If you are planning a visit to AlUla in November, the AlUla Skies Festival 2026 offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the desert landscape from a different perspective. From an AlUla hot air balloon ride above the ancient landmarks of Hegra at sunrise to illuminated balloon displays and stargazing experiences after dark, the festival combines adventure, nature and memorable moments under the open sky.
In this guide, you will find the AlUla Skies Festival 2026 dates, the main experiences, ticket prices and practical tips to help you plan your trip.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Event dates, prices, locations, availability and other details are subject to change. Please check the official AlUla website for the latest information before making any bookings.
Explore AlUla Skies Festival 2026
AlUla Skies Festival 2026 runs from 6 to 15 November 2026. Over ten days, the activities are spread between balloon flights, night shows and sky-watching experiences.
Location: Different places in AlUla, depending on the activity.
Main activities: Balloon flights, glowing balloon shows, stargazing, meteor watching and cinema under the sky.
Booking: Rules change from one activity to another. Some need advance booking.
AlUla hot air balloon experiences and events:
The festival has three balloon experiences. Each one gives you a different view of AlUla.
1. AlUla Skyrise: A sunrise balloon ride over Hegra
AlUla Skyrise is a signature hot air balloon experience in AlUla, featuring around 30 balloons rising together over Hegra at sunrise. As the balloons ascend, you can enjoy panoramic views of the area's rock formations, valleys and ancient landmarks in the soft morning light.
Date: Daily, from 6 to 15 November 2026
Price: 990 SAR per person.
Total time: Approximately 4 hours, including about 1 hour of flying.
Arrival time: Between 4:30 and 8:30 AM, based on your booking instructions.
Minimum age: 6 years
Booking: Required. Book before 4 PM on the day before your flight.
Transport: Provided from your accommodation or an agreed pick-up point. Self-drive is not available.
2. Tethered hot air balloon experience at Al Manshiyah Plaza
If you want a balloon ride without flying far, the tethered balloon is a great choice. It rises slowly up to 50 meters above Manshiyah Plaza, so you can enjoy the area and the views around you.
Date: Daily, from 6 to 15 November 2026.
Price: From 100 SAR per person.
Time: Evenings, with arrival between 6 and 10 PM.
Duration: 20 minutes.
Booking: Not needed. Walk-in only, with tickets sold at the venue on the evening, subject to availability.
Minimum age: 6 years
3. Hot air balloon glow show
After sunset, the balloons light up the AlUla sky in a special night show. Their lights, mixed with the colors of the desert, make a magical scene.
Hegra: 6 and 7 November 2026.
Elephant Rock: 13 and 14 November 2026.
Show time: 9 to 10 PM.
Arrival: From 7:15 PM for the pre-show entertainment.
Price: 30 SAR per person.
Booking: In advance. You can’t buy tickets at the show site.
AlUla stargazing and other night experiences
The festival is not only about balloons in the daytime. In the evening, you can join calm trips to look at the stars and the sky, surrounded by nature and historic places.
1. Stargazing at AlUla Fort
Learn about the night sky with a guide, in a setting that joins the history of AlUla Fort with the sky above the Old Town.
Dates: 6, 7, 13 and 14 November 2026.
Place: AlUla Fort, in the Old Town. Guests meet at the Old Town Visitor Centre.
Time: Two sessions each night, at 7:30 PM and 9 PM. Each session lasts about 1 hour.
Price: Free entry.
Booking: Required in advance. Late entry is not permitted once the session has started.
Minimum age: 10 years
It is a good choice if you want to add a quiet evening activity to your trip. Check the booking page for availability before you go.
2. Leonid Meteor Shower at Jabal Ikmah
This special astronomy experience at Jabal Ikmah invites visitors to explore the night sky with astronomy specialists and learn about the Leonid meteor shower and the stars above AlUla.
Date: 15 November 2026.
Time: From 8 PM to midnight.
Duration: About 4 hours.
Price: Free entry. A ticket is still required.
Booking: Advance booking is recommended. Places are limited.
If you love astronomy and night photography, this can be a great addition to your trip, especially if you want more time away from city lights.
