The AlUla Skies Festival promises an unforgettable celebration of culture, music, and adventure in the stunning desert landscape of AlUla. This unique event features a diverse lineup of activities, including mesmerizing performances from renowned artists, captivating cinematic experiences, and immersive astronomy workshops.

Set against the backdrop of AlUla's breathtaking natural beauty and rich historical significance, attendees can expect to engage their senses and create lasting memories. Whether you're enjoying a concert under the stars or embarking on a hot air balloon ride over ancient monuments, the festival offers something for everyone.

Layali with Mohamed Hamaki and Ahmed Saad

Overview

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary musical night at the AlUla Skies Festival, featuring celebrated Arab music stars Mohamed Hamaki and Ahmed Saad. This exclusive performance marks their first appearance in the enchanting setting of AlUla. The concert will take place at Thanaya AlUla, a spectacular outdoor venue surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes, offering a unique ambiance for an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment.

Artists

Mohamed Hamaki

Mohamed Hamaki is a leading figure in the Arabic pop scene, known for his dynamic voice and engaging performances. He debuted with the album Khallina Neysh in 2003 and has since released numerous chart-topping albums and singles. His remarkable talent was recognized internationally when he won the Best Arab Artist award at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2010, highlighting his global influence and appeal.

Ahmed Saad

Ahmed Saad is a multifaceted Egyptian artist, celebrated for his powerful vocal performances and captivating stage presence. His music blends traditional Egyptian folk sounds with contemporary styles, creating a unique auditory experience. Alongside his singing career, Saad has composed and performed many popular songs for Egyptian films, further establishing his prominence in the music industry.

Price: From SAR 360 per person
Location: Thanaya AlUla, AlUla
Timing: 20:00 - 22:30
Schedule: 18 April 2025
Duration: 2.5 hours

Hot Air Balloons Glow Show

Overview

Join the AlUla Skies Festival for an exhilarating experience featuring aerial acrobatics, stunning fire displays, and a dazzling hot air balloon glow show. Set against the majestic backdrop of Hegra and Elephant Rock, this event combines thrilling performances with live DJ music, creating a vibrant atmosphere that will leave you captivated.

• Price: From SAR 30 per person
• Location: Hegra and Elephant Rock, AlUla
• Timing: 19:00 - 21:00
• Schedule Date: 18, 19, 25, and 26 April 2025
• Duration: 2 hours

Vox Moonlight at Maraya

Overview

Experience the magic of cinema under the stars at the Maraya rooftop during the AlUla Skies Festival. This open-air movie event features a carefully curated selection of films that explore themes of space, aviation, and exploration, making it a must-attend for film enthusiasts.

Experience

Relax in plush couches adorned with cushions and side tables, providing the perfect setting for an outdoor movie night. Enjoy a blend of timeless classics and exciting new releases in a stunning environment.

• Price: From SAR 60 per person
• Location: Maraya Rooftop, AlUla
• Timing: 21:00 - 23:00
• Schedule Date: 18 to 26 April 2025
• Duration: 2 hours

Pop Up Planetarium

Overview

Step into the wonders of the universe at the Pop Up Planetarium located in the heart of the Old Town. This immersive experience features a stunning 360-degree dome that brings the cosmos to life, showcasing dynamic displays and engaging narratives about the stars and constellations.

• Price: From SAR 70 per person
• Location: Old Town, AlUla
• Timing: Various times available
• Schedule Date: 18 April to 31 May 2025
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Celestial Skyport

Overview

Embark on an interactive journey through the cosmos at the Celestial Skyport, found at Jabal Ikmah. Engage with fascinating exhibits and participate in hands-on astronomy workshops designed to deepen your understanding of the universe.

• Price: From SAR 70 per person
• Location: Jabal Ikmah, AlUla
• Timing: Various times available
• Schedule Date: 18 April to 31 May 2025
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Sky Voyages AlUla

Overview

Experience the breathtaking beauty of AlUla from above with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Ascend high above the desert landscape and witness the first light of dawn illuminating Hegra's historical monuments, creating a magical moment that you will cherish forever.

