AlUla festival celebrates celestial heritage, adventure, discovery

RIYADH: AlUla, the oasis city known for its heritage and landscapes, is hosting the AlUla Skies Festival from April 18 to 27.

The festival highlights humanity’s connection to the skies, reflecting the legacy of ancient travelers who navigated the desert using the stars, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

A key feature of the festival is AlUla Manara, a global observatory focused on astronomy research and education.

Developed with local and international partners, it will provide interactive exhibits, telescopes, and workshops blending ancient celestial knowledge with modern science.

The festival offers various sky-themed experiences, including daily hot-air balloon flights, tethered rides at Old Town and Elephant Rock, and Balloon Glow Shows featuring illuminated balloons, aerial performers, and music.

Visitors can explore astronomy at the Celestial Sky Port in Jabal Ikmah, where exhibits, telescopes, and workshops provide insight into the cosmos.

The Pop-Up Planetarium in Old Town offers 360-degree projections of constellations and space exploration.

On April 25, regional singers will perform at the Thanaya AlUla Outdoor Venue.

Other activities include Cinema Under the Stars at Maraya, Moonlight Yoga Sessions, and expert-led stargazing experiences.

The festival celebrates AlUla’s heritage and its commitment to astrotourism, offering visitors a chance to explore the skies in a unique setting.