Saudi Arabia to host AlUla Skies 2026 festival — Asharq Al-Awsat
The AlUla Skies 2026 festival, dedicated to astronomy, aerial adventures and night-sky observation, will take place in Saudi Arabia's AlUla from November 6 to 15. The program will include hot-air balloon flights, light shows, open-air film screenings, stargazing and wellness practices.
AlUla Moments announced the festival's return, Asharq Al-Awsat reports, citing the Saudi Press Agency. Every day, participants will be offered shared morning hot-air balloon flights over AlUla's landscapes. Before takeoff, guests will be served Saudi coffee and dates.
A sky without moonlight
The festival will take place during a moonless-sky period from November 7 to 12, with a new moon expected on November 9. Organizers say such conditions are favorable for observing faint celestial objects. On November 15, the event will also coincide with the Leonids meteor shower: with minimal moonlight, visitors may potentially see up to 20 meteors per hour.
A stargazing site will operate at AlUla Fort from 19:00 to 23:00 on November 6, 7, 10–12 and 13–15. Five telescopes will be installed there for viewing planets and constellations, while observations will be led by an astronomer and a Rawi, who will provide cultural and storytelling context.
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Hot-air balloon show and night cinema
The illuminated Hot Air Balloon Glow Show will be held on November 6 and 7 in Hegra, and on November 13 and 14 near Elephant Rock. The program includes music, lighting and projection effects, performances by fire artists and aerial trapeze artists.
Visitors will also be able to take tethered hot-air balloon rides offering panoramic views of the area without advance booking. The VOX Moonlight Cinema night cinema will operate at the Our Habitas AlUla complex throughout the festival's ten days. Meditation, sound immersion and breathing practice sessions will also be held there on November 13 and 14.
The festival is part of the year-round AlUla Moments program, which encompasses art, culture, heritage, nature and outdoor recreation. Organizers also emphasize AlUla's status as the region's first Dark Sky Park destination: four natural areas have been officially designated as International Dark Sky Parks by DarkSky International.
