AlUla Skies Festival returns this September

The spectacular AlUla Skies Festival is set to return for its third edition from 26 September to 6 October 2024. Organised by AlUla Moments and presented by Saudia Airlines, this year’s festival promises to deliver an extraordinary fusion of natural beauty, historical significance, and celestial wonders, further establishing AlUla as a global destination where ancient heritage meets modern experiences. This festival has become a cornerstone of the AlUla Moments calendar, drawing visitors from around the globe to this unique Saudi Arabian destination.

AlUla, a region rich in history and culture, is rapidly emerging as one of Saudi Arabia’s premier tourist destinations, offering visitors a unique blend of ancient sites and contemporary attractions. The AlUla Skies Festival, now in its third year, has been instrumental in this transformation, drawing global attention to the area’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Previous editions of the festival have enthralled audiences with innovative programming, including hot air balloon rides over the majestic landscapes, mesmerising drone shows, and immersive light displays that illuminate the night sky.

This year’s festival will build on its already impressive lineup of activities. Visitors can look forward to a variety of experiences, including stargazing workshops, night walks, and opportunities to photograph the night sky. For those seeking relaxation, dining under the stars and wellness treatments will offer a tranquil escape amid AlUla’s stunning surroundings.

One of the festival’s standout features is the hot air balloon rides, which provide an unparalleled view of AlUla’s dramatic desert landscapes, ancient tombs, and rock formations. Visitors will be taken on a journey over heritage-carved rocks and into a world of wonder, magnificence and bliss, as they float high above AlUla’s spellbinding canyons and tombs that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Introducing the AlUla Manara Observatory

In addition to these traditional offerings, the AlUla Skies Festival will introduce visitors to the promising future of astronomical tourism in the region. The festival will highlight the upcoming AlUla Manara Observatory, a project that aims to transform AlUla into a global hub for astronomical observation. The Royal Commission for AlUla and SETI Institute announced their collaboration on the project as part of an aim to develop AlUla Manara Observatory as a destination for space research, discovery and astro-tourism.

The AlUla Manara Observatory is set to open in several phases over the coming years, and carry out continuous research, collaboration, and educational initiatives.

The Observatory, currently under development, is located near the Gharameel area in AlUla, one of the top 10% global locations with clear, dark skies. The observatory is expected to inspire AlUla’s citizens to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, thus supporting economic growth and diversification, in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.

“We envision the AlUla Manara Observatory as a beacon of discovery, equipped with advanced and cutting-edge telescopes to unveil new celestial bodies and propel astronomical research to new heights,” stated Franck Marchis, senior astronomer and director of citizen science for Unistellar at the SETI Institute.

The observatory will provide an immersive experience for visitors, showcasing the splendour of the night sky through a state-of-the-art planetarium and other cutting-edge facilities. This initiative is a testament to AlUla’s ambition to become a leading destination for both cultural heritage and modern scientific exploration.

The AlUla Skies Festival is just one of many events on the AlUla Moments calendar, a year-round series of festivals and activities designed to highlight the region’s diverse cultural and natural assets. Other notable events include the AlUla Arts Festival, which celebrates contemporary and traditional arts, and Winter at Tantora, a festival that offers a blend of music, art, and gastronomy against the backdrop of AlUla’s historic sites. These events, combined with AlUla’s permanent attractions such as Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, and the ancient city of Dadan, make AlUla a must-visit destination for culture and history enthusiasts.