Saudi Arabia’s desert oasis is preparing for a week devoted to wellbeing. The AlUla Wellness Festival runs from October 23 to 31, 2026. Over nine days, visitors can run, cycle, stretch, and rest across AlUla’s landscapes. Meanwhile, the festival also brings sound healing, spa experiences, and outdoor cinema. Together, these activities make it one of the region’s most varied wellness events.
Nine Days of Movement and Mindfulness
According to the official program, the festival invites visitors to recharge through endurance, mindfulness and wellbeing experiences. It sits within the AlUla Moments 2026 calendar. That calendar also includes the AlUla Skies Festival, the Ancient Kingdoms Festival and Winter at Tantora. In addition, a community of international and local wellness experts, elite athletes, movement specialists and mindfulness instructors takes part.
Races for Endurance Seekers
Athletes have two main challenges. The AlUla 24 Hour Endurance Race tests stamina in a continuous team or solo event. Competitors complete laps within a full day in the desert setting. The AlUla Duathlon, meanwhile, combines running and cycling across varied terrain.
Last year’s edition gives a useful guide. The 24-hour race took place on an 8-kilometre camel track at the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village. Teams of two, four, six, eight, ten or twelve could enter, as could solo runners. The duathlon opened that festival at Winter Park, with Olympic, Sprint and Kids’ distances.
Yoga and Mindful Movement
For visitors who prefer calm to competition, the Yoga Program is central. The official page describes nine days of expert-led yoga and wellness sessions across serene venues. Last year, the program offered 78 sessions at four venues: Banyan Tree, Our Habitas AlUla, Shaden Resort and the Five Senses Sanctuary. Les Mills fitness classes ran alongside them.
In addition, this year’s schedule lists wellness workshops and mindful movement classes. Sound healing and holistic wellbeing experiences complete the line-up. As a result, the festival suits beginners as much as seasoned athletes.
Rest, Recovery and Healthy Dining
Recovery is part of the plan too. The program includes spa, recovery and relaxation experiences. It also promises healthy dining and wellness retreats. Beyond the festival, AlUla offers year-round wellness options, from spa retreats to mindful walks in the Oasis. Therefore, visitors can extend their stay without losing the festival’s calm pace.
Cinema Under the Stars
One highlight is VOX Moonlight Cinema. Guests watch films under AlUla’s starlit sky, which turns an evening screening into a desert experience. Titles have not been announced yet. Nevertheless, the idea pairs neatly with the festival’s focus on rest after movement.
What Came Before
This year follows an active 2025 edition. The fifth festival ran from October 24 to November 1. It added a half marathon, which served as a lead-up to the 2026 Riyadh Marathon. It also included the Ashar Valley Triathlon. In addition, a “Ride with the Pros” program let cyclists train alongside Team Jayco AlUla.
Last year’s music line-up featured MËSTIZA, Mind Against, London Grammar, and Shimza, among others. The organisers have not confirmed which of these events will return this year. Therefore, check the official program before planning your days.
A Wider Season Ahead
The festival also opens a busy season for AlUla. Winter at Tantora follows from December 17 to January 9, 2027. That festival is known for music, culture, and heritage events in the Old Town and at Maraya. For travellers, a late October visit can therefore lead naturally into a winter return.
Planning Your Visit
The festival takes place across AlUla, so activities spread across several venues. Registration and ticket details are on Experience AlUla’s website. Races typically require advance sign-up, so book early. Pack comfortable layers, because desert evenings cool quickly.
