AlUla Skies Festival; a Celebration Above and Beyond: April 17-26, 2026

Mumbai, Feb 23 2026: From soaring above AlUla’s dramatic landscapes to gazing up at galaxies of stars, AlUla Skies Festival is a celebration of all things sky. By day, hot-air balloon flights offer breathtaking views from above; by night, the magic shifts to the ground with stargazing, moonlit concerts, and celestial experiences that awaken wonder.

Recognised as Saudi Arabia’s—and the Gulf region’s—first officially certified International Dark Sky Park, AlUla protects its pristine night skies from light pollution, offering some of the clearest star-filled views in the world. Whether you're an adventurer chasing horizons or a seeker of quiet reflection, the festival delivers an experience that is as emotional as it is spectacular.

SKYRISE – Mass Morning Hot Air Balloon Flights

A spectacular mass ballooning experience featuring 30 hot air balloons, with 10 balloons accommodating paying guests.

Guests are:

• Picked up from 4- and 5-star hotels in AlUla
• Flown over the UNESCO World Heritage site Hegra
• Treated to incredible panoramic views and rare photographic moments with 30 balloons flying together
• Transported back to their hotels after the experience

This synchronized flight path over Hegra creates one of the most visually stunning balloon displays in the region.

Hot Air Balloon Glow Show (17-18 & 24-25 April 2026)

A dazzling nighttime spectacle combining:

• Illuminated hot air balloons (up to 12)
• Music and choreographed lighting
• Acrobat performances
• Projection and fire displays

The burners of the balloons glow rhythmically to music, creating a breathtaking symphony of light, sound, and flame set against AlUla’s iconic desert backdrop.

VOX Moonlight at Maraya

Enjoy open-air cinema under the stars at the iconic mirrored concert hall, Maraya.

Hosted in collaboration with VOX Cinemas, this unique outdoor movie experience features:

• The latest film releases
• Panoramic desert views
• Classic popcorn, sliders, soft drinks, and slushes
• Optional fine dining at Maraya Social by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton

It’s cinema reimagined—where storytelling meets starlight.

Tethered Hot Air Balloon Experience (17-26 April, 2026)

For those seeking a shorter aerial thrill, this experience lifts guests up to 50 metres above ground at Al Manshiyah Plaza. Enjoy sweeping views of AlUla’s dramatic rock formations while remaining safely tethered.

House of Constellations (17 April – 02 May)

Set in the historic heart of AlUla Old Town, the House of Constellations is an immersive astronomy activation featuring:

• Interactive cosmic installations
• A 360° planetarium with narrated celestial content
• Telescope viewings at the Old Town Fort
• Guided storytelling sessions blending astronomy with AlUla’s rich heritage

Visitors journey through science and storytelling, discovering planets, constellations, and the cultural significance of the night sky.

AlUla Skies Festival Concert – Nancy Ajram (23 April | Thanaya)

Headlining the festival is Arab music icon Nancy Ajram. A multi-platinum Lebanese superstar, Nancy Ajram is:

• The “Queen of Arabic Pop”
• A three-time World Music Award winner
• A Billboard-charting artist
• A performer with over 4 billion YouTube views
• One of the best-selling female Arab artists of all time

Her live performance at Thanaya promises an unforgettable night under the desert sky.

Why AlUla Skies Festival is Special

• First International Dark Sky Park in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf
• Unique fusion of adventure, astronomy, culture, and music
• Rare opportunity to explore UNESCO heritage sites from the sky
• A destination where every star feels within reach

Under the clearest, darkest skies, the AlUla Skies Festival offers more than an event—it offers perspective, wonder, and a connection to something far greater than ourselves.