AlUla:AlUla Moments has announced that the AlUla Skies Festival will return from November 6-15, 2026, offering ten days of extraordinary sky-themed experiences. The festival will provide visitors with opportunities to experience AlUla's dramatic desert landscapes through activities such as hot-air balloon rides at sunrise and stargazing under the night sky.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the festival combines aerial adventures with cultural and entertainment programming, creating a destination for nature, adventure, and astronomy enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy sunrise hot air balloon flights and aerial views by day, while evenings are dedicated to events such as balloon glow shows, moonlight cinema, and wellness sessions.
Timed to coincide with moonless skies from November 7-12 and the New Moon on November 9, the festival offers optimal conditions for stargazing and observing faint celestial objects. The event also aligns with the Leonid Meteor Shower on November 15, providing a chance to witness up to 20 meteors per hour with minimal light interference.
Among the festival's highlights is the AlUla Skyrise experience, offering shared sunrise hot air balloon flights daily, complete with Saudi coffee and dates served before take-off. Additionally, the Hot Air Balloon Glow Show will light up Hegra on November 6 and 7, and Elephant Rock on November 13 and 14, featuring illuminated balloons, music, and performances.
For visitors seeking a more accessible experience, the Tethered Hot Air Balloon Experience provides gentle ascents with panoramic views, ideal for families and photography enthusiasts. The festival will also host the VOX Moonlight Cinema at Our Habitas AlUla throughout its duration.
Stargazing at AlUla Fort will take place on select dates, featuring telescopes and guided observations by astronomers and local storytellers. The program will introduce Sunset Stillness wellness experiences, including meditation and breathwork sessions on November 13 and 14.
The festival also promotes sustainable tourism, with AlUla designated as the region's First Dark Sky Park destination. Four areas, including AlGharameel Nature Reserve and Sharaan National Park, are recognized as International Dark Sky Parks, supporting conservation efforts and offering prime stargazing opportunities.
The AlUla Skies Festival is part of the AlUla Moments calendar, reinforcing the region's status as a premier global destination for experiential travel, art, culture, and adventure.