This April, the enchanting oasis city of AlUla will become a gateway to the cosmos during the AlUla Skies Festival; so mark your diaries, as the celestial festival is set to dazzle from April 18 to 27, 2025.

The vast desert landscapes and dark, star-studded skies of AlUla provide the perfect canvas for this annual celebration of astronomy and culture.

Hot Air Balloon: AlUla Skies Festival

IG experiencealula

Alula Skies Festival via ig (1)

And, this year's festival promises an even more spectacular celebration of the human connection to the sky, with a diverse program of events that blend adventure, cultural heritage, and astronomical exploration: visitors can experience Alula's breathtaking landscapes from incredible viewpoints, including hot air balloon rides over ancient ruins.

The festival is not just a celebration but a part of the broader AlUla Moments calendar, highlighting AlUla's commitment to cultural richness and adventure, underscored by the natural beauty and historical depth of the region. It’s an invitation to experience the infinite wonder of the skies and the timeless allure of AlUla.

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UNSPLASH: Mark Basarab

AlUla Night Sky Desert via UNSPLASH mark-basarab

Pop Up Planetarium

The pop-up planetarium will be located in the Old Town of AlUla, and offer visitors 360-degree dome filled with projections of constellations and a deeper look into space exploration, and the galaxies beyond our own.

AlUla Manara Observatory

At the festival’s core is the newly inaugurated AlUla Manara, a global observatory poised at the forefront of astronomical research and education. This state-of-the-art facility links the ancient celestial navigations of travellers long past with today’s cutting-edge cosmic explorations. With activities ranging from high-tech telescope observations to interactive exhibits, AlUla Manara makes the science of the skies accessible and entertaining to all.

Photos courtesy of Experience Al Ula

Celestial Skyport

At the Celestial Skyport in the ancient and UNESCO inscribed location of Jabal Ikmah, visitors can get involved in interactive exhibits and try high-tech telescopes to explore the stars like never before. Astronomy workshops will provide deeper insights into the universe.

Exciting Concerts

This year there is also set to be an unmissable concert series featuring the incredible Ahmed Saad and Mohamed Hamaki both already confirmed. Music lovers have a special date on April 25, when the Thanaya AlUla Outdoor Venue will resonate with the sounds of regional artists, adding a melodious backdrop to the celestial festivities. More details and ticketing information is still to be announced, but we're excited for these gigs.

Photos courtesy of Experience Al Ula

Hot Air Balloon Rides & Balloon Glow Show

For those looking to soar higher, the AlUla Skies Festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience incredible hot air balloon rides above the ancient destination. Providing a breathtaking bird's-eye view of AlUla’s landmarks such as the Old Town and Elephant Rock. As night falls, the Balloon Glow Shows are set return, transforming the nightsky and desert with an array of illuminated balloons synchronised to music and aerial performances, creating a spectacular visual feast.

Movies & Moonlight Yoga

If you're hoping to keep both feet firmly on the group, do not fret there are plenty of things to do. Cinephiles can catch a movie under the stars at Maraya, whilst those seeking tranquility and a desert retreat experience, visitors can join in Moonlight Yoga Sessions, aligning mind, body, and spirit in the serene desert ambiance.

AlUla Skies Festival 2025, from April 18 to 27, 2025
Various locations in AlUla
experiencealula.com
@experiencealula

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