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.

Turkish Airlines has expanded its complimentary “Touristanbul” program, offering international transit passengers with layovers of 6 to 24 hours at Istanbul Airport (IST) a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and culture without leaving the airport experience behind.

Eligible travