As the ancient oasis city of Al Ula prepares to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, the sky’s the limit for visitors as they immerse themselves in the Al Ula Skies Festival. Returning for a second year, the festival promises to be the flagship event among a series of activities that will take place from 26th April – 13th May 2023. Adventure, cultural, heritage, and entertainment experiences await visitors during this exciting festival.
During the day, visitors will have the chance to get a bird’s-eye view of Al Ula from a hot air balloon or helicopter. The stunning vistas of Al Ula, combined with the thrill of soaring through the sky, are sure to be unforgettable experiences. As the sun sets and the stars come out, stargazing, music shows, and astrophotography will be among the offerings. Al Ula’s clear, unpolluted skies have become a magnet for stargazers, and those attending the night-time events will be able to learn how ancient Arab astronomers used the night sky as a navigation guide.
“The Al Ula Skies Festival … represents a unique opportunity to enhance the city’s position as a leading tourist destination in the region,” said Phillip Jones, head of the tourism sector at the Royal Commission for Al Ula. “In the past, the sky shaped maps to guide travelers, as visitors to Al Ula were guided by the stars to travel for the ancient incense trade route. Today, we celebrate this heritage through a group of activities and performances that establish the Al Ula Skies Festival as a pioneering event worth participating in.”
The festival attractions are varied and exciting, ranging from hot air ballooning to stargazing at a cloudless night sky. Hot air balloon trips in the north of Al-Hajar will operate each day from 7am – 8am and 4pm – 6pm, with flights over the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, from 4:30pm - 10:30pm, experts will take visitors on a journey through the stars before showing them how to take photographs at night.
This festival is a celebration of the rich heritage and culture of Al Ula, and a chance to showcase the city’s natural beauty and unique attractions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the adventure, history, and beauty of Al Ula during this festival, which promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. With so much on offer, from adventure and culture to heritage and entertainment, there is something for everyone during the Al Ula Skies Festival. Don't miss out on this exciting event, where the sky is truly the limit!
