AlUla, a destination celebrated for its awe-inspiring landscapes and rich heritage, is set to welcome the return of the AlUla Skies Festival from April 18 to 27, 2025.
AlUla Skies Festival event will offer visitors an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the cosmos while celebrating the deep, historical relationship between humanity and the skies. A focal point of this year’s festival is the introduction of activities presented by AlUla Manara, a pioneering destination for celestial discoveries and astrotourism, designed to ignite curiosity about space and astronomy.
AlUla Manara is a hub for astro-tourism that bridges the gap between ancient celestial knowledge and modern scientific exploration. This global destination, which boasts support from elite local and international partners in astronomy and space technology, invites guests to embark on a journey through the universe. With its high-tech telescopes, interactive exhibits, and immersive workshops, AlUla Manara provides a unique space for research, education, and stargazing. Visitors will have the chance to gaze at AlUla’s pristine dark skies and experience the wonder of the cosmos in a way that honors the city’s long history as a crossroads of ancient travelers.
Among the standout experiences at the festival are the House of Constellations and the Celestial Sky Port—two attractions introduced by AlUla Manara, designed to captivate both seasoned astronomy enthusiasts and curious newcomers. The House of Constellations nestled in the heart of AlUla’s Old Town, features a stunning 360-degree dome that brings the wonders of space to life through mesmerizing projections and dynamic exhibits. Guests can interact with displays that illuminate the constellations and tell the captivating stories behind them. It is a perfect opportunity to experience the magic of the cosmos from a completely new perspective.
Meanwhile, at the Celestial Sky Port, located in the stunning Jabal Ikmah, visitors will have the chance to explore interactive exhibits, engage with cutting-edge telescopes, and participate in astronomy workshops. This immersive environment offers a hands-on approach to space exploration, enabling guests to deepen their understanding of the universe while surrounded by the beauty of AlUla’s desert landscapes.
The AlUla Skies Festival offers a host of celestial experiences. Guests can take a flight on daily hot air balloon rides, providing stunning aerial views of AlUla’s majestic landscapes. For a more intimate experience, tethered balloon rides at Old Town and Elephant Rock offer panoramic vistas. The evening’s Balloon Glow Shows will light up Elephant Rock with illuminated balloons, aerial performances, and synchronised music, creating a magical spectacle.
