The Ancient Kingdoms Festival, AlUla’s iconic celebration of history and archaeology, returns from 20 November to 6 December 2025 as part of the AlUla Moments calendar, inviting visitors to embark on an extraordinary journey through 200,000 years of human history.
Under the theme ‘Journeys Through Time’, AlUla transforms into a living open-air museum, where heritage, culture, and creativity bring the stories of ancient civilisations to life — from daytime discoveries to after-dark immersion.
Framed by AlUla’s awe-inspiring desert scenery, the festival revives the stories, rituals, and trade routes that once connected this oasis to the ancient world along the Incense Road. Visitors can expect a series of immersive, multi-sensory experiences — from the aromas of ancient markets to the flavours of traditional cuisine — designed to awaken the senses and forge a deeper connection with the past.
At the heart of the festival are the people of AlUla — Rawis, rangers, artisans, and historians — who share the stories of their ancestors and invite the world to rediscover the timeless spirit of this extraordinary destination.
Among this year’s highlights, the award-winning Hegra After Dark returns from 20 November to 14 February, offering a unique, multi-dimensional journey under the stars at Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors will explore the Nabataean civilisation in an enhanced sensory experience — a ‘theatre of life’ that weaves together light, sound, scent, and taste.
For a limited time only (20 to 29 November), the spectacular Stories from the Sky – Hegra Drone Show – another award winner – will illuminate the monumental tombs with dazzling projections and synchronised aerial choreography, reimagining the legends of Hegra in a breathtaking visual performance.
The acclaimed Hegra Candlelit Classics also return, uniting music and heritage in unforgettable surroundings. On 20 November, legendary Japanese composer YOSHIKI and Grammy-nominated trumpet virtuoso Ibrahim Maalouf will each present their own performances in the enchanting setting of Hegra. The following night, 21 November, Grammy-winner Jon Batiste and vocalist Marilyne Naaman will perform separately, each bringing their distinctive artistry to AlUla’s most atmospheric stage.
Exclusively for the festival, visitors can explore the ancient landscapes of the legendary Nabataeans in new ways. For adventurers, the Hegra Geology Hike invites visitors to journey through millions of years of Earth’s history to discover striking rock formations and stunning viewpoints. Especially for younger explorers and their families, the Hegra Children’s Tour will be an unforgettable adventure, with history bought to life through engaging storytelling and interactive discovery.
Away from Hegra, there is a menu of experiences to encounter including after dark explorations at the UNESCO Memory of the World site, Jabal Ikmah; and activations in the beloved Old Town including the reveal of AlUla’s first Escape House inspired by local folklore, and the return of The Incense Road Experience – a recent winner of the ‘Best Arts and Culture’ category of the Saudi Event Awards, guiding visitors a sensory journey inspired by ancient trade and local heritage, complete with an interactive incense-making workshop.
Tickets for the festival are available now. Due to limited availability for certain bespoke experiences and performances, early booking is advised to secure access to the most sought-after events of the 2025 Ancient Kingdoms Festival.
For more information on AlUla, visit experiencealula.com.