3. Sunset stillness
For a relaxing experience, this session combines deep breathing exercises and sound immersion in the peaceful desert surroundings at sunset.
Place: Our Habitas AlUla.
Dates: 13 and 14 November 2026.
Time: 5 to 6:15 PM.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes.
Price: From 50 SAR per person.
Booking: Required in advance.
Minimum age: 18 years
The session lets you rest and enjoy AlUla away from active tours. It fits well between daytime trips and evening events.
4. AlUla outdoor cinema: VOX Moonlight Cinema in Wadi Ashar
For an alternative evening activity, VOX Moonlight Cinema brings outdoor cinema to Wadi Ashar. Visitors can watch films under the night sky while enjoying views of AlUla's dramatic rock formations, with cinema-style food and drinks available.
Place: Our Habitas AlUla, Wadi Ashar.
Dates: Daily, from 6 to 15 November 2026, with evening screenings. Check the official website for screening times and booking.
How to plan a successful visit to AlUla Skies Festival
Book in advance for the activities that need it.
Confirm the location of each activity before you leave.
Organize your time so you can move around easily.
Wear warm clothes, especially in the early morning and evening.
Check the weather before heading to outdoor activities.
Read the ticket rules for arrival times and the cancellation policy.
Be on time, so you can enjoy each experience without rushing.
Where to stay during AlUla Skies Festival 2026?
Make your trip more comfortable by staying at Cloud 7 Residence AlUla, where privacy meets modern comfort. After a full day of balloon flights and exploring AlUla, you can relax in your own space. The residence is about 5 minutes from Elephant Rock, the venue for the second weekend of the Hot Air Balloon Glow Show.
Choose from a One Bedroom Bungalow, a Deluxe Bungalow or a One Bedroom Suite, each with a bedroom, a living area, a kitchenette and a private outdoor seating area. You can also take advantage of the residence’s outdoor pool, gym, padel court and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Explore Cloud 7 Residence AlUla accommodation options and book your stay for a comfortable visit during AlUla Skies Festival 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is AlUla Skies Festival 2026?
AlUla Skies Festival 2026 takes place from 6 to 15 November 2026. The ten-day festival features hot air balloon rides, illuminated balloon shows, stargazing, meteor watching, sunset relaxation and outdoor cinema.
How much does a hot air balloon ride in AlUla cost?
Hot air balloon rides at AlUla Skies Festival cost 100 SAR to 990 SAR per person, depending on the experience. The tethered hot air balloon experience costs 100 SAR per person, while AlUla Skyrise costs 990 SAR per person.
How can I book AlUla Skies Festival experiences?
Visit the official Experience AlUla website to check availability, prices and booking requirements. AlUla Skyrise, the Hot Air Balloon Glow Show, Stargazing at AlUla Fort and Sunset Stillness require advance booking, while tethered balloon tickets are sold at the venue, subject to availability.
What is the minimum age for AlUla hot air balloon rides?
The minimum age for both AlUla Skyrise and the tethered balloon experience is 6 years old. Check the individual booking conditions before your visit for any additional restrictions.
How long does the AlUla Skyrise balloon experience last?
The AlUla Skyrise experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including around 1 hour of flight time. The sunrise flight takes place over Hegra, and guests should follow the arrival instructions provided with their booking.
Where and when can I see the Hot Air Balloon Glow Show?
The Hot Air Balloon Glow Show takes place at Hegra on 6 and 7 November 2026, and at Elephant Rock on 13 and 14 November 2026. The show runs from 9 PM to 10 PM, with pre-show entertainment from 7:15 PM. Advance booking is required, and tickets are not sold at the venue.
Are there free activities at AlUla Skies Festival 2026?
Yes. Free entry activities include stargazing at AlUla Fort on 6, 7, 13 and 14 November, and the Leonid Meteor Shower experience at Jabal Ikmah on 15 November, scheduled from 8 PM to midnight. Stargazing at AlUla Fort requires advance booking, and the meteor shower experience requires a free ticket.
What should I wear to AlUla Skies Festival?
Wear comfortable clothing and bring warm layers for early morning balloon flights and evening activities, when desert temperatures can be cooler. Check the weather forecast before your visit and follow any clothing guidance provided with your booking.
