Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2023

Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2023

16 Nov - 2 Dec

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Journeys of wonder and discovery

In this three-week celebration of AlUla's legends and legacies, dive into mesmerising experiences in the landscapes that have made history. From epic re-enactments to intimate encounters - take a journey into the past and make memories that last a lifetime.

 

What Not to Miss During Ancient Kingdoms

26 Oct 2023 - 9 Mar 2024 | Daily Tayma Heritage Tour

Drive from AlUla, Tayma or the surrounding areas, to experience the ancient history of Tayma. Check-in at the Welcome Centre for a short brief before starting your tour. Visitors travelling from AlUla are invited to stop at the traditional Bedouin Camp halfway between AlUla and Tayma.

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3 Nov 2023 - 9 Mar 2024 | Daily Khaybar Heritage Tour

With its striking volcanic desert ecosystem and rich historical significance, Khaybar is where culture, heritage and nature meet. Join this tour and explore this destination that has redefined what we know about the Arabian Peninsula's history.

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16 Nov - 10 Dec | Daily The Memory Sanctuary

The Memory Sanctuary is an immersive installation and dessert lab that explores the intricate relationship between local flavour, memory and heritage. You’ll also have the chance to craft – and eat – your own nitrogen-frozen treat.

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16 Nov - 31 Dec | Wed-Sat Ikmah After Dark - Illuminated Inscriptions

Try your hand at stone carving and petroglyph rubbings, before embarking on a guided exploration of Ikmah's inscription-rich canyon. This unmissable experience then culminates with a spectacular show projected over Jabal Ikmah mountain.

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23 Nov 2023 - 27 Jan 2024 | Tue-Sat Hegra After Dark

Inspired by the Incense Road and the ancient Nabataeans who controlled it, this enchanting experience takes you on an unforgettable journey combining captivating flavours and fragrances, fascinating storytelling and illuminated spectacles.

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1 Dec 2023 - 22 Mar 2024 | Daily Hegra Wildlife & Nature Tour

Take a journey through Hegra's wild and natural beauty in the back of an open-top vintage vehicle. You'll explore a surprising wealth of flora and fauna, while also discovering the UNESCO site's iconic tombs, inscriptions and rock art along the way.

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Experience Hegra like never before

Visit Hegra - Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest preserved site of the Nabataean civilization south of Petra. Featuring countless well-preserved tombs from the first century BC to the first century AD, Hegra is waiting to be explored.

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Part of Hegra Vintage Land Rover Tour

The Living Museum Augmented Reality

Starting 17 Nov, visitors can enhance their experience through the magic of augmented reality. This new addition to the tour grants access to 'no-go areas' using ARtGlass technologies and can be purchased as an add-on to your booking for the whole group. The purchase of one ticket is for the whole vehicle, which can fit up to seven passengers.
 

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Adventure and Outdoors at Ancient Kingdoms

With its endless desert landscape scattered with mighty rock formations and majestic mountains, thrilling adventures and epic natural beauty go hand-in-hand in AlUla. Put yourself in the shoes of an ancient traveller passing through this land of soaring canyons and rolling dunes or take to the skies and witness AlUla as you’ve never seen it before during the Ancient Kingdoms Festival.

1 Nov 2023 - 9 Mar 2024 | Daily Hegra Day Tour

Visit Hegra - Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest preserved site of the Nabataean civilization south of Petra. Featuring countless well-preserved tombs from the first century BC to the first century AD, Hegra is waiting to be explored.

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16 Nov 2023 - 23 Feb 2024 | Daily Wadi AlNaam Discovery Tour

Go on a journey through an ancient valley and immerse yourself in the fascinating history and stunning natural beauty of this site. You’ll travel by buggy and on foot, enjoy Arabic hospitality and experience truly awe-inspiring vistas.

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16 Nov 2023 - 31 Jan 2024 | Daily Oasis Soundscape

Reach new heights of serenity by wandering through the Khaybar Oasis while listening to the sounds of lute, drum and piano. This free-flow soundscape is designed to immerse visitors in nature while calming the body and mind.

