Ancient Kingdoms Festival is back for another edition and has created buzz worldwide. Each year, the festival transforms AlUla into a living open‑air museum, where ancient civilizations rise from the rocks and stories echo under the stars. Taking place from 20 November to 6 December, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025 invites visitors to dive into the rich culture and history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The festival features a lineup of cultural performances, archaeological tours and endless activities for all age groups. Read on to discover everything you need to know about attending this once-in-a-lifetime event!
Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025: What is it All About?
The Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025 in AlUla brings to life more than 200,000 years of human history, transforming the desert oasis into an open‑air museum. Originally launched in November 2022 as part of the AlUla Moments, this year marks the fourth edition of Ancient Kingdoms Festival. This cultural extravaganza invites visitors to walk through ancient kingdoms like Dadan, Lihyan, and the Nabataeans through guided tours, candle‑lit concerts, and drone shows. While a precise attendance figure hasn’t been confirmed, the 2025 edition is expected to see thousands of heritage‑seekers from across the globe.
Key details of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025
- Dates: 20 November to 6 December 2025
- Location: AlUla, Saudi Arabia
- Theme: Journeys Through Time
Suggested Read: Things to Do in AlUla: Where Adventure and Beauty Converge
Experiences at Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025
Here are some of the standout experiences that make this festival so compelling:
- Hegra After Dark
Set in Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, the event blends a theatrical carriage ride with projections, music, and storytelling to bring the Nabataean world to life after sunset.
- Date: 26 November 2025 to 14 February 2026
- Entry Fee: From SAR 250 per person
- Age restrictions: 5 years and above
- Hegra Drone Show - Stories from the Sky
Hegra Drone Show - Stories from the Sky is the main highlight of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025. The tomb facades at Hegra become a canvas for synchronized drone flight and large‑scale projections, reimagining ancient legends in a breathtaking visual spectacle.
- Date: 20 November to 29 November 2025
- Entry Fee: SAR 180 per person
- Age restrictions: 5 years and above
- Secrets of the Scribe - Ikmah After Dark
Secrets of the Scribe - Ikmah After Dark is a key attraction of Ancient Kingdoms Festival. It includes a guided tour of the gorge to see ancient inscriptions and then participation in hands-on sculpture workshops. Guided tours are available in English and Arabic languages.
- Date: 26 November 2025 to 14 February 2026
- Entry Fee: From SAR 150 per person
- Age restrictions: 6 years and above
- The Incense Road Experience
This sensory journey traces the role of the ancient Incense Trade Route in AlUla Old Town. The event features live theater, aroma‑filled workshops, and immersive storytelling in English and Arabic languages.
- Dates: 20 November 2025 to 26 June 2026
- Price: From SAR 185 per person
- Age restrictions: 5 years and above
- Geology Hikes & Family Tours
Beyond the cultural events, Ancient Kingdoms Festival offers guided walks through unique rock formations and age‑old landscapes. This is ideal for families and those who love nature. Moreover, special children’s tours are also available to engage younger explorers.
- Dates: 22 November 2025 to 6 December 2025
- Price: SAR 150 per person
- Age restrictions: 12 years and above
Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in AlUla: Discover the Charm of Saudi Arabia's Cultural City
Tips for Attending Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025
- Book your accommodations and experiences in advance
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes
- Stay hydrated to get through the arid climate
- Be respectful of local culture and traditions
- Allocate time for both day and night activities
- Choose your transport and accommodation wisely
The Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025 is not just an event but a chance to connect with the flow of time. You don’t just get to see the heritage but also sense it, engage with it, and participate in it. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for an unforgettable travel experience, this festival has so much to offer. For a hassle-free journey, book one of our Saudi Arabia tour packages and get ready to discover the magic of winter festivities right in the middle of the desert!
FAQ’s - Ancient Kingdoms Festival 2025
You can purchase the tickets from the official MDLBEAST website or through NOFOMO app, available on Android or iOS.
Yes, the event is family-friendly and children are welcome. However, all attendees, including children, typically require a valid ticket.
Yes, Qatar is known for being one of the safest countries in the world with low crime rates. Standard travel precautions should be taken, but solo travellers will find it very easy and safe to navigate.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue for security reasons. There will be a wide variety of food and drink options available for purchase inside.
The weather in November is pleasant with sunny days and cooler evenings.
You can either embrace Riyadh's desert side by hiking the Edge of the World and try sand activities at the Red Sand Dunes, or dive into its history by visiting the Masmak Fortress and At-Turaif UNESCO site. Don't miss the views from the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge.
Tickets range from the STORM (General Admission) tier, which includes access to all stages and complimentary parking to higher-tier experiences. The STORM+ pass adds faster entry lanes and premium viewing zones, while the VIB (Very Important Beast) tier offers prime access, dedicated lounges and more wallet credit for on-site spending.
Yes, the festival features HER Zones, a series of female-only viewing zones, lounges and experiences. These areas are open to every woman attending the festival, regardless of their ticket tier, providing a comfortable and exclusive space.
