The Ancient Kingdoms Festival returns to AlUla this November
There will be specially curated tours and experiences, candlelit concerts, and unique exhibitions of artefacts from the ancient world – and tickets are now available…
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 will return for its third edition.
Taking place from Thursday November 7 to Saturday November 30, as part of the AlUla Moments 2024/25 calendar, the festival is bringing history to life like never before with a sensational series of immersive experiences and exciting events for three incredible weeks.
From day-time adventures and activities for all ages to night-time explorations and live entertainment, this year’s edition will captivate, celebrate, and elevate AlUla as the heart of the ancient Incense Road.
Visitors will access a rare window into AlUla’s cultural tapestry, with modern and dynamic perspectives on its vast history spanning thousands of years.
So, mark your calendars for an experience that will encounter the legends and legacies of the ancient world and ignite a shared sense of connection to our treasured past.
Tickets for the Ancient Kingdoms Festival are now available on the Experience AlUla website.
Here’s a look at some of the events that you can look forward to at this year’s Ancient Kingdoms Festival:
The Incense Road Experience
Embark on a two-hour immersive journey to traverse the famed incense route. Here, you’ll learn how AlUla was a key point on the map that connected civilisations, culture and people.
The Incense Road Experience, Nov 7 to Apr 5, 2025, 4pm to 11pm, Old Town Visitor Centre. SAR120 per person. You can book your experience here.
The Masterpieces of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples
Be captivated by a rare and the first-of-its-kind display of iconic works of art from the ancient world, inspired by AlUla’s legacy and its importance on the incense trade route.
Masterpieces of the MANN, Nov 7 to Dec 14, Sun to Wed 10am to 6pm, Thurs to Sat 10am to 8pm, Maraya. Free entry but you’re required to register your visit here.
Hegra Candlelit Classics
Be uplifted as music meets history with two days of captivating concerts at one of the most iconic outdoor venues in the world.
Hegra After Dark
See Saudi Arabia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site in a new light, with specially curated experiences among the stunning tombs of Hegra.
Hegra After Dark, Nov 1 to Feb 28, 2025, 6.30pm & 8.30pm, Hegra Visitor Centre. SAR200 per person. You can book your experience here.
Hegra After Dark – Stories from the Sky
Prepare to be dazzled by this history-inspired immersive drone show as the night sky lights up with a mesmerising spectacle featuring projections on the Jabal AlBanat tombs.
Hegra After Dark – Stories from the Sky, Nov 7, 8, 14 & 15, 6.30pm &8.30pm, Hegra Visitor Centre. Book your experience here.
Hegra Sunrise Sky Tour
Soak in the morning sunlight and some spectacular sights as you take to the skies on a hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Get a bird’s eye view of the stunning expanse of Hegra.
Hegra Family Tour
Discover another side of Hegra with an interactive journey of discovery, where the ancient civilisations who once called this vast expanse home are revived.
Quest for the Ancient Kingdoms
Follow in the footsteps of the ancient civilisations of AlUla through a one-of-a-kind 90-minute immersive treasure hunt adventure experience.
Quest for the Ancient Kingdoms, Nov 7 to Feb 27, 2025. From SAR200 per person. You can book your experience here.
The Ancient Kingdoms Parade
Feel history revived during a resplendent show of colour, culture and curiosity featuring 300 performers and a camel caravan to celebrate 2024 as the Year of the Camel.
The Ancient Kingdoms Parade, Nov 7 to 9, Old Town Visitors Centre. Free entry.
Future Ancients Arena
Join in the fun and take part in hands-on workshops and activities inspired by artefacts discovered across AlUla – perfect for families and children.
Future Ancients Arena, Nov 7 to 30, Old Town Amphitheatre. Free entry.
Ancient Kingdoms Festival, Nov 7 to 30, AlUla. Tickets are available here. @alulamoments
Images: Supplied