Book your Khaybar Heritage Tour

1 Dec 2023 - 22 Mar 2024 | Daily Hegra Wildlife & Nature Tour

Take a journey through Hegra's wild and natural beauty in the back of an open-top vintage vehicle. You'll explore a surprising wealth of flora and fauna, while also discovering the UNESCO site's iconic tombs, inscriptions and rock art along the way.

Learn More

Book Now

Available All Year Journey Through Time Trail

This 8 km walk takes you through some of AlUla’s finest natural wonders, ancient heritage and picturesque flora and fauna. You’ll navigate a variety of diverse terrains, whether you choose the early morning hike or the sunset trip.

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3-Day Ancient Kingdoms Festival Itinerary

From taking to the skies on thrilling helicopter rides to awe-inspiring after-dark experiences, this carefully crafted three-day itinerary ensures you make the most out of your visit to AlUla during the Ancient Kingdoms Festival.

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History & Heritage at Ancient Kingdoms

Encompassing thousands of years of civilisation, the vast historic wealth of AlUla and its surrounding archaeological sites persist in reshaping and rewriting human history. As part of the Ancient Kingdoms festival, immerse yourself in the history and heritage of the region with a range of experiences sure to spark curiosity and wonder.

26 Oct 2023 - 9 Mar 2024 | Daily Tayma Heritage Tour

Drive from AlUla, Tayma or the surrounding areas, to experience the ancient history of Tayma. Check-in at the Welcome Centre for a short brief before starting your tour. Visitors travelling from AlUla are invited to stop at the traditional Bedouin Camp halfway between AlUla and Tayma.

Learn More

Book Now

2 Nov 2023 - 23 Mar 2024 | Daily Hegra by Horse Carriage

Explore Hegra at sunrise or sunset, as the ancient Nabataeans would have, atop a handcrafted wooden horse carriage in this tour of Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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3 Nov 2023 - 9 Mar 2024 | Daily Khaybar Heritage Tour

With its striking volcanic desert ecosystem and rich historical significance, Khaybar is where culture, heritage and nature meet. Join this tour and explore this destination that has redefined what we know about the Arabian Peninsula's history.

Learn More

Book Now

16 Nov 2023 - 27 Jan 2024 | Thu-Sat King Nabonidus Parade

A celebratory occasion that is included with the Tayma Heritage Tour, the King Nabonidus Parade takes visitors back in time via a colourful piece of performance that explores the regal history of this ancient city.

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23 Nov 2023 - 27 Jan 2024 | Tue-Sat Hegra After Dark

Inspired by the Incense Road and the ancient Nabataeans who controlled it, this enchanting experience takes you on an unforgettable journey combining captivating flavours and fragrances, fascinating storytelling and illuminated spectacles.

Learn More

Book Now

16 Nov - 31 Dec | Wed-Sat Ikmah After Dark - Illuminated Inscriptions

Try your hand at stone carving and petroglyph rubbings, before embarking on a guided exploration of Ikmah's inscription-rich canyon. This unmissable experience then culminates with a spectacular show projected over Jabal Ikmah mountain.

Learn More

Book Now

Concerts at Ancient Kingdoms

From the award-winning Maraya to the AlRawan Viewpoint of Khaybar, discover the concerts and musical events taking place throughout the Ancient Kingdoms Festival.

Art and dining at Ancient Kingdoms

With the growth of human settlements across AlUla and its surrounding kingdoms, so came the flourishing of arts and crafts. As part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, discover experiential dining opportunities, combining the fresh produce of the Oasis and traditional arts.

Art experiences

1 Oct - 30 Apr | Sun & Wed Majlis of Art & Tea

Put paint to canvas as you explore your artistic side and leave with your unique artwork as a special souvineer of your time in AlUla. After completing your painting sample local teas and sweet treats to wrap up an artistic afternoon.

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1 Oct - 30 Apr | Thu & Sat Clay & Cardamom

Let your creativity flow as you shape and mold the clay into a handmade art piece, followed by a traditional Arabic lunch full of flavors unique to the region.
 

