#Saudi Arabia #AlUla #Desert X #Land Art

Desert X AlUla 2026: A Landmark Art Exhibition

The prestigious art event, Desert X AlUla 2026, opened its doors today, marking a significant fourth iteration of this notable international, open-air biennial exhibition. Nestled within the remarkable landscapes of AlUla, located in Northwest Saudi Arabia, this exhibition is set to captivate audiences with its engaging array of earthworks, sculptures, and installations designed by both local and international artists.

AlUla, known for its rich historical narrative and awe-inspiring scenery, has increasingly established itself as a pivotal destination for land art, becoming a key focal point in the arts festival circuit. With Desert X AlUla being the first public art biennale in the region, it aims to spotlight a new wave of artists whose works will interact seamlessly with AlUla's unique environment.

This year's exhibition features an impressive collection of creations from 11 acclaimed artists, each exploring diverse themes, materials, and practices. These works range from striking kinetic sculptures to intricate audio experiences that interact with both the viewer and the surrounding earth, all deeply informed by AlUla's distinctive cultural context. Through this lens, Desert X AlUla 2026 reinforces its mission to foster meaningful artistic engagement with site-responsive art.

Running until February 28, 2026, Desert X AlUla serves as a cornerstone event for the annual AlUla Arts Festival. The exhibition has been curated by a talented team, including Wejdan Reda and Zoé Whitley, with artistic direction from Neville Wakefield and Raneem Farsi. The theme, "Space Without Measure," draws inspiration from legendary poet Kahlil Gibran, inviting visitors to explore the relationship between imagination and the expansive natural beauty of AlUla.

In describing the exhibition, Hamad Alhomiedan, Director of Arts and Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), noted, "At Desert X AlUla 2026, art transcends mere observation; it invites audiences to engage with the compelling dialogues that emerge from AlUla's landscapes and heritage. These innovative commissions reinforce AlUla's evolution into a prime destination where ancient history and contemporary artistry intertwine."

Featured artists and their corresponding artworks include:

• - Sara Abdu: "A Kingdom Where No One Dies - Contours of Resonance"
• - Mohammad Alfaraj: "What was the Question Again?"
• - Mohammed AlSaleem: Multiple works including "The Thorn" and "Flower Bud"
• - Tarek Atoui: "The Water Song"
• - Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons: "Imole Red"
• - Agnes Denes: "The Living Pyramid"
• - Ibrahim El-Salahi: "Haraza Tree"
• - Basmath Felemban: "Murmur of Pebbles"
• - Vibha Galhotra: "Future Fables"
• - Héctor Zamora: "Tar HyPar"

Located approximately 1,100 kilometers from Riyadh, AlUla boasts an outstanding array of natural and cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. It contains notable sites such as Hegra, the principal city of the Nabataean Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as ancient residential areas and historic inscriptions that tell the story of the region's past.

The creation of Arts AlUla, within the Royal Commission for AlUla, demonstrates a commitment to advancing AlUla's rich cultural narrative while seamlessly blending historical context with contemporary artistic expression. This exhibition not only commemorates the region's storied past but also lays the groundwork for future projects, including the upcoming Wadi AlFann, slated for unveiling in 2028. This remarkable "Valley of the Arts" will serve as a permanent venue for extraordinary land art installations from around the world, firmly establishing AlUla on the global cultural map.

Desert X AlUla is more than an exhibition; it's an invitation to explore the dynamic interplay between art, nature, and history, urging visitors to contemplate the profound narratives woven into the landscape. As the event progresses, it will undoubtedly inspire new dialogues around art's role in shaping cultural identity and community engagement in contemporary Saudi Arabia.