Inside Desert X AlUla 2026: The artworks everyone's talking about
Desert X AlUla invites visitors to experience contemporary art beyond gallery walls, placing powerful works by 11 pioneering artists directly within the dramatic landscapes of AlUla
Set against the vast, cinematic landscapes of AlUla, Desert X returns for its fourth edition with an exhibition that turns the desert into a living, breathing gallery.
The region’s first public art biennale runs until Saturday February 28, and features 11 awe-inspiring works that blend seamlessly across AlUla’s valleys, canyons, and oases, under the curatorial theme ‘Space Without Measure’, inviting visitors to wander, pause, and see the land in entirely new ways.
Bold, thought-provoking and often quietly poetic, Desert X AlUla blurs the line between nature and creativity and these are the standout installations.
Situated amidst the stunning vistas of Wadi AlFann, an emerging global cultural destination for monumental art in the landscape, Desert X AlUla is a pre-opening programme of Wadi AlFann and a highlight of the AlUla Arts Festival – an annual celebration that transforms the ancient city of AlUla into a showcase of contemporary art, design, and culture.
Experiencing AlUla through art
Visitors can look forward to new art commissions by leading figures, including Mohammed Alfaraj, Tarek Atoui, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Agnes Denes, Ibrahim El-Salahi, and never-before-seen works by the late Mohammed AlSaleem.
From monumental kinetic sculptures to sound-based works hidden above and below ground, each piece is inspired by AlUla’s ever-changing terrain. That inspiration stretches far and wide, with Desert X AlUla appearing everywhere from the ancient Oasis to dramatic canyons stretching north, south, east and west.
This year’s edition is all about working with nature, not against it – using eco-friendly methods like rammed earth, wood and stone carving, and even expert plant knowledge from the AlUla Native Plant Nursery.
Even better? Every piece of work was made right here in Saudi Arabia, using local materials and the incredible skills of regional artists and makers, with collaborations from Madrasat Addeera and the AlUla Music Hub adding an extra creative layer to the experience.
That’s not all, though. Desert X AlUla 2026 will also feature an expanded line-up, including a specially curated live music programme at the Visitor Pavilion, guided art hikes, curated tours, and stargazing experiences across the landscape and artworks.
Artist-led workshops, including sessions conducted by participating artists, will encourage audiences to create and explore concepts and materials directly inspired by the desert environment.
Additionally, specially commissioned artist performances, participatory events, wellness sessions, and family-focused programmes will enliven the site with sound, movement, storytelling, and play.
Explore Desert X your way
Desert X AlUla 2026 offers visitors the rare opportunity to explore site-responsive works in some of the region’s most remarkable locations, including the desert canyons that will house Wadi AlFann, Valley of the Arts – the permanent, monumental open-air museum of art in dialogue with AlUla’s landscapes, set to open from 2028.
Whether you prefer wandering on foot, following a self-guided route, joining a public or private tour, or taking in the art from the comfort of an open-top car, Desert X AlUla offers options for everyone to experience its installations.
Each path offers a new perspective, allowing visitors to connect with the desert, art, and landscape in their own unique way.
Location: Desert X AlUla 2026, AlUla
Timings: Until Feb 28, 10.30am to 6pm
Cost: Starts at SAR50. Tickets can be purchased here.
Images: Supplied
