Epic visitor experiences offered in the ancient frontier oases of Khaybar, Tayma and AlUla Insert date: From 11 th – 27 th November, for the first time ever, the three linked ancient oases of North West Arabia will offer immersive experiences set in historic and natural landscapes as part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival.

Named after the legendary ancient kingdoms of AlUla, the Festival will connect AlUla with the historical areas of Khaybar and Tayma – unlocking exciting and immersive experiences that bring to life stories that span millennia, reaching across successive civilizations and interconnecting the great cultures of ancient history.

As open-air galleries of discovery, the epic scale of the triad of AlUla, Tayma and Khaybar will be uncovered through tailor-made experiences and excursions that highlight the unique character of each site and unlock the layers of history within. From spectacular after-dark light shows and carriage rides at dawn, to hot air balloon and helicopter flights over monumental prehistoric architecture; culinary pop-ups, historical re-enactments and guided trails through legendary oases, the Festival is set to create moments that last forever.

Together, AlUla, Khaybar and Tayma have shaped the history of the region and its connection to the world for thousands of years. While AlUla has been welcoming visitors to its ancient sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra since it reopened in 2020, the Festival will also open up and activate the globally significant historic areas of Tayma and Khaybar.

Tayma, famous for its powerful position on the legendary Incense Road, is today an archaeological treasure trove with discoveries continuing to reveal the legacy of kings and the ambition of successive civilizations, including the largest well in the Arabian Peninsula.

Khaybar is famous as a market town and for the surrounding geology of the white and black volcanos as well as the mysterious prehistoric stone structures in the shape of kites, keyholes and rectangles – best seen by air. The sites will continue to be activated for excursions from AlUla.

Highlight experiences during the Ancient Kingdoms Festival

At AlUla

● Hegra – Once a vibrant city of the Nabataeans and a vital hub on the legendary Incense Road, Hegra is one of the must-visit sites on a global map of heritage landmarks today. One of the star sites of Arabia, this UNESCO World Heritage site will offer an unforgettable encounter of the legacies of the Nabataeans.

• Introducing Hinat: Nabatean Facial Reconstruction (26th October – permanent) –presented at Hegra Welcome Centre, this feat of archaeology and technology brings us one step closer to understanding the world of ancients of Hegra, through a forensic, digital reconstruction of a Nabatean woman experts fondly call ‘Hinat’.
• Hegra by Horse-Carriage: (1st November 2022 – 21st March 2023) – an experience of Hegra during the golden hours of dawn and dusk will be elevated by journeying in a horse drawn carriage, in the company of a Rawi storyteller. The leisurely journey will cover three key sites.
• Hegra After Dark (3rd – 27th November) – the return of the unforgettable after-dark tours to Tomb 100 by candlelight. Adding to the experience of a sensorium, a sound and light show will bring alive the story of the Nabatean king AlHaritha.

● Dadan

With the expert-led excavation season already underway at this capital city of the ancient kingdoms, Dadan offers young explorers to join in as a part of the ‘Apprentice Archaeologist’ programme designed to inspire curiosity and a sense of connection among a future generation of heritage guardians. With the family-friendly Archaeology Tours of Dadan, visitors will get a rare chance to interact with the archaeologists who are making discoveries in real-time. This is a chance to watch history in the making.

● Jabal Ikmah

Journey through Jabal Ikmah After Dark, along candle-lit pathways that illuminate the remnants of ancient civilisations and their religious rituals recorded onto the rock face of the whispering canyon. The site will also offer family-friendly workshops at the Ancient
Inscriptions Academy.

At Tayma

● A first-glimpse of Tayma (11th November – 31st March) – The Land of Kings, a legendary oasis at the crossroads of civilisations, home to:

• The Ancient Temple of Salm  – a superb vantage point to what was once a paleolake, and home to the remains of a complex of Iron Age temples.
• Bir Haddaj – an iconic well many believe to have been built by the last Babylonian king, Nabonidus and the setting for a fascinating re-enactment of life in the oasis.
• Suq AlNajm Oasis – trail and marketplace, an opportunity to experience the living traditions of Tayma.
• Qasr Ibn Rumman (Governor’s Palace) – an atmospheric example of Arabian architecture, experienced by audio guide experience and
  hosting an immersive show after dark.

At Khaybar

● A first-glimpse of Khaybar (24th November – permanent) – a geological gem offering a unique perspective from the skies. Khaybar is revealed through tethered hot air balloon rides and helicopter excursions to give bird’s eye view of its landscape that is home to:

• Khaybar Camp – a unique ‘off the grid’ nature and culinary experience staying in a luxury glamp site in an otherworldly landscape near the Harrat Khaybar volcanic site.
• AlRawan – another excellent vantage point interlinking the oases, and the first point of entry to exploring Khaybar.
• Adventure trails through the Umm Jirsan lava tubes and caves.
• Stories From The Skies  – an aerial spectacular bringing together drones, narrative and landscape as night falls.

Visitors eager for a first-glimpse of Tayma and Khaybar (Tayma 2 hours, Khaybar 3 hours from AlUla) can do so by self-drive, a hop-on-hop-off bus or luxury/VIP car service moving between the sites or can ‘Ride with a Rawi’: a journey escorted by local Rawi storytellers, who will impart their local knowledge enroute.

For more information and to book tickets visit:

https://www.experiencealula.com/en/alula-moments/ancient-kingdoms-festival
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