The Winter at Tantora Festival kicked off on Thursday in Al-Ula, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s premier tourist and historical destination, marking the start of an exceptional cultural and entertainment season that will run until January 10, 2026. This festival offers a renewed experience celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage, blending the authenticity of the past with the creativity of the present in a world-class tourism package.
The symbolism of Tantoura: a bridge between the past and the present
The festival derives its name and identity from “Al-Tantoura,” the pyramid-shaped sundial located in the heart of Al-Ula’s old town. This historical landmark has long been an integral part of the lives of the local people, who have relied on it for centuries to determine prayer times, the changing seasons, and, most importantly, to regulate agricultural seasons and water distribution. The festival’s launch is a modern embodiment of the traditional celebration of the arrival of winter and the beginning of the agricultural season, giving the events a profound historical dimension that connects visitors to the roots of the place.
A variety of activities that stimulate the senses
This year's festival features a rich program catering to diverse tastes, encompassing cultural, artistic, and heritage events. Highlights include "Old Town Nights," which recreates the vibrant atmosphere of bygone days; the "Tantoura Balconies" event; the performance "When the Shadow Spots Us"; and the "Manshiyya Carnival." Visitors can also explore the murals adorning the Old Town's alleyways and participate in the "Year of Handicrafts" celebration, showcasing the skills of local artisans.
The experience is not limited to the visual and auditory aspects only, but extends to include international and local culinary experiences, and high-end musical events held in open natural theaters, creating a magical atmosphere that reflects the richness of AlUla’s cultural heritage.
Al-Ula and Vision 2030: A global tourist destination
The Winter at Tantora festival holds strategic importance that transcends its status as a mere entertainment event; it is an integral part of the “AlUla Moments” calendar, which aims to bolster cultural and tourism activity in the region. These efforts align perfectly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a global tourist destination and develop the cultural tourism sector by highlighting its unique historical and heritage sites. The festival contributes to attracting visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad, thus strengthening the local economy and positioning AlUla on the international tourism map as one of the world’s most important open-air museums.
