The historic oasis of AlUla, long regarded as a global cultural landmark and meeting point of ancient civilisations, is preparing to usher in 2026 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration. Two of the Arab world’s most cherished stars, Assala Nasri and Adam, will headline a grand concert on 31 December 2025, marrying outstanding music with the awe-inspiring landscape of AlUla.
The celebration will take place at the open-air Thanaya AlUla venue, promising an enchanting evening beneath the desert night sky. Attendees will enjoy immersive performances set against the dramatic backdrop of rock formations and sweeping canyons, creating a memorable setting in which to welcome the new year.
Assala Nasri, widely acclaimed as the “Queen of Arab Music,” will perform a selection of her most iconic songs, including Ya Magnoon, Tasawar, Bent Akaber, and Mabaash Ana, bringing her distinctive artistry to the stage.
She will be joined by Lebanese sensation Adam, known for his powerful vocals and emotive delivery, performing favourites such as Kifak Enta, Khalas Eldam, Haza Ana, and Bhebak Ana.
This New Year’s Eve showcase reflects AlUla’s continuing ambition to host distinguished regional and international performers, reinforcing the destination’s fast-growing reputation as a centre for creativity, culture and live entertainment. It offers visitors a remarkable opportunity to celebrate in a location where ancient heritage intersects with contemporary expression.
Tickets for the event will be released soon on experiencealula.com.
AlUla’s End-of-Year and 2026 Cultural Programme
Winter at Tantora forms part of the AlUla Moments 2025–2026 schedule and will run from 18 December to 10 January. The festival promises an array of cultural, artistic, outdoor and heritage-focused experiences that capture the charm and character of AlUla during the winter months.
The AlUla Arts Festival will return from 16 January to 14 February 2026, presenting its most wide-ranging programme yet. Highlights include the fourth edition of Desert X AlUla along with a major contemporary art exhibition delivered in partnership with the contemporary art museum in AlUla – as part of its pre-opening programme – and Centre Pompidou. The programme will bring land art, exhibitions, design installations and multidisciplinary performances to locations across the region.
From 16–17 January, the AlUla Desert Polo competition will showcase elite equestrian sport within the oasis, ahead of the AlUla Trail Race on 22–23 January, where athletes will compete across rugged terrain in a demanding endurance challenge.
After the close of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival on 6 December, several of its most popular immersive experiences will continue to operate, including The Incense Road Experience, Hegra After Dark, Secrets of the Scribe: Ikmah After Dark, and the Old Town Escape House. These extensions offer visitors additional opportunities to discover AlUla’s landscapes, stories, and archaeological wonders.
Further details and bookings are available at experiencealula.com.