Here’s why you can’t miss AlUla’s Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025
From November 20 to December 6, AlUla brings its stories to life – an open-air museum you can wander, explore and experience
Get ready to be transported to the heart of AlUla’s captivating past. If you’ve always wanted to delve deeper into the ancient city’s rich heritage, cultural legacy, and prehistoric civilisations, check out the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, which returns for its fourth edition.
Starting Thursday November 20 and running until Saturday December 6, this year’s event is held under the theme of ‘Journeys Through Time’ and invites visitors to rediscover the ancient civilisations that once thrived in AlUla.
The Ancient Kingdoms Festival has earned a reputation for reimagining history through innovative storytelling, and this year is no different as history is brought to life in a series of creative experiences.
This winter, heritage and innovation will combine in stunning fashion as the festival celebrates 7,000 years of human history through immersive storytelling, technology and creativity.
Here are some highlights not to be missed this year.
November 20 to 29: Hegra Drone Show – Stories from the Sky
Experience an award-winning, awe-inspiring fusion of light, sound and storytelling as hundreds of drones illuminate the skies. A night of marvel and wonder, this exclusive live show brings ancient storytelling to life, inviting you to witness the Incense Road and legendary civilisations unfold on and above the iconic backdrop of Hegra’s colossal tombs.
Cost: SAR180 per person. Book your tickets here.
November 20 & 21: Hegra Candlelit Classics
Set within the majestic surroundings of Hegra, the Hegra Candlelit Classics return with two enchanting evenings of world-class music. On Thursday November 20, legendary Japanese composer, pianist and rock drummer Yoshiki and the Grammy-nominated trumpet virtuoso Ibrahim Maalouf are both performing (separately and together) on the same night of boundary-defying artistry under the stars in AlUla. On Friday November 21, Grammy-winner Jon Batiste brings his iconic blend of jazz and soul to Hegra, while Lebanese singer Marilyne Naaman captivates with her powerful vocals in a magical candlelit setting.
Location: Hegra, AlUla
Timings: 6.30pm to 11.30pm
Cost: SAR600 for Gold & SAR900 for VIP. Book your tickets here.
The Old Town Escape House Experience
Set in an 11-room, restored mud-brick heritage house – once rumoured to be an apothecary – get ready to unlock AlUla’s folk tales like never before. Guests will solve puzzles, track down clues, and crack mysteries hidden throughout this 60-minute immersive escape room experience. Inspired by community research and the oral traditions of AlUla, it invites visitors into stories shaped by those who have inherited them for generations.
Location: Old Town Escape House, Tantora Square, AlUla
Timings: 10.30am to 9pm
Cost: SAR130 per person. Book your experience here.
The Ancient Kingdoms Festival may officially wrap on December 6, but the adventure doesn’t stop there. Fan-favourite experiences like Hegra After Dark, Ikmah After Dark, The Incense Road Experience and the Old Town Escape House Experience will keep running, letting the magic of ‘Journeys Through Time’ stretch well into the winter season.
So, even after the festival ends, the stories, mysteries and enchanting adventures will keep going.
Images: Supplied
