Crédits : Lina Tchalabi. Translation: Jill Harry. Picture: Faisal Samra, The Dot. Desert x Alula 2024 - Lance Gerber
Art & Culture
Photos by Lance Gerber – Courtesy of the Royal Commission for AlUla
In the north-western part of the Arabian peninsula, about 1,000 kilometres from the capital of Saudi Arabia, a vast expanse of golden sand stretches out to infinity, presenting a breathtaking landscape, an area explored by archeologists from all four corners of the world. Steeped in rich heritage, this arid land plays host to AlUla, a picturesque region whose origins date back millions of years, shaped by the erosion of volcanic rocks. In this spectacular decor, narrow canyons and mineral structures emerge like silent sentinels from a long-gone era. Once a crossroads for trading routes, AlUla is recognized today for its outstanding cultural legacy, exemplified by monumental tombs hollowed out of the rock at the heart of the ancient city of Hegra, the first site in Saudi Arabia to become part of UNESCO’s World Heritage.
Since the year 2020, this enchanting oasis has also served as a new playground for artists from all different horizons thanks to the AlUla Arts Festival – an event held by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the French Agency for the Development of AlUla (Afabulula).
Their ambition is to promote art and culture by providing support for creative industries while preserving the region’s natural heritage for future generations. Over the medium and long term, it also aims to establish the region as the leading tourist destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, drawing close to two million visitors per year by 2035. A wonderful way of casting light on this territory which, until recently, was still unexplored by travellers.
In just four years, this international festival has become an unmissable get-together for curators and art lovers. Each year, its exhibitions, held outdoors, invite contemporary artists from all four corners of the world, of all disciplines combined, to unfurl their creativity in this extraordinary setting. Their monumental works adorn the ancient oasis of AlUla, creating a living dialogue amidst wafting breezes between art and nature, past and present. Also on the programme are movie screenings, performances, creative workshops, and other activities. For devoted art lovers, this unique experience also provides the opportunity to discover the treasures offered by the region from an artistic perspective.
The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly “Desert X AlUla,” held every two years. In 2024, the third edition of this biennial – organized by curators Maya El Khalil and Marcello Dantas, under the artistic direction of Raneem Farsi and Neville Wakefield – unravelled the mysteries of the invisible. Entitled “In the Presence of Absence,” its theme invited visitors to reflect on that which cannot be seen. Behind their apparent immobility, deserts conceal unsuspected richness, blanketing a teeming life which murmurs its secrets to those who really want to learn them. Surrounded by this total silence, artists have thus been called upon to explore the notion of the unspoken. In all, sixteen works of art are on display, from the Wadi AlFann desert to the black lava stones in the Harrat Uwayrid volcanic reserve, via the AlMansyah Plaza, playing host to the railway station of AlUla. Remarkable artworks on show include that of South Korean artist Kimsooja. Entitled "To Breathe," this contemplative installation represents a circular labyrinth whose iridescent walls reflect colours in the surrounding area, revealing nuances in the chromatic circle.
Another striking exhibit, "Reveries," consists of gigantic sculptures entirely built of rammed earth and comprised of jars piled one on top of the other. By Lebanese artists Rana Haddad and Pascal Hachem, these columns rise towards the sky, giving a play on contrast with the surrounding landscape.
In line with its Californian counterpart – an arts festival held every two years in the Coachella Valley in the USA – Desert X AlUla surfs on the sand of land art, questioning the relationship between Man and nature in the era of environmental awareness. In 2026, the site of Wadi AlFann will unveil unprecedented immersion in the arts to the public: 65 sq.km of desert magnificently playing host to permanent artworks.
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