Hegra After Dark: A Mesmerizing Arts Experience in Saudi Arabia

An Award-Winning Event

In a celebration of cultural brilliance, Hegra After Dark has been crowned Best Arts and Culture Event at the 2025 Middle East Event Awards. This immersive nighttime spectacle is set against the backdrop of Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the timeless Nabataean tombs stand as a testament to a storied past. The event creatively utilizes this archaeological wonderland as a lively stage, inviting visitors to experience the rich heritage of AlUla in an entirely new light.

The Experience Unveiled

Launched in 2021, Hegra After Dark offers an enchanting blend of experiences that sets it apart from traditional events. Guests embark on horse-drawn carriage rides through this ancient landscape, providing a unique vantage point from which to appreciate the monumental tombs carved into the tawny sandstone cliffs. As attendees wander the paths lined with the remnants of ancient civilizations, they are enveloped in a tapestry of sensory experiences—incense trails fill the air with rich aromas, while site-specific performances captivate the audience, bringing history to life. Coupled with guided storytelling, the event creates an atmosphere where the past and present intertwine seamlessly.

A Celebration of Heritage

Set to run from November 26, 2025, through February 14, 2026, Hegra After Dark is perfectly timed to coincide with the return of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, adding an extra layer of cultural vibrancy to the region. This festival, much like the event itself, aims to immerse visitors in the historical significance of AlUla, showcasing its layered civilizational history through various performances and attractions.

The Storied Landscape of AlUla

Hegra is not just a solitary marvel; it’s part of a grander narrative that includes several ancient locations within AlUla. Alongside Hegra are Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, and AlUla Old Town—each site rich with inscriptions and ruins that tell the tales of past civilizations. As a critical stop along the Incense Road, Hegra flourished under the Nabataeans and later transitioned into a Roman outpost, reflecting a diverse historical continuum that shapes its identity today.

Collaboration and Innovation

Produced in partnership with ImaginExperience, Hegra After Dark highlights a growing array of programs aimed at immersing audiences in AlUla’s heritage through artistic expression. This collaborative effort illustrates the commitment to offering enriching cultural experiences that engage both local and international visitors in the extraordinary narratives embedded in the region’s history.

The Future of Cultural Events in AlUla

With its innovative blend of performance art and historical storytelling, Hegra After Dark stands as a shining example of how cultural events can be reimagined to offer profound experiences. As it continues to evolve, the event promises to be a cornerstone of AlUla’s cultural landscape, inviting more people to explore, witness, and engage with its remarkable heritage.