A Look At Some Of The Top Events Hosted At AlUla, Saudi Arabia In 2023

1. Alicia Keys Concert 

Alicia Keys made a return to AlUla. Keys performed live at Maraya, the largest mirrored building in the world, according to Guinness World Records. Her concert at the Maraya was held on February 24. It was followed by the second instalment of a special off-the-record discussion at Madrasat Addeera which was themed, “Women to Women” and more.

2. AlUla Camel Cup

The AlUla Camel Cup saw four days of thrilling camel races and audiences witnessed one of the area’s oldest sports. The occasion was held under His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s sponsorship. The event began on 14 March and concluded on 17 March with the winner receiving a SAR 80 million grand prize, the greatest reward in camel racing history.

3. Cinema AlJadidah AlUla

Cinema AlJadidah, a premier outdoor theatre in AlUla, showcasing art-house films, blockbusters, and Arabic movies under the starlight in Saudi. It also featured a café offering the perfect movie night snacks and drinks. Screenings began on 16 February and the cinema was screening films all the way till 21 March.

4. AlUla Trail Race 2023

This February, the AlUla Trail Race made a return to test both amateur runners and young athletes from around the world. The list included a 100km ultramarathon, a 50km marathon, a 25km half marathon, a 10km fun run, and a 1.4km kids’ event. These events took place on 23 and 24 February.

5. FAME: Andy Warhol Exhibition

A unique exhibition staged at the renowned Maraya in AlUla. The exhibition was complemented by a social program of discussions and a succession of workshops and masterclasses in screen printing and design. The exhibition was a great chance for local audiences and tourists to discover a little more about Andy Warhol and his creations. The exhibit included paintings and prints of musicians, sports figures, and Hollywood celebrities. Vintage photos were also presented with the artwork. The exhibition began on 17 February and concluded on 16 May.

6. 'Fringe' ALJadidah Street Performances

‘Fringe’ was an event where visitors could witness artists getting down on the streets and beautifying the route. In this 16-day festival, local and international artists animated the streets of ALJadidah with their artwork. The route was immersed with a range of events like performing arts, street theatre, acrobatics, and more filling up the streets from 17 February to 4 March. 

7. Saudi Founding Day Celebrations

Saudi Arabia’s founding day was celebrated over a three-day period beginning February 22. The celebration featured a procession, performances, and more, to commemorate this extra-long weekend concluding on 25 February.