AlUla is taking things to new heights this November. The 2026 AlUla Skies Festival returns from November 6 to 15, bringing hot-air balloons, stargazing, outdoor cinema, and desert wellness experiences to some of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic landmarks. And honestly, the night sky is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here.
Hot-Air Balloons at Sunrise
Thirty hot-air balloons will take to the skies over Hegra as part of AlUla Skyrise, offering sunrise views of the historic landscape. Not exactly your average morning commute. For those who’d rather watch the spectacle from the ground, the Hot Air Balloon Glow Show will light up Hegra on November 6 and 7, and Elephant Rock on November 13 and 14, with illuminated balloons, music, projections, fire performers, and aerial acts.
Stargazing Without the City Lights
AlUla Fort is hosting guided stargazing sessions with telescopes, astronomers, and traditional storytelling. The timing couldn’t be better, either. The festival coincides with a moonless period from November 7 to 12, while the Leonid Meteor Shower is expected on November 15, potentially bringing up to 20 meteors per hour. In other words, keep your eyes on the sky and your camera ready.
Cinema Under the Stars
VOX Moonlight Cinema is returning to Our Habitas AlUla throughout the festival, bringing open-air film screenings to the desert. Because apparently, watching a movie beneath an actual sky full of stars is a thing now. And we’re not complaining.
A Little Desert Reset
For anyone whose idea of a good time involves slowing down, Sunset Stillness at Our Habitas AlUla will feature guided meditation, sound immersion, and conscious connected breathwork on November 13 and 14. Visitors can also join Husaak for stargazing experiences and hikes beneath the stars, because a little desert wandering never hurts.
The Sky Is the Limit
AlUla’s dark skies aren’t just a festival feature. The destination has four areas designated as International Dark Sky Parks, reflecting efforts to preserve the natural environment and reduce light pollution. The festival is part of the wider AlUla Moments calendar, bringing together nature, adventure, and astronomy for 10 days of experiences that are a little different from your usual November plans.
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