#Saudi Arabia #AlUla #Land Art #Desert X AlUla #AlUla Oasis

Desert X AlUla 2026: A Celebration of Land Art in the Oasis

Today marks the grand opening of Desert X AlUla 2026, an ambitious and historic exhibition dedicated to land art set against the breathtaking backdrop of Saudi Arabia's AlUla oasis. This biennial international outdoor exhibition, which has a reputation for spotlighting impactful art, is back for a fourth edition thanks to the collaborative efforts of Arts AlUla and Desert X.

Nestled in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is rich in ancient history and natural beauty. The Desert X AlUla 2026 invites art lovers and visitors to immerse themselves in captivating works from a diverse roster of artists, including both local Saudi talent and international creators. Over the coming weeks, the exhibition will present large-scale earthworks, sculptures, and other installations that resonate deeply with the unique landscapes and cultural heritage of AlUla.

This year's lineup features eleven acclaimed artists who have crafted works that extend a dialogue with the surrounding environment. From monumental kinetic sculptures to auditory explorations, each piece engages thoughtfully with AlUla's remarkable terrain. This is not just an art show; it affirms Desert X AlUla's place on the global art stage, providing a powerful platform for the land art that reflects site-specific inspiration.

Desert X AlUla 2026 will remain open for visitors until February 28, 2026, as a significant component of the AlUla Arts Festival. The exhibition is curated by a talented team comprising Wejdan Reda, Zoé Whitley, under the artistic direction of Neville Wakefield and Raneem Farsi. This year's theme, "Unmeasured Space,” draws influence from the renowned poet Kahlil Gibran. It encourages visitors to reflect on imagination within AlUla’s rich natural landscapes.

Set within AlUla's desert canyons, this installment serves as a prelude to the forthcoming Wadi AlFann, a major public art initiative envisioned for the region. Hamad Alhomiedan, Director of Arts and Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla, expressed, "In Desert X AlUla 2026, the audience will connect with art that profoundly resonates with AlUla’s unique landscapes and heritage. These captivating commissions highlight AlUla’s transformation into a significant global destination, merging ancient and contemporary expressions. The exhibition is crucial for positioning AlUla in the global dialogue of contemporary art and visionary projects like Wadi AlFann.”

The participating artists and their works in this impressive exhibition include:

• - Sara Abdu - A Kingdom Where No One Dies Contours of Resonance
• - Mohammad Alfaraj - What Was the Question Again?
• - Mohammed AlSaleem - The Thorn, AlShuruf Unit, The Triangles, Flower Bud, and Al Ahilla
• - Tarek Atoui - The Water Song
• - Bahraini-Danish - Bloom
• - Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons - Imole Red
• - Agnes Denes - The Living Pyramid
• - Ibrahim El-Salahi - Haraza Tree
• - Basmah Felemban - Murmur of Pebbles
• - Vibha Galhotra - Future Fables
• - Héctor Zamora - Tar HyPar

To learn more about this captivating event and its offerings, visitors are encouraged to stay updated through the official communications of Arts AlUla. With a deep commitment to celebrating cultural heritage and promoting artistic expression, AlUla aims to revive its identity as a culturally rich destination for both residents and travelers alike. The expansive potential of AlUla is truly embodied through initiatives like Desert X, paving the way for the establishment of Wadi AlFann, which promises to be a permanent center for global land art.

As AlUla continues to evolve and grow, it stands poised not only as a historical site but as a burgeoning space where the past and present converge artistically, enriching the narratives of its landscape and community.