Culinary icons Annabel's and Ducasse set to dazzle AlUla once again
Global gastronomy meets desert magic
Free up your calendar and cue the countdown: AlUla’s dining scene is set to reach dazzling new heights with the return of two internationally celebrated culinary pop-ups. Welcome back, Annabel’s and Ducasse.
It’s the kind of return that has us ready with open arms (and mouths). Pop-ups are no longer fleeting moments – they’ve become the heartbeat of AlUla’s dining culture, bringing together international names, homegrown talent, and unforgettable flavour-packed experiences.
So, be sure to check out these culinary pop-ups in AlUla. We’ll be booking a table as soon as they are open, and we suggest you do, too.
Annabel’s
The ancient oasis of AlUla will once again play host to one of the world’s most storied private members’ clubs, as London’s Annabel’s returns for an exclusive pop-up dining and entertainment experience. Step into a world where London’s glamour meets AlUla’s elegance, as Annabel’s brings its signature flair and luxury service to one of the most breathtaking destinations in the region. Picture a new setting, where the desert’s timeless beauty merges with the cosmopolitan spirit of Annabel’s.
Set amid dramatic sandstone cliffs within Jabal Ikmah, one of AlUla’s most important heritage landmarks, the pop-up will offer refined gastronomy and lively evenings, with a DJ infusing the desert nights with rhythm and energy. Guests can indulge in two distinctive menus – a signature selection and a wellness-inspired offering that complements AlUla Wellness Festival. The menu celebrates Annabel’s Mayfair classics while drawing inspiration from the flavours of the region.
On Annabel’s wellness menu, expect healthful dishes such as tuna tartare with mango and grape ponzu, and wild sea bass with sauce vierge and kalamata olives, alongside delicate vegetarian creations like Romano pepper gemista and aubergine baba ghanoush with feta and jalapeno honey. To finish, dessert offers a light and refreshing twist on tradition with an exotic Eton Mess and a seasonal fresh fruit platter. For those seeking something more indulgent, the signature menu presents heartier favourites, including king prawn saganaki in a rich tomato sauce, lamb chops with crispy garlic and parsley pesto, and Annabel’s signature Paccheri pasta with Parmesan, tomato, basil and chilli.
Location: Annabel’s AlUla, Jabal Ikmah, Alshara’bah, AlUla 43533
Timings: Oct 17 to Dec 13, Wed to Sun, 8pm to 2am
Ducasse
Another heavyweight set to reopen is Ducasse in AlUla. A collaboration with world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse, this gorgeous pop-up has already captivated AlUla guests twice before. Of course, expectations were always going to be high for a restaurant from Chef Ducasse, and thankfully, our expectations were met when we visited the oasis-to-table dining concept when it first opened in January 2024. As for the menu, expect a carefully curated menu integrating local ingredients sourced from nearby farms and traditional flavours with the finest French culinary traditions set against the picturesque backdrop of AlUla’s iconic oasis palm trees.
Location: Ducasse in AlUla, Jabal Ikmah, Alshara’bah, AlUla 43533
Timings: Dec 18 to Feb 21, 2026, Wed to Sun, 6pm to 1am
Images: Social / Supplied
