The AlUla Skies Festival returns for 10 days of astronomical observation, hot-air balloon flights, and open-air cinema running from November 6 to 15, 2026. Timed with rare moonless skies and the Leonid meteor shower, the Saudi Arabia event transforms the desert landscape into a global destination for dark-sky tourism. Reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Moments announced the return of the event to celebrate the wonder of the skies, combining aerial adventures with cultural and entertainment programming.
Celestial Alignment and Peak Stargazing Conditions
The program runs through a period of moonless skies from November 7 to 12, with the New Moon on November 9, creating dark conditions well-suited for observing faint celestial objects. Visitors can catch up to 20 shooting stars per hour with very little moonlight interference during a dedicated stargazing program at Jabal Ikmah, as the schedule also coincides precisely with the Leonid Meteor Shower on November 15. Blending astronomy, adventure, and a tribute to the natural world, the festival turns AlUla’s striking desert terrain into a hub for celestial activities, giving participants a chance to reengage with the night sky and view the scenery from completely fresh viewpoints.
Astronomy enthusiasts have access to dedicated observation infrastructure throughout the festival grounds. The Stargazing at AlUla Fort experience—also referred to as the AlUla Observatory—operates on November 6, 7, 10-12 and 13-15 from 19:00 to 23:00, featuring five telescopes focused on planets and constellations. Professional astronomers and a Rawi lead these guided sessions, providing cultural and storytelling context to enrich the stargazing experience.
Aerial Adventures and Evening Balloon Shows
Daytime and evening programming mixes aerial exploration with large-scale entertainment across historic desert landmarks. AlUla Skyrise stands out as one of the main highlights of this year’s schedule, inviting participants to take part in a group sunrise hot air balloon excursion that ascends high above the AlUla terrain. The experience operates daily throughout the festival from approximately 6:00 to 7:00 am, following early-morning transfers, briefings, and balloon boarding. The journey begins with Saudi coffee and dates served to guests before take-off, with refreshments provided following the flight.
For ground-based spectators, evening events feature illuminated balloon shows paired with music, lighting, projection, fire performers, and aerial trapeze artists, culminating in a choreographed grand finale. These Hot Air Balloon Glow Shows are scheduled at Hegra on November 6 and 7, and shift to Elephant Rock on November 13 and 14.
Dark Sky Preservation and Sustainable Tourism
Highlighting AlUla’s position as the area’s pioneer Dark Sky Park locale, the festival showcases four specific zones formally recognized as International Dark Sky Parks by both DarkSky International and the International Dark-Sky Association. Several local locations—including the Gharameel Reserve, Sharaan Nature Reserve, and Wadi Nakhlah Reserve—reflect AlUla’s efforts to preserve its natural environment, reduce light pollution, support sustainable tourism, and provide optimal conditions for stargazing against AlUla’s dark desert skies.
Complete Festival Schedule and Immersive Experiences
Tethered Hot Air Balloon Experience: Offering gentle ascents with panoramic views up to 50 meters above AlManshiyah Square and the surrounding area, this option is ideal for families, first-time visitors, and photography enthusiasts, with payment available on-site and no advance booking required.
VOX Moonlight Cinema: Open-air film screenings scheduled throughout the 10-day program at Our Habitas AlUla and various times.
Sunset Stillness Wellness: Guided meditation, sound immersion, and conscious connected breathwork sessions held on November 13 and 14 from 17:00 to 18:00 at Our Habitas AlUla.
Night Hikes: Guided star-lit trekking excursions set against AlUla’s sandstone mountains, canyons, and heritage sites, organized in collaboration with the Husaak Adventure Center.