AlUla to welcome the new year with a host of outdoor activities and events

AlUla's spring calendar for 2024 is set to bring a number of exciting outdoor pursuits and challenges.

One of Saudi Arabia's most transformative and adaptive areas, AlUla connects the old with the new: the expansive landscapes of never-ending desert and historic charm of ancient sites, meets a modern oases of escape in luxury resorts, international dining experiences, high octane music festivals, renowned art shows, theatre and musical productions and now, adventure sport.

Looking to kick off the new year with a new challenge? Check out these events happening in AlUla early in 2024.

AlUla Trail Race

January 11 & 12

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Participant Level: All levels welcome from beginners to ultra-marathoners

The highly anticipated AlUla Trail Race returns to the red desert. Promising two days of adrenaline-pumping excitement across AlUla's diverse landscape, the race has now cemented its place on the global endurance race calendar.

This second edition offers a spectrum of distances suitable for all ages, featuring scenic routes showcasing the renowned Maraya, the stunning natural formation of Elephant Rock, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. Those looking for a challenge can choose the length of their race, push the boundaries of endurance with an intense ultra marathon of 100km, or other long distances like 50km or 20km. Or make it your personal goal to complete a 10km trail to kick off the New Year.

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo

From January 17 - 20

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Participant Level: Professional, although attendees and guests are invited to watch on

The polo set ready for the return of the world's most modern polo tournament - on a unique desert sand pitch. This third edition is set to see internationally renowned polo players and celebrity spectators descend on AlUla in seek of a piece of indulgent winter sunshine and bask in the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

AlUla Tour (Formally Saudi Tour)

From January 30 - February 2

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Participant Level: Professional, although attendees and guests are invited to watch on

During the AlUla Tour 119 professional cyclists making up 17 teams, race against each other across five race stages.

Returning to AlUla in the New Year, the newly re-named Saudi Tour will see cyclists from around the world race through the valleys of the ancient city. The Saudi Tour returns to AlUla for a fourth edition, and under a new name - the AlUla Tour, and over the course of five days, teams of internationally renowned professional cyclists will race against each other in a gruelling competition through the rust-coloured desert and valleys of AlUla.

Read more about the AlUla Tour here.

Tough Mudder Infinity AlUla

February 24

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Participant Level: All levels welcome from first-timers to seasoned mudders

In a groundbreaking move, this event will be the first-ever Infinity race to take place outside of North America. For those participating in the Tough Mudder Infinity, athletes will take part in a thrilling eight-hour challenge to conquer as many laps of the mudder course as is possible. Sports enthusiasts will vie for one of the most significant financial prizes in the annals of the obstacle-course.

Not up for something that intense but still want to challenge yourself? No problem. Accompanying this extreme event, there will also be the opportunity for those interested, to take part in either a 5km or 10km Tough Mudder. These options will allow for participants of diverse fitness abilities to partake in the adrenaline-pumping action.