#WinterAtTantora #AlUla #SaudiArabia #AlUlaMoments #HeritageFestival #CulturalTourism #TantoraSundial #Hegra #Vision2030 #AncientKingdoms
ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA: — As the cool desert air settles across the ancient landscapes of North-West Saudi Arabia, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is preparing for the return of its flagship cultural spectacle, Winter at Tantora. Named in homage to the historic sundial at the heart of the Old Town, this iconic festival invites global travelers and culture enthusiasts to connect deeply with AlUla’s rich human and natural heritage through a curated season of musical performances, immersive installations, and sensory discoveries.
The 2025-2026 edition of the festival, which is tentatively scheduled to run from December 18, 2025, to January 10, 2026, is designed to embody the spirit of the traditional gathering, where the community once convened around the sundial to mark the vital start of the winter planting season. This year’s programme promises a blend of local traditions and world-class experiences, transforming the 22,561 square kilometer region—home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra—into a living cultural stage.
🕰️ The Essence of Tantora: Time, Heritage, and Community
The festival’s namesake, the Tantora sundial, is a unique architectural marvel in the Old Town. Historically, it was crucial for the agricultural communities of the lush AlUla Oasis, serving as an ancient timekeeper that guided farmers by marking seasons and ensuring the fair distribution of water resources. The festival celebrates this deep harmony between science, tradition, and the ingenuity of AlUla’s earliest inhabitants.
The festival schedule is packed with signature events that draw directly from this history:
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Midday at Tantora: A daily, guided heritage talk held at the sundial itself, revealing how this simple shadow-casting structure governed the daily rhythms, agricultural cycles, and social life of the Old Town.
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Old Town Nights: A captivating evening experience set within the historic open-air amphitheatre and ancient fort, blending live heritage shows, local folklore, and a curated culinary journey that pays tribute to regional flavours.
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Shorfat Tantora: A free, open-air musical experience in the AlJadidah Arts District, where live symphonies and contemporary performances spill out from the balconies of historic homes, blending traditional melodies with modern rhythms.
🎨 Immersive Experiences and Culinary Journeys
Winter at Tantora goes beyond performance, offering visitors several ways to engage with the region’s dynamic creative scene and celebrated gastronomy:
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Old Town Wall Art Walk: A guided tour led by a local Rawi (storyteller) through the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town, showcasing colourful murals and artworks on mudbrick homes that echo age-old symbols, crafts, and customs.
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Old Town Culinary Voyage: A unique tasting tour that combines local flavours with storytelling. Guests sample traditional dishes and ingredients, learning the history of preservation methods and the significance of seasonal produce passed down through generations.
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Old Town Culinary Voyage -
Al Manshiyah Carnival: A colourful, free, family-friendly event running throughout the festival in the historic railway district, featuring music, games, heritage parades, and interactive zones that blend old-world charm with modern entertainment.
🌍 AlUla: A Crossroads of Ancient Kingdoms
AlUla is not merely a venue; it is the core of the experience. Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, the region boasts an extraordinary human history dating back thousands of years.
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Hegra (UNESCO World Heritage Site): The principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom, featuring over 100 exceptionally well-preserved monumental tombs cut into sandstone outcrops.
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Ancient Dadan: Once the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms, it stands as one of the most developed 1st-millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Jabal Ikmah: An “open library” of ancient rock art and inscriptions that chronicle the history of the region and the evolution of the Arabic language.
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), established in 2017, oversees the sensitive and sustainable transformation of the region, ensuring that the development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for culture, tourism, and heritage.
Visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance for concerts, guided tours, and premium culinary events, though many community celebrations offer free entry.
For more information, tickets, and travel packages, visitors can refer to the official Experience AlUla website.