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3 Oct - 8 Mar | Tue & Fri Arabian Aromas

Lose yourself in the intoxicating world of perfume in this fragrance workshop and Arabic lunch. You'll get to learn about, explore and combine a range of traditional Middle Eastern scents to create your very own signature perfume to take home.

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10 Nov 2023 - 31 Jan 2024 | Daily Life at Hegra Exhibition

Enjoy an outdoor exhibition at the ancient tomb site Jabal Ahmar, celebrating Hegra’s 15th anniversary of selection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Free with your Hegra Tour

Book Your Hegra Tour Now

Dining options

1 Nov 2023 - 31 Mar 2024 | Daily Mirzam Restaurant

From lamb mansaf to chicken mugalgal, Mirzam serves up a beautifully presented menu of classic Saudi Arabian dishes for an authentic taste of flavourful regional cooking. The open-air restaurant is also located right in front of the ancient Bir Haddaj well, one of the largest in Arabia.

Mirzam is located in the heart of Tayma, an emerging achaeological hub.
 

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1 Nov 2023 - 31 Mar 2024 | Daily Takya Restaurant

For traditional Saudi Arabian dishes with a tantalisingly modern twist, head to Takya. Found in an ancient restored dwelling at AlRawan Viewpoint, this heritage restaurant in Khaybar offers views of the forts and oasis.
 

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16 Nov 2023 - 3 Jan 2024 | Daily The Memory Sanctuary

The Memory Sanctuary is an immersive installation and dessert lab that explores the intricate relationship between local flavour, memory and heritage. You’ll also have the chance to craft – and eat – your own nitrogen-frozen treat.

Learn More

Book Now

Dining in AlUla


From casual to fine dining, there are a variety of local restaurants, cafés and food trucks throughout Old Town, the Oasis, and the AlJadidah Arts District.
 

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Travel Partners and Booking Information

Let the experts curate your perfect travel package

Take the effort out of organising your trip to AlUla and let one of these destination management companies do the work. With in-depth destination knowledge, carefully curated itineraries and exclusive packages, these trusted travel experts can arrange your perfect AlUla experience, from start-to-finish and hassle-free.

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Experience the sister oases

During the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, AlUla stands shoulder to shoulder with the other great oases of northwest Arabia - Khaybar and Tayma - in welcoming visitors from across the world for an unprecedented experience of history that spans millennia.

AlUla

AlUla, the heartbeat of Ancient Kingdoms

Encompassing more than 200,000 years of unexplored human history, AlUla is a destination of extraordinary human and natural heritage. It is home to countless historic treasures, including the Nabatean city of Hegra - Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, and the tombs of Dadan - the stone-built capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite Kingdoms.

Explore Ancient Kingdoms in AlUla

Khaybar

Khaybar, the volcanic desert ecosystem

Khaybar’s striking volcanic desert ecosystem and rich historical significance make it one of the world’s best-kept secrets. A uniquely enigmatic destination, culture meets nature and heritage to create an exceptionally remarkable landscape. Journey outside of AlUla and discover Khaybar’s timeless heritage sites and its breathtakingly epic scenery.

Explore Ancient Kingdoms in Khaybar

Tayma

Tayma, the emerging achaeological hub

Tayma’s story is one of legacy, power and legend. A destination with an outstanding history of ancient cultures, today’s travellers can journey along the famed Incense Road to reach Tayma – the land of the last Babylonian King and other extraordinary figures embedded into the region’s rich history.

Explore Ancient Kingdoms in Tayma

Heritage

Last Year's Highlights

Check out last year's edition of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2022, including the After Dark heritage experiences, as well as experiences in Khaybar and Tayma, for a taste of what to expect this time around. Find more videos from the Ancient Kingdoms Festival on the AlUla Moments YouTube channel.

Ancient Kingdoms

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Hegra After Dark

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Ikmah After Dark

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Khaybar Heritage Tour

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Tayma Heritage Tour

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Plan Your Trip To AlUla

Flying to AlUla

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What to Do

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Where to Eat

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Where to Stay

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