These Are the Top 10 Activities to do at the Al-Ula Sky Festival 2023

The Al-Ula Sky Festival began on April 26th and is running through May 13th. 
With experiences ideal for everyone, including adventure seekers, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and admirers of ancient cultures, the event offers a variety of festivities and activities and welcomes its guests to enjoy seeing the most amazing natural and heritage attractions in Saudi Arabia.

Here are the top 10 things to do at the Al-Ula Sky Festival:

1. Hot air balloon rides

This year's Al-Ula Sky Festival features spectacular balloon rides with views of the area's most stunning sights. During the day, visitors can take 45-minute free rides over extraordinary rock formations, vast deserts, and historic archaeological sites. Evening hot air balloon rides are also offered, where visitors take in 10 to 15 minutes of beautiful scenery from a balloon that is securely fastened to the ground.

2. Stargazing and astrophotography

Al-Ula's pristine sky and minimal light pollution make it a superb location for astronomy and astrophotography. The event offers visitors the chance to take part in an amazing experience while being led by a knowledgeable guide around the Al-Gharameel rock formations. Visitors travel alongside a professional astronomer as they learn about the constellations, planets, and their motion in the night sky as well as the best ways to take beautiful pictures of it.

3. Helicopter tour

An aerial tour of Al-Ula's natural and historical landmarks that lasts 30 minutes is available to festival attendees. The journey starts over the Elephant Mountain and continues via the Hejaz Railway, Maraya Hall, Ikmah Mountain, and Dadan before coming to a finish over the historic settlement of Al-Ula. Daily tours start at 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m.

4. See Al-Ula from Al Hurra mountain

Al-Hurra peak gives breathtaking views of Al-Ula's beautiful monuments from its perch atop an old volcanic peak. Additionally, it offers a chance to see the Al-Ula Sky Festival festivities under a starry sky.

5. The giant swing

One of just seven such swings in the world, the 70-meter-diameter one at the AlUla Sky Festival gives visitors a new way to soar. To soak in the breathtaking natural views, thrill seekers can attempt leaping off a cliff and swinging over a narrow gorge. Tuesday through Saturday, from 4 to 5pm, you can experience the huge swing.

6. Al-Ula's open air cinema

Al-Ula Cinema recreates the feel of the golden age with its timeless designs. The family-friendly venue shows the most gorgeous films in a lively setting at Al-Ula Studios. Visitors to the AlUla Sky Festival can take in a distinctive movie experience while sitting in vintage convertible automobiles outside.

7. Kite flying

Hundreds of vibrant kites are flown during the Al-Ula Sky Festival starting on May 4th. The festive event features a special performance by accomplished kite runners, following which attendees can learn to handle and manoeuvre their own kites.

8. Drone shows

The Al-Ula Sky Festival gets its visitors ready with unique drone acts that create nighttime panoramas with breathtaking lights and hues. Throughout the festival, viewers can catch the unique show every day from 7:45 to 8 o'clock in the evening.

9. Glow show

The most exquisite musical rhythms are synchronised with dozens of balloons that are suspended from the ground and glitter with vivid colours that blend into a brilliant palette. From Thursday through Saturday, from 8 to 9 p.m., visitors can take in the light show as part of the festival.

10. Al-Ula ladder and zipline

Adventure lovers can climb the Al-Ula Ladder, the first mountain experience of its kind in the region, at a height of 45 meters, and then test an exciting 150-meter zipline tour on the way back to the valley.

For more information about the Al-Ula Sky Festival, please visit their website.