Alula: Desert X AlUla is set to make its return for the fourth edition from January 16 to February 28, 2026, as part of the AlUla Arts Festival. This open-air art exhibition will once again transform AlUla into a platform for contemporary art, with the event curated by Wejdan Reda and Zo© Whitley. Neville Wakefield and Raneem Farsi are returning as the artistic directors.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this edition will feature artworks by Saudi and international artists from multiple generations, designed to engage with the desert environment and the unique landscapes of AlUla. The theme for 2026, "Space Without Measure," draws inspiration from Kahlil Gibran's meditations on possibility, perception, and the boundless nature of the human spirit, connecting to AlUla's infinite horizons.
Since its debut in 2020, Desert X AlUla has established a legacy of site-responsive artworks that interact with the desert's landscapes. Over 45 artwork projects have been produced for AlUla, making the biennale an influential platform for artists both locally and internationally.
Desert X AlUla has also influenced the development of Wadi AlFann, a land art destination in AlUla, set to open in 2028. This 65-square-kilometre open-air museum is envisioned as a global cultural destination for monumental, site-specific land art.
Visitors in 2026 will have the opportunity to explore AlUla's landscapes, experiencing each artwork within its own unique setting. As the first public art biennale in the region, Desert X AlUla has provided a platform for artists to create within the landscape since its inception.
Through initiatives like Arts AlUla, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is committed to revitalizing the region's artistic heritage, providing the local community with opportunities for inspiration, education, and cultural exchange.