The AlUla Arts Festival 2025 is set to wrap up with an unforgettable closing weekend filled with dynamic exhibitions, captivating workshops, and engaging activities for art lovers of all ages. As the fourth edition of the festival draws to a close on February 22nd, there’s still plenty to experience, including immersive exhibitions, live performances, and insightful artist talks. Some exhibitions, like Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell, will continue until April, with extended hours during Ramadan.
This year’s festival has already captivated over 40,000 visitors, offering a unique blend of contemporary art, heritage, and the stunning landscapes of AlUla. AlUla Arts Festival has quickly become a highlight in the region’s cultural calendar, showcasing the fusion of art with nature and serving as a global platform for creative exchange.
A Weekend of Artistic Discovery and Exploration
The closing weekend offers a chance to experience the incredible breadth of the festival’s programming, which includes world-class exhibitions, live music sessions, film screenings, and hands-on workshops. Visitors can dive into a variety of activities that highlight AlUla’s artistic and cultural significance, such as:
- Tarek Atoui’s Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House): A mesmerizing interactive exhibition exploring sound and materiality, where visitors can engage in the ongoing creation of a unique sound art installation.
- Maha Malluh’s Reminiscence Exhibition: A solo exhibition that captures the artist’s exploration of memory and representation in visual art.
- The Raw to Revival Exhibition: Showcasing traditional crafts reimagined for modern design, this exhibition in collaboration with Madrasat Addeera celebrates the Year of Handicrafts.
- The AlUla Artist Residency Open Studio: On February 22nd and 23rd, visitors can meet the international artists of the AlUla Residency and engage with their evolving works.
Exciting Events and Workshops for All Ages
Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy a wide range of interactive workshops, from kids’ activities like the ‘Draw Some Precious Stones’ workshop to adult sessions such as ‘Flora in Jewelry Arts’. The cinema lineup will include screenings of iconic films such as Nosferatu and Gonjiam Haunted Asylum at Cinema AlJadidah, giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the arts from various perspectives.
Key highlights of the final weekend include:
- February 21st: ‘Draw Some Precious Stones’ workshop for kids, ‘Drawing an Observation’ for adults, and a talk on ‘Flora in Jewelry Arts’.
- February 22nd: ‘The Gouaché in High Jewelry 2: The Light’ workshop, Crafting – Felting a Mobile Phone Case session, the Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell talk, and a screening of Born a King.
- February 22nd-23rd: The AlUla Artist Residency Open Studio at Mabiti Hotel, where visitors can witness Tracing Impermanence by five international artists.
Ongoing Exhibitions for Extended Exploration
Though the festival’s closing weekend marks the end of its official events, several exhibitions will remain open for visitors to explore until April, with extended hours during Ramadan. These exhibitions include:
- Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell (until 19 April): A retrospective of Turrell’s groundbreaking work in light and space, including his ambitious commission for AlUla’s Wadi AlFann project.
- Maha Malluh: Reminiscence (until 19 April): An outdoor exhibition offering a deep dive into Malluh’s exploration of memory and visual perception, hosted by the forthcoming contemporary art museum in AlUla.
- Tarek Atoui: Bayt Al Hams (The Whispering House) (until 19 April): A cutting-edge sound installation inviting interaction and collaboration.
- Design Space AlUla: Raw to Revival (until 19 April): This group exhibition highlights how traditional crafts can inspire modern design, presented in collaboration with Madrasat Addeera.
- Alamaat (until 26 March): An exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of the German Archaeological Institute’s excavations in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the intersection of ancient and contemporary art.
Additionally, performances like Thikra: Night of Remembering, created by renowned choreographer Akram Khan and Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan, will tour worldwide after premiering in AlUla, further expanding the reach of AlUla’s cultural legacy.
A Year-Round Celebration of AlUla’s Rich Arts and Craft Traditions
Even after the festival concludes, the spirit of AlUla’s arts scene will continue through the ongoing public programme at Madrasat Addeera. Visitors can engage in year-round hands-on experiences that celebrate the region’s craft and artistic heritage.
Don’t miss out on the final days of this spectacular cultural journey! Secure your spot and be part of the artistic celebration at the AlUla Arts Festival. For more details and to book your tickets, visit experiencealula.com.
