-and-coming AZIMUTH music festival.
 Vice President, Destination Management and Marketing at The Royal Commission for AlUla Rami Al Mouallim said: "We are delighted to unveil our AlUla Moments calendar and showcase the rich tapestry of authentic experiences coming up this year and the next. Our diverse offerings reinforce AlUla's standing as a world-class, year-round destination where visitors are captivated by awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient heritage and a thriving arts and cultural scene."
 He added: "AlUla is quickly reasserting itself as the vibrant hub for creative and immersive encounters that it was thousands of years ago. From ancient wonders to contemporary festivals and events, the upcoming season at AlUla offers a transformative journey that will leave a lasting impression on every visitor."
 Building on the popularity and success of previous editions, AlUla Moments promises to provide experiences that are even more extraordinary than before, said a press release issued by the Royal Commission for AlUla. Standout occasions classed as "must attend" include AZIMUTH, the famous music and entertainment extravaganza that kicks off the new season on September 21, coinciding with Saudi National Day.
 Following AZIMUTH, the AlUla Wellness Festival will take place from October 19 to November 5, bringing together the world's best practitioners of yoga, meditation and more alongside local talent to create a highly anticipated, holistic wellness experience, said the press release.
 Sanctuary Five returns with immersive sensory-based wellness experiences including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions, running daily from 7am to 7pm during the festival. Visitors can take advantage of art therapy, Ayurveda, and sound-healing from world-class experts, as well as motivation talks with leading experts in their fields, including Anas Bukhash and Hala Kazim.
 Providing opportunities to be at one with nature there are eco-gardening and voluntourism experiences to give back to the stunning AlUla environment as part of the 2023 event schedule. Anchored by opportunities to connect with nature through culture, art, and music, the festival will rejuvenate and enrich minds and bodies, the press release added.
 From November 17 to December 3, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival returns for its second edition, presenting journeys of wonder and discovery inspired by the ancient world. The rich mix of events will present a journey through time informed by history and designed to delight, ranging from after-dark experiential immersions to family-friendly hands-on activities.
 In the coming edition, Hegra, the iconic archaeological site at the heart of the Incense Road, will act as the epicentre of festivities, as the Nabataean masterpiece celebrates its 15th anniversary as Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic heartland will host special performances, innovative tours, and imaginative discovery programs.
 Combining music, art, sport and cultural festivities, Winter at Tantora returns as the festival that started it all. Authentic AlUla celebrations will run from December 21 to January 21, allowing visitors to experience the wonders of AlUla over four themed weekends filled with geological wonders, mesmerizing arts, dreamy sounds, and cutting-edge fashion.
 Amongst the highlights of Winter at Tantora is the Citrus Festival, which takes place during the peak of the harvest season, alongside sporting events such as the epic AlUla Trail Race, which invites athletes, amateur runners and children alike to participate, and a high fashion event.
 With dates now confirmed as January 17 to 20, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo returns to AlUla as one of the most exclusive, exciting and visually stunning annual events to take place in Saudi Arabia, with international teams including St Tropez and La Dolfina showing off their sublime horsemanship set against the magnificent backdrop of desert mountains and lush oasis, the press release said. AlUla's desert polo is an evolution of one of the world's oldest sports, delivering unbridled luxury alongside sheer sporting theatre on AlUla's ancient sands, the press release added.
 In 2024, AlUla Arts Festival will once again welcome the world's art aficionados from around the world to interact with the dynamic, creative spirit of AlUla that has its roots in antiquity and carries on today.
 Held from February 8 to March 2, 2024, the festival will immerse visitors in a vibrant celebration of contemporary visual and public art, design, curated cinema, art tours, and artist residencies. At AlUla's mixed-use creative hub Madrasat Addeera, there will be hands-on workshops on crafts such as palm weaving, pottery, jewellery, 3D structures, textiles, and much more.
 Returning for a third edition in 2024, Desert X AlUla, the renowned international art exhibition will captivate visitors with its large-scale site-responsive installations set against AlUla's stunning backdrop. In addition, a new contemporary art exhibition specifically curated for Maraya will launch during the AlUla Arts Festival 2024.
 With more arts events yet to be announced, arts and culture enthusiasts should mark February as a month of not-to-be-missed dates in AlUla.
 An established fixture on the world equestrian stage, the fifth edition of the prestigious Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup will take place in February 2024, welcoming the world's best endurance riders to AlUla as they compete in this hotly contested 120-km equestrian challenge.
 Continuing the winter season, the AlUla Skies Festival enables visitors to experience the beautiful scenery of AlUla from a one-of-a-kind perspective. Fans can explore the skies of Saudi Arabia's ancient city through activities such as hot air balloons, helicopter tours, drone shows, stargazing and much more.
 AlUla Camel Cup set a new standard for camel racing in the region with its first event in March 2023. Now known as the pinnacle of the Saudi Arabian camel racing season, with a specially built venue offering authentic entertainment, retail and dining from AlUla and a crowd of fashionistas to witness the excitement, the event will return in April 2024.
 Nestled amidst soaring temperatures that reach up to 42°C (107°F), the second edition of Desert Blaze promises an unparalleled challenge for athletes and adventurers alike.
 Featuring an array of races including 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km distances, the event presents routes that meander through AlUla's timeless ancient monuments and vast sandstone canyons. This unique experience promises not only a physical trial but an unforgettable journey through history and nature.
 With more information to be announced in due course, AlUla Moments promises a season of awe-inspiring instances and the chance to make unforgettable memories.
 For more information, please visit: www.experiencealula.com/en