Ancient Kingdoms Festival in AlUla: An interactive journey through history
The historic AlUla Oasis continues to captivate the world with its “Ancient Kingdoms Festival,” which offers exceptional experiences this weekend, giving visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in a journey through time. The festival presents a multi-dimensional narrative that goes beyond mere observation, engaging the senses to connect the present with the roots of a rich past, making it one of the region’s most prominent cultural events.
Cradle of civilizations and crossroads of trade routes
The festival is more than just a fleeting celebration; it's a celebration of AlUla's rich history, a region that for millennia has been a crossroads of civilizations and a key stop on the ancient Incense and Spice Route. Through its events, the festival highlights the cultural heritage of the kingdoms that once inhabited this land, such as Dadan, Lihyan, and the Nabataeans, allowing visitors to experience an atmosphere reminiscent of those prosperous eras. The festival blends the stories of traditional markets with the aromas of spices and frankincense, creating a vibrant spectacle that reflects the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia.
Technological experiments illuminate the skies of history
One of the most distinctive features of this year's edition is its masterful blend of rich heritage and modern technology. The "Evening in Hegra" experience takes place at the Hegra archaeological site, the first Saudi site to be inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. There, the Nabataean tombs carved into the mountains are transformed into works of art through light shows and visual projections that tell stories from the depths of history in a captivating and creative way.
In a related context, the “Stories from the Sky” event is breathtaking, as hundreds of drones paint artistic pictures in the sky of Al-Ula, narrating the history of the Nabataean civilization and its legends through an integrated visual system that blends lights and sound effects, making it one of the main stops that visitors look forward to in the second and final week of the festival.
Memory of the place and the local community
At its core, the festival is centered on the human element, with the people of AlUla playing a pivotal role in conveying the true essence of the place. Local storytellers, artisans, and historians participate in embodying the spirit of AlUla, sharing with visitors the stories of their ancestors and the handicrafts they have passed down through generations. The experience of Jabal Ikmah, known as the open-air library, also stands out, highlighting thousands of ancient inscriptions that document the details of daily life and religious rituals of bygone civilizations.
Tourist and cultural importance
The Ancient Kingdoms Festival is gaining increasing importance as it contributes to establishing AlUla's position as a global tourist and cultural destination, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on national heritage. The diverse exploration routes include walking tours among geological landmarks and activities designed for children, providing a comprehensive educational and entertaining experience that fosters awareness of the importance of preserving human heritage.
