From 20 November to 6 December, AlUla’s ancient kingdom festival will return with heritage experiences across Hegra, Jabal Ikmah and AlUla Old Town. For those exploring new destinations for group travel, executive retreats or curated cultural programmes, the festival provides experiences that can be easily incorporated into group itineraries.
Here are five ways to explore AlUla’s history:
- Step into the Nabataean world at Hegra After Dark: At Hegra, visitors follow incense-scented trails, ride horse-drawn carriages and wander through a lively Nabataean-inspired marketplace.
- Uncover ancient petroglyphs with Secrets of the Scribe – Ikmah After Dark: Jabal Ikmah, home to one of the world’s largest collections of ancient inscriptions, comes alive at night through torchlit paths, storytelling and hands-on sculpture workshops.
- See myths come alive at the Hegra Drone Show: From 20 to 29 November, hundreds of drones illuminate the sky above monumental tombs, combining technology and ancient storytelling. This limited-run show offers an evening in a UNESCO World Heritage setting.
- Enjoy world-class performances at Hegra Candlelit Classics: On 20 and 21 November, Hegra hosts private concerts by global artists including YOSHIKI, Ibrahim Maalouf, Jon Batiste and Marilyne Naaman.
- Explore heritage through curated tours: From the Hegra Geology Hike to the family-friendly Hegra Family Tour and the hands-on Incense Road Experience, visitors can dive into AlUla’s natural and historical layers.
These tours work well for groups seeking flexible daytime activities with strong storytelling elements.
