Ancient Kingdoms Festival
11 Nov - 27 Nov
During the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, the three great oases of northwest Arabia - AlUla, Khaybar and Tayma - welcomed visitors from across the world for an unprecedented experience of history that spans millennia. Immersive and enriching, the festival ignited a curiosity and sense of connection with the pivotal stories of the past. These stories continue to shape our understanding of the present.
The Ancient Kingdoms Festival was the start of a new chapter in history for these ancient oases, a revival of travelers along the famed Incense Road. Through innovative and thoughtfully designed experiences, visitors can now uncover history through new and exciting points of access - from helicopter tours in Khaybar to a Nabatean dining experience at Hegra - allowing them to experience history as active participants rather than passive observers.
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AlUla
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.
Khaybar
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.
Tayma
Home to royal icons and legendary personalities, including the last Babylonian King, Tayma is a historical treasure that is changing our understanding of the history of northwest Arabia. An emerging archaeological hub, Tayma is a renowned destination with a rich history that is waiting to be uncovered. Journey outside of AlUla and discover Tayma's fascinating heritage sites as well as its powerful legacy.
Experiences
With AlUla as the anchoring hub, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival gave a first glimpse of the treasures waiting to be discovered at AlUla’s sister sites – Tayma and Khaybar. Each with its own distinct history and geology, Tayma and Khaybar are now accessible through individual day trips, where Tayma’s legacy as the land of kings will stand in contrast to Khaybar’s geological wonder.
The festival also cast a dazzling light on established sites in AlUla, such as Hegra, the once vibrant Nabatean city that still carries exquisite evidence of the region’s architectural accomplishments from the 1st century AD. During the festival, visitors were able to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site in inspiring ways – such as a candle-lit visit to its legendary tombs after dark – and were also be able to discover other awe-inspiring historical sites throughout AlUla.
Discover experiences still available across the three epic oases of northwest Arabia below.
