Award-Winning Immersive Experiences Ready To Illuminate AlUla’s Rich History At Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025

AlUla’s renowned celebration of history and heritage returns this winter as the Ancient Kingdoms Festival transforms the region’s spectacular landscape into a living, immersive open-air museum.

Taking place from 20 November to 6 December 2025, the fourth edition of this flagship festival is set to deliver its most ambitious programme yet.

Visitors are invited to awaken their Inner Voyager by walking in the footsteps of the civilisations that once flourished along the ancient Incense Road, plotting their journey through history by way of unforgettable cultural performances, intimate tours of archaeological wonders, and rare glimpses of artefacts that shaped the region.

From mesmerising daytime discoveries to innovative after-dark experiences and captivating cultural performances, every encounter captures the spirit of discovery that defines AlUla and brings its fascinating story to life.

Visitors of all ages will make lifelong memories at the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, with these just some of the programme’s incredible highlights:

Hegra Candelit Classics

Few locations on Earth can rival the magnificence of Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within this remarkable setting, the Hegra Candlelit Classics returns with two extraordinary nights of world-class music under the stars.

As thousands of candles illuminate Hegra’s monumental Nabataean tombs, Japanese icon YOSHIKI will share the stage with Grammy Award-nominated trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf on 20 November. Blending classical precision with emotional intensity, this performance will be perfectly suited for this extraordinary site.

In a similarly magical setting, multi-Grammy Award winner Jon Batiste brings his fusion of jazz and soul to Hegra the following night on 21 November. The American superstar will be joined by powerhouse Lebanese vocalist Marilyne Naaman.

Each concert is guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable night that encapsulates the heritage and artistry of AlUla through a celebration of sound and setting.

Hegra After Dark

Running from 26 November 2025 to 14 February 2026, the award-winning Hegra After Dark returns to reimagine the region’s ancient history as immersive theatre. Recognised as the Best Arts and Culture Event at the 2025 Middle East Event Awards, visitors are transported by horse and carriage into the multisensory world of the Nabataeans.

It is a truly unforgettable, immersive journey that has captivated hearts and minds at Ancient Kingdoms Festival since 2021. From the music that echoes through the canyons to the aromas inspired by the trade along the Incense Road, every element is designed to create a connection that transcends time.

Stories from the Sky – Hegra Drone Show

As night falls, Hegra’s dramatic landscape becomes the canvas for Stories from the Sky. Named Best Entertainment Production at the 2025 Saudi Event Awards, this breathtaking drone and projection spectacle brings ancient storytelling to life through a blend of projection, sound, and synchronised drone choreography.

It’s a dazzling union of technology and storytelling that turns the night sky into a living history book, making this award-winning show a must-see for guests of all ages.

The Incense Road Experience

In the heart of the historic Old Town, the award-winning Incense Road Experience returns to offer guests a journey through mud-brick houses and bustling ancient markets that once connected Arabia to the wider world.  

Visitors will be taken on a theatrical journey where scent, sight and sound brings to life ancient history and living heritage, with a special opportunity to make your own incense blend.

This multi-sensory adventure perfectly captures the essence of Ancient Kingdoms Festival by connecting AlUla’s heritage to the modern day through live performances, state-of-the-art technology, and hands-on exploration.

Secrets of the Scribe – Ikmah After Dark

A new highlight this year is Secrets of the Scribe – Ikmah After Dark, which takes visitors deep into the story of writing and language in the ancient oasis.

An immersive night tour, guests follow a torchlit path into the Ikmah gorge, embarking on a quest to uncover the secrets left behind by an ancient scribe, whose memories are etched in stone and waiting to be discovered.

After completing quests to uncover the secrets of the scribe and embarking on a journey to join a special gathering, you will indulge in a curated menu of sweet treats and warm teas inspired by timeless tastes and ingredients from the Oasis.

Entering the UNESCO-recognised Jabal Ikmah to see the hundreds of detailed inscriptions etched into the cliff faces and rocks guarantee guests a rare insight into the ancient world of scholars and storytellers who recorded the world’s earliest history.

Hegra Geology Hike

For those seeking adventure, the Hegra Geology Hike offers a guided journey through nearly a billion years of Earth’s history. Across three weekends (22, 29 November and 6 December), small groups will be led by expert Rawis and Rangers to explore AlUla’s unique rock formations and landscapes.

Visitors will discover how the forces of nature shaped the region’s special terrain as well as learn about the civilizations that once thrived there. Each participant receives a special edition of The Geology of Hegra printed book for the perfect souvenir from an enlightening experience.

Awaken the Tales – Old Town Escape House

Where heritage meets modern entertainment, Awaken the Tales transforms one of AlUla’s historic homes – and once thought to be an early apothecary – into a live escape adventure. Families and groups work together to unlock puzzles, uncover hidden messages and clues, and awaken the mythical legends of the past while learning ancient folklore along the way.

An interactive quest for anyone aged 16 or over, the escape house adds an exciting new dimension to the festival.

Hegra Children’s Tours

For young explorers, the Hegra Children’s Tour provides a fun, educational journey through the secrets of the Nabataean kingdom. With local Rawis, engaging activities, and interactive clues to solve, these tours ensure that AlUla’s ancient wonders captivate visitors of all ages.

To start your voyage and step into a world where history comes alive, visit experiencealula.com and book your tickets today.

Find Your Moment in AlUla

The Ancient Kingdoms Festival forms a key part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar – a year-round celebration of the region’s extraordinary heritage, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. The calendar features Winter at Tantora, AlUla’s flagship cultural festival; the AlUla Wellness Festival, a global gathering dedicated to health, mindfulness, and rejuvenation; and a thrilling lineup of world-class sporting events, including the AlUla Tour, AlUla Desert Polo, AlUla Trail Race and the AlFursan Endurance AlUla.

Whatever your passion, there’s always a reason to Find Your Moment in AlUla experiencealula.com.