• Price: From SAR 990 per person
• Location: AlUla Desert
• Timing: 05:00 - 08:00
• Schedule Date: 18 to 27 April 2025
• Duration: 3 hours (including transfer)

AlUla Skyrise

Overview

Enjoy a tethered hot air balloon ride that offers stunning aerial views of AlUla, including the iconic Elephant Rock and the picturesque Old Town. This gentle ascent allows you to capture breathtaking photographs and enjoy a unique perspective of the area's natural beauty.

• Price: From SAR 100 per person
• Location: AlUla
• Timing: Various times available
• Schedule Date: 18 to 27 April 2025
• Duration: 1 hour (Flight time: 10 minutes)

Earth Embodied Energy

Overview

Engage in a transformative wellness session that combines Qi Gong, deep stretching, and a cosmic Star Meditation. Guided by soothing aromas and calming melodies, this experience invites you to reconnect with both the earth and the cosmos, promoting relaxation and mindfulness.

• Price: From SAR 120 per person
• Location: AlUla
• Timing: 10:00 - 10:45
• Schedule Date: 22 April 2025
• Duration: 45 minutes

Glow-in-the-Dark Silent Disco YogaLates

Overview

Join a unique fusion of yoga and Pilates set against the stunning backdrop of the desert night. Wear wireless headphones and immerse yourself in a specially curated music playlist while surrounded by glow-in-the-dark elements, neon body paint, and the serene desert environment, creating a liberating and rejuvenating experience.

• Price: From SAR 120 per person
• Location: Our Habitas AlUla Desert Resort
• Timing: 18:30 - 19:30
• Schedule Date: 25 April 2025
• Duration: 60 minutes

Cinema Under the Stars

Overview

Indulge in a luxurious outdoor cinema experience at Shaden Resort during the AlUla Skies Festival. This event features select films along with premium hospitality, allowing you to enjoy cinematic masterpieces in a stunning outdoor setting.

• Price: From SAR 250 per person
• Location: Shaden Resort, AlUla
• Timing: 21:00 - 23:00
• Schedule Date: 24 & 25 April 2025
• Duration: 2 hours

As the AlUla Skies Festival unfolds, it invites participants to explore the wonders of the cosmos, indulge in artistic performances, and connect with the enchanting environment of AlUla. With a carefully curated schedule of events that cater to various interests, the festival embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery.

This is not just an event; it’s an experience that celebrates the beauty of art, nature, and community. Join us in AlUla for a remarkable journey that will inspire and uplift, leaving you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the magic of this extraordinary destination.

In a landmark moment for both its fleet and passenger experience, Etihad Airways has received its first Airbus A321LR at the Airbus Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg a major milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory and a bold step in redefining single-aisle travel.

The new A321LR is the first of 30 such jets set to join the Abu Dhabi-based carrier, ushering in a new era where widebody amenities and luxurious innovations are available on shorter routes. Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, hailed the delivery as “an extraordinary moment,” emphasizing the airline’s mission to deliver “luxury at every altitude” and across its expanding global network.

Among the jet’s standout features is Etihad’s inaugural narrowbody First Suites cabin—a first for the airline. These private suites offer sliding doors, fully-flat beds, and bespoke design touches reminiscent of the airline’s long-haul flagship products. Window seats are further enhanced by 20-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and companion seating, blurring the line between widebody and narrowbody experiences.

The 14-seat Business Class cabin features a 1-1 herringbone layout akin to widebody flagships, with direct aisle and window access for every guest. Each seat sports a 17.3-inch 4K screen, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity, elevating comfort and privacy on short-haul journeys.

Etihad’s Economy Class also receives a premium upgrade, offering 144 seats with extra space, 13.3-inch 4K seatback touchscreens, USB charging, and Bluetooth connection for personal headphones plus over a thousand hours of content. Increased overhead luggage space also brings widebody convenience to the narrowbody segment.

Airbus Executive Vice President Sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, commented on the delivery: “The arrival of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR symbolizes innovation and partnership, deepening the longstanding bond between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new comfort benchmark for single-aisle jets and expands Etihad’s global reach from Abu Dhabi.”

The A321LR is also equipped with next-generation Viasat Wi-Fi, promising lightning-fast speeds reaching 100’s of Mbps for uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and gaming at cruising altitude. This gate-to-gate connectivity will be available on Asian routes from September 2025, ensuring travelers stay productive and entertained throughout their journey.

Set to debut commercially on 1 August 2025 on the Abu Dhabi–Phuket route, the A321LR will soon serve a diverse mix of both short- and medium-haul destinations, including Bangkok, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, Tunis, Zurich, and more. The aircraft’s arrival is a key pillar in Etihad’s “Journey 2030” vision to reinforce Abu Dhabi as a world-class aviation hub and support the airline’s goal of reaching 38 million annual passengers by 2030.

With another nine A321LRs landing in 2025 and an ambitious slate of 27 new routes in a single year, Etihad is poised to bring the luxury of widebody flying to more travelers and more destinations than ever before—raising the bar for what’s possible in single-aisle aviation.

Etihad Airways is ramping up its expansion in 2025 by adding seven new routes that will enhance Abu Dhabi’s connectivity across the Gulf, Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. This strategy is designed to drive more direct point-to-point traffic to Abu Dhabi, positioning the city as a key hub for tourism, culture, and trade.

The new destinations include Almaty in Kazakhstan, Baku in Azerbaijan, Bucharest in Romania, Medina in Saudi Arabia, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Yerevan in Armenia. Flights to Medina will begin on November 9, 2025, operating six times a week, while services to the other six cities will start from early March 2026, with weekly frequencies ranging between four and ten flights.

Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, highlighted that these destinations connect Abu Dhabi to rapidly growing and culturally rich regions, stimulating tourism and economic activity. He noted the diversity of attractions these cities offer, from Medina’s religious significance to the vibrant urban culture of Baku and Almaty, and the historic depth of Tbilisi, Yerevan, and Bucharest.

 In total, Etihad will have added or announced 27 new routes in 2025, reflecting a significant milestone in its network growth and commitment to Abu Dhabi’s development as a global travel center.

Earlier in the year, Etihad launched routes to Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, and Atlanta, with 13 more additions expected later in 2025. The airline also revealed seasonal summer destinations for 2026, including Krakow in Poland, Salalah in Oman, and Kazan in Russia, targeting peak travel periods.

Each new city brings unique appeal: Medina attracts pilgrims with its spiritual heritage and iconic mosques; Bucharest offers elegant architecture and lively urban life; Tbilisi balances old-world charm and modern vibrancy; Yerevan boasts ancient history and a rich cultural scene; Baku stands out with its striking mix of tradition and futuristic design; Almaty provides a blend of natural alpine beauty and cosmopolitan buzz; and Tashkent offers a combination of historic sites and contemporary developments.

These additions will simplify travel to and from Abu Dhabi for business, leisure, and pilgrimage travelers alike, supported by Etihad’s world-class service and seamless connections. This expansion underlines Etihad’s vision of solidifying Abu Dhabi as a premier international aviation hub linking diverse regions around the globe.

Riyadh Air is ramping up preparations to finally launch its long-awaited Boeing 787 flights, following an extended period on the sidelines. As the calendar moves past the midpoint of 2025, the new Saudi Arabian carrier remains optimistic that it will take to the skies before the year concludes.

If current plans hold, Riyadh Air aims to inaugurate service to two European cities by the end of 2025. This marks the start of a broader expansion strategy, with more global destinations expected to be added as additional 787s and other aircraft join the fleet.

The journey to launch has been anything but smooth for Riyadh Air. Securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation in April 2025 was a major milestone, following a rigorous six-month testing campaign. However, the celebration was short-lived: just days after receiving the AOC, the airline announced another postponement, pushing the anticipated first flight to the fourth quarter of 2025.

This latest delay scrapped earlier plans for a Q3 debut. In fact, Riyadh Air’s inaugural flight was originally expected much sooner, but a series of setbacks have kept the airline grounded.

A significant factor behind the repeated delays has been Boeing’s well-publicized delivery challenges. Riyadh Air, like many other airlines worldwide, has struggled to receive new aircraft on schedule. These industry-wide setbacks have forced airlines to reconsider fleet plans, delay retirements of older jets, and, in Riyadh Air’s case, postpone the launch of scheduled passenger operations.

Despite the hurdles, Riyadh Air remains committed to its vision of becoming a major player in international aviation. With regulatory approval secured and preparations underway, the airline is poised to make its long-anticipated debut—pending timely aircraft deliveries and the resolution of industry supply chain issues.
As the end of 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Riyadh Air to see if it can finally turn plans into reality and begin connecting Saudi Arabia to the world.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is set to launch a new direct flight service connecting Zayed International Airport and Sialkot International Airport in Pakistan, starting July 17, 2025. This exciting development will see the airline operate three weekly flights, enhancing connectivity between the UAE capital and one of Pakistan’s key industrial hubs.

The new route will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with flight 3L 311 departing Abu Dhabi at 1:35 a.m. and arriving in Sialkot at 6:00 a.m. The return flight, 3L 312, will leave Sialkot at 6:50 a.m., landing in Abu Dhabi at 9:20 a.m. This schedule is designed to cater to the growing demand from business travelers and the large expatriate community linking the two regions.

Sialkot, located in the northeast of Punjab province near the Kashmir hills and Chenab River, is renowned as a vital industrial and export center in Pakistan. The new service will expand Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s footprint in Pakistan beyond its existing routes to Faisalabad and Multan, providing passengers with more options for direct and affordable travel.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft, known for their efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline offers value-added services such as free in-flight streaming through ‘SkyTime’ and affordable onboard catering with ‘SkyCafe.’ Additionally, travelers can benefit from the ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program, allowing them to earn and redeem points.

Tickets for the new Abu Dhabi–Sialkot flights are now available for booking via Air Arabia’s website, call center, and authorized travel agencies, marking a significant boost in air connectivity between the UAE and Pakistan’s thriving industrial regions.

Qatar Airways has officially resumed direct flights between Doha and Malta, with four non-stop services each week starting July 2, 2025, further strengthening its extensive global network and enhancing international connectivity.

The flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, departing Doha at either 08:45 or 14:05 and arriving in Malta later the same day or the following morning, depending on the schedule. Return flights from Malta to Doha are similarly structured, with departures at 10:15 or 17:05 and an average flight time of just over five hours.

This route re-establishes Malta as the 50th European destination in Qatar Airways’ network for the northern summer of 2025, providing travelers from Asia-Pacific markets—including China, India, Japan, and the Philippines—greater access to the Mediterranean. The service is expected to boost tourism to Malta’s capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the islands of Gozo and Comino.

Travelers from Malta will benefit from seamless connections to Qatar Airways’ network of over 170 destinations worldwide, including 42 weekly flights to Australia. The airline’s proposed partnership with Virgin Australia, pending regulatory approval, is set to further expand connectivity options for passengers.

Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the importance of the Malta route in reinforcing economic ties and supporting tourism, highlighting Malta’s appeal with its rich history, cultural sites, and sun-soaked coastline. Malta International Airport and the Malta Tourism Authority have both welcomed the airline’s return, citing the positive impact on regional connectivity and tourism potential.

Qatar Airways remains the only Middle Eastern carrier offering non-stop flights between Doha and Malta, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft with both Economy and Business Class options. Bookings for the new service are now open.