Villa Al Hajar participates in the AlUla Arts Festival 2026 with international programs
Villa Al Hejar, the first joint Saudi-French cultural institution, is preparing to make a significant contribution to the cultural activities accompanying the AlUla Arts Festival 2026. This participation is scheduled to take place from January 16 to February 14, as part of a strategic framework aimed at boosting tourism and solidifying AlUla's position as a leading global cultural destination, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Cultural bridges between East and West
Villa Al Hajar's participation in the festival for the second time reflects the depth of the cultural partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic. This institution is not merely an exhibition space, but a platform for intercultural dialogue and creative exchange. Its participation in the 2026 edition focuses on presenting an intensive cultural program encompassing performing arts, photography, film, and design. These programs aim to create an interactive environment that allows for the exchange of experiences between Saudi artists and their counterparts from France and around the world, thus enriching the local art scene with international standards.
AlUla Arts Festival: Where art meets nature
The AlUla Arts Festival is one of the most successful initiatives to diversify the tourism experience in the region, transforming AlUla's stunning landscape into an open-air museum. The fifth edition of the festival features a wide array of contemporary art exhibitions and installations. The "Sahara X AlUla" event stands out as a key highlight, showcasing artworks that harmonize with the enchanting natural environment of the "Valley of Art," further enhancing AlUla's globally recognized "land art" concept.
In addition, the program includes a special collaboration with global institutions such as the Centre Pompidou and the Museum of Contemporary Art in AlUla, which adds an international dimension to the events and attracts art lovers from around the world.
Economic and tourism dimensions
The importance of these events extends beyond the artistic realm, encompassing significant economic and tourism dimensions. By integrating performances, musical programs, and cultural workshops in open-air settings, the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate successfully delivers a comprehensive tourism product. This integration supports the local economy by attracting high-quality tourism and presents the region's cultural heritage in a contemporary format that appeals to new generations.
The participation of “Villa Al-Hajar,” with its cultural and diplomatic weight, confirms that Al-Ula is not just an archaeological site, but a center of renewed cultural radiance, linking the authenticity of the past with the creativity of the present, and opening its doors to the world to explore the Kingdom’s cultural treasures.
