AlUla set to welcome visitors with full Ramadan cultural experience

AlULA, Saudi Arabia – This year, the historic city of AlUla is marking the holy month of Ramadan with a rich tapestry of cultural, spiritual and leisure experiences, transforming the visit into an immersive journey that blends tradition, adventure and local heritage.

Located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, AlUla has become one of the kingdom’s standout destinations for Ramadan, offering a programme designed to appeal to visitors of all ages and interests. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the city’s Ramadan offerings include historical site tours, adventure excursions, traditional culinary experiences and a range of cultural and artistic activities that showcase the area’s unique identity.

Among the most distinctive experiences are stargazing sessions in AlUla’s desert oases, led by expert guides, allowing visitors to explore constellations under the region’s clear, unpolluted skies. These sessions blend education and recreation, giving participants a chance to connect with the desert’s natural beauty.

Ramadan traditions across Saudi Arabia, such as communal Iftar, Quran readings, charitable events and bustling seasonal markets, take on a distinctive flavour in AlUla, where local heritage and cultural activities are interwoven with spiritual observances. Visitors can explore cultural markets, witness live performances in Wadi Ishar, and engage with storytelling and traditional crafts, providing a multi-dimensional Ramadan experience.

Art and design also feature prominently in the programme. Seasonal exhibitions are hosted across the city, including at AlUla Design Space, Desert X Alula 2026 (in its fourth edition) and the Arduna exhibition in AlUla Oasis. Innovative experiences, such as constellation explorations in collaboration with Manarat AlUla, add an educational and artistic layer to the festivities.

Historical sites form an essential part of the Ramadan journey. Visitors can tour Hegra, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah to witness ancient rock inscriptions and monuments that date back thousands of years. These excursions provide a profound sense of connection to the past, highlighting the interplay between humanity, nature, and spirituality in this timeless landscape.

For thrill-seekers, AlUla offers adventure experiences, including hot air balloon trips, desert safaris, hiking trails, and Iftar dinners under the stars in remote desert locations. These activities allow visitors to interact with the desert environment while enjoying a blend of physical and spiritual engagement.

The city’s Ramadan programmes are designed not only to celebrate the holy month but also to promote tourism, support the local economy, and offer visitors a fully immersive cultural experience. Markets, workshops and culinary events allow guests to engage directly with the community, sample traditional Ramadan cuisine such as dates, Arabic coffee and locally-prepared meals, and appreciate the region’s hospitality and heritage.

Saudi organisers emphasise that these experiences are part of a broader tourism strategy aligned with Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy while promoting national heritage. By combining culture, adventure, art and spirituality, AlUla provides a model for integrating tradition with contemporary tourism, offering visitors a rich, multi-layered experience.

As Ramadan approaches, AlUla emerges as a destination that seamlessly blends cultural depth, artistic expression, natural beauty and spiritual engagement, presenting a truly unique experience for visitors from across Saudi Arabia and beyond.