AlUla in northwest Saudi Arabia, will once again play host to Desert X AlUla 2026, the international, open-air biannual exhibition set amid the iconic valleys and canyons.
Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, the exhibition will feature works from a mix of 11 Saudi and international artists, ranging from monumental kinetic sculpture to sound-based explorations above and below ground.
As the region's first public art biennale, Desert X AlUla invites visitors to imagine what happens when art responds to place.
Sustainability will form a large part of this exhibition, including utilising traditional rammed earth techniques, wood and stone carving, using locally sourced materials, as well as working with regional artisans.
“We welcome audiences to experience the unique landscapes of AlUla through works that reflect the richness of its stories, its resilience, and its distinct place in the global dialogue of contemporary art,” said Hamad Alhomiedan, Director of Arts & Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla.
The exhibition will run from 16 January to 28 February 2026 as part of the fifth AlUla Arts Festival, and is also a precursor to Wadi AlFann, the permanent monumental open-air museum of art in dialogue with AlUla's landscapes, pegged for a 2028 opening.
Visitors can also book from an expanded programme, which includes guided art hikes, curated tours, stargazing tours, artist performances, participatory events, wellness sessions, and family-focused events revolving around sound, movement, storytelling and play.