Here’s where to stay, what to expect and how to get there from the UAE
From sunrise meditation among sandstone formations to endurance races across the desert, the AlUla Wellness Festival returns from October 23 to 31, 2026, with a programme designed to restore both physical and <a href="https://healthylife7.com/injuries-can-take-a-mental-toll-on-athletes/” title=”Injuries can take a mental toll on athletes”>mental energy
Taking place across AlUla’s valleys, oases, heritage sites and luxury resorts, the nine-day festival brings movement, mindfulness and holistic wellbeing into one of Saudi Arabia’s most extraordinary landscapes. It also arrives as autumn brings more comfortable conditions, making this an ideal time to experience AlUla outdoors
What to Expect
The 2026 programme places a renewed emphasis on sport and fitness while retaining the quieter experiences for which the festival is known. Guests can expect endurance races, cycling challenges, yoga, meditation, breathwork, spa rituals, recovery sessions, wellbeing workshops and health-conscious dining
Those seeking a physical challenge can enter the AlUla Half Marathon, with additional 10km, 5km and 1.5km distances available. The programme also includes a continuous 24-hour endurance race for individuals and teams, an AlUla duathlon combining running and cycling, and a three-part Ashar Valley challenge featuring rowing, cycling and swimming
A nine-day yoga programme will unfold across peaceful locations, guided by local and international specialists. Professional cyclists can also join a training camp with members of Team Jayco AlUla, while VOX Moonlight Cinema will offer open-air screenings beneath the desert sky
Activities are spread across different locations, from desert valleys and green oases to selected hotels and resorts. Many experiences require advance registration, and yoga and mindfulness sessions are expected to fill quickly
Where to Stay
For a stay that complements the festival’s focus on wellbeing, Our Habitas AlUla is a natural choice. Set within Ashar Valley, the sustainable resort has 96 villas, a yoga deck, fitness and wellness facilities and an infinity pool. Its regular programme includes meditation, breathwork and hiking, creating opportunities to continue the wellness experience between festival sessions
Nearby, Banyan Tree AlUla offers a more private interpretation of desert luxury. Its tented villas blend into the sandstone landscape, with selected accommodation featuring private pools. The resort also has a Banyan Tree Spa and offers experiences including guided stargazing, hiking and heritage tours
For travellers who want to connect with AlUla’s history, Dar Tantora The House Hotel occupies restored mudbrick dwellings in Old Town. The intimate heritage hotel has 30 guest rooms, a rooftop pool, dining and wellness facilities, placing guests within walking distance of Old Town and AlJadidah
More relaxed options include Cloud7 Residence, with low-rise bungalows and private terraces, and Caravan by Habitas, an Airstream-style glamping retreat surrounded by the landscape. Festival dates are likely to be busy, so early reservations are advisable
How to Get There from the UAE
Travelling from Dubai is relatively straightforward. Flydubai currently operates four direct flights a week from Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 2 to AlUla International Airport. The journey takes approximately two hours and 55 minutes, making the festival suitable for either a long weekend or a longer restorative break. Travellers should check the final October schedule before booking
Those travelling from Abu Dhabi or the northern emirates can flys. Direct domestic services operate between AlUla and several major Saudi cities, although schedules change seasonally
Visa requirements depend on nationality rather than UAE residency. Passport holders from eligible countries can apply for Saudi Arabia’s tourist eVisa, which permits multiple entries during its validity. Requirements should be confirmed before travel
AlUla Wellness Festival runs from October 23 to 31, 2026. Advance booking is recommended for festival activities, accommodation and flights
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