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AlUla Skies Festival 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: Oct 7

The AlUla Skies Festival has always been a fan favourite, from the hot air balloon rides to the AlUla Giant Swing.

AlUla Elephant, a place to be visited during AlUla Skies Festival.
AlUla Elephant

Important dates during AlUla Skies Festival 2024


The AlUla Sky Festival 2024 will occur from 26 September to 5 October 2024. This exciting event offers hot-air balloon rides over AlUla's stunning landscape, stargazing experiences and astrophotography sessions, as well as a variety of daytime and nighttime activities. Visitors can enjoy highlights such as AlUla's glowing hot-air balloon show, picnics under the stars, and a temporary planetarium that offers a preview of Al Manara Observatory, a futuristic astronomy centre.


Things to do during AlUla Skies Festival 2024


The AlUla Skies Festival 2024 offers a wide range of activities that cater to both adventure enthusiasts and those who appreciate the beauty of the skies. Here are some of the key things you can do during the festival:


  • Hot Air Balloon Rides

Take a spectacular flight over AlUla’s stunning landscapes. Enjoy 360-degree views of the ancient desert and archaeological sites like Hegra from a height of up to 1,200 meters


  • Night Hikes and Nature Walks

Explore the desert on a guided night hike in the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Enjoy the stunning desert environment under the stars.


  • AlUla Stairway

    Enjoy a thrilling 45-metre-long aerial walkway, then slide down a zipline for a breathtaking finish.


  • Stargazing & Astrophotography

In Garamell, one of the world's top stargazing destinations, experience the night sky like never before. With the help of expert guides, you can recognise and even photograph the stars.


  • AlUla Skies Festival Music Concerts

During AlUla Sky 2024, concerts will be one of the highlights of AlUla 2024. The festival will kick off its concert series with Egyptian artist Amr Diab on 27 September 2024, when he will perform at a new open-air venue in AlUla, offering audiences a mix of classic and modern hits in a breathtaking desert setting. The concert marks the first event in the AlUla Moments concert series for the 2024-2025 season


We will keep updating this blog as more information about AlUla Skies Festival 2024 becomes available, Stay tuned!

The Culinary Delights you can enjoy on your trip to AlUla

During your trip to AlUla Festival 2024 you need to experience what culinary delights AlUla has in store for you, here are our top picks for the best culinary experience possible:


  • Entrecote

Head to Entrecôte and savour French classics, especially the famous fried steak.


  • Somewhere

Aptly named Sommelier, this offbeat, globally influenced restaurant serving innovative takes on classic dishes is truly an unforgettable experience for all travellers to AlUla.


  • SASS' AlUla

Indulge in an exquisite menu with live cooking demonstrations, while surrounded by towering sandstone walls and vibrant DJ sets at SAS AlUla.


  • Ducasse in AlUla

Ducasse in AlUla offers innovative French cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse


  • Saffron at Banyan Tree

Experience the flavours of vibrant Thai cuisine at this award-winning restaurant, where every meal is a gastronomic journey.


How to Reach AlUla?


There are several ways to get to AlUla, a marvellous wonder located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. The best option for you depends on your budget, preferences and starting point. Below is a breakdown of the different ways to get to AlUla:


  • By Air:  The quickest and most convenient way to reach AlUla is by flying into Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Domestic Airport (ULH), which offers direct connections to major Saudi cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Airlines like Saudia and Flynas operate regular flights to this airport. Located just 30 minutes from AlUla city centre, it provides easy access to the region's attractions. This makes air travel the ideal choice for visitors seeking to minimize travel time​


  • By Car: If you're looking for a scenic and adventurous route, driving to AlUla is a great option. The roads are well-maintained, making the journey smooth. The approximate driving times from major cities are:

    • From Riyadh: It takes about 7-8 hours, covering roughly 850 km.

    • From Jeddah: The drive is around 6-7 hours, with a distance of about 700 km.

    • From Medina: The shortest route, taking approximately 3.5 hours over 325 km.


  • By bus: Another cost-effective way to get to AlUla is to use the bus services of the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO). SAPTCO offers regular routes from major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina to AlUla. Although the bus journey takes longer than a flight, it provides an opportunity to experience the breathtaking desert landscape. The buses are comfortable and equipped with basic amenities, making them a practical option for travellers on a budget. Be sure to check the Sabtco timetable for the latest schedules and routes


    Once you arrive in AlUla, you can explore the city centre and surrounding areas by taxi, rideshare, or renting a car. If you are interested in learning more about AlUla tourist places, then why not read AlUla Tourist Places: 7 Must-See Hidden Gems?





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