Four Reasons You Need to Go to AlUla Before the End of 2025

Friday, Sep 19, 2025 0

Red rocks, ancient ruins and otherworldly landscapes – Saudi’s most visually striking destination is a feast for explorers, history buffs and wellness-seekers at any time of year. However, autumn holds a certain charm, as crowds thin and temperatures hover between mid-twenties and early thirties, and the final few months of 2025 are set to pack a punch for every type of traveller. From the buzz of international electronic stars at AZIMUTH festival to gazing up awe-inspiring astrological events in the darkest skies, there is plenty to make a trip to AlUla unforgettable.

Following the news that Saudi welcomed record-breaking numbers of tourists over Summer 2025 – more than 32 million domestic and international tourists, a 26% year-on-year increase from 2024 – it is clear the momentum isn’t set to stop here, as Saudi prepares for an unforgettable Winter season, which the below events form a part of. The season officially kicked off with the launch of Saudi’s latest global campaign starring Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this month, announcing the Unreal Events Calendar and underscoring Saudi’s growing role as the world’s sports and entertainment hub. The video sets the tone for a season where every experience is designed to make you “Stay for More”, blending global icons with local culture.

September: AZIMUTH

The festival of music and light is set to return to the awe-inspiring Thanaya Valley from 25^th to 26^th September 2025. Framed by sandstone cliffs and open skies, AZIMUTH 2025 promises a sensory escape where sound, light, and landscape fuse into a cultural experience like no other. This year’s lineup boasts international talent such as indie band London Grammar and renowned German DJ Christian Löffler, techno superstar Kevin de Vries and Italian DJ duo Mind Against. Tickets available from 1200 SAR (ca. £236) here.

STAY at the newly opened Chedi Hegra from £1,868 per person for four nights, saving £212 (via Expedia.co.uk, based on two sharing). Travelling 24^th – 30^th September, inclusive of return flights from London Heathrow.

October: AlUla Wellness Festival

AlUla Wellness Festival runs from 24 October to 1 November 2025. It invites visitors to discover your inner calm surrounded by the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs of AlUla, where the arid beauty of the desert offers the perfect backdrop for healing and self-discovery. On offer are invigorating yoga flows, calming meditation sessions, expert-led workshops on nutrition, mindfulness, and holistic health.

Whether you’re a seasoned wellness enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this festival invites you to relax, recharge, and reconnect with your true self. Embrace the chance to nurture your mind, body, and spirit in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

STAY at the Banyan Tree and complete all-round feelings of serenity with some superb treatments at their outstanding spa from £2,798 per person for four nights, saving £233 (via Expedia.com, based on two sharing). Travelling 25^th – 30^th October, inclusive of return flights from London Heathrow.

November: Ashar Valley Triathlon and AlUla 24 Hour Endurance Race

Set against the tranquil beauty of Ashar Valley, this unique triathlon takes place on 1 November 2025 at Habitas AlUla. Athletes must test their strength with a 3,000m indoor row, 3,000m stationary bike ride, and a 300m swim in the resort’s pool.

For those who want to focus exclusively on their running, the inaugural AlUla 24 Hour Endurance Race takes place at the same time (31^st Oct – 1^st Nov) and invites individuals and teams to test their limits by running as many laps of AlUla’s iconic 8km Camel Track as possible in 24 hours. Whether solo or in groups of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 people, this test of endurance is more than a race; it is a celebration of resilience, camaraderie and the great outdoors.

STAY in the heart of the action at Habitas AlUla from £1,837 per person for three nights (via Expedia.co.uk, based on two sharing ) Travelling 31^st – 3^rd November, inclusive of return flights from London Heathrow.

December: Geminid Meteor Shower

The Geminids are known for their bright, multi-coloured meteors that can be seen streaking across the sky at a rate of up to 120 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, seemingly radiating from the constellation of Gemini. While meteors will be visible from 4^th-20^th December, activity will peak on 14^th. Best viewed under clear, dark skies away from city lights, the Geminids offer a memorable sight for stargazers in AlUla. With a plethora of open-air locations and favourable weather conditions after nightfall, AlUla is the perfect location to escape into the cosmos, marvel at the celestial wonders, and connect with the ancient heritage of celestial navigation that once guided travellers.

The ancient oasis city of AlUla is also the only place in the Middle East to have been awarded the prestigious International Dark Sky Park Certification, recognising AlUla Manara and Gharameel nature reserves for their pristine night skies. Overall, AlUla is among the top 5% dark sky quality locations globally for stargazing and astro-tourism.

STAY at Dar Tantora for five nights from £2,506 per person and get one night free, saving a total of £1,094 (via Expedia.co.uk, based on two sharing) where you can continue the low-lit romance of stargazing evenings, as the hotel is lit exclusively by candles come nightfall. Travelling 12^th – 18^th December, inclusive of return flights from London Heathrow.

To learn more and plan your trip, visit the Visit Saudi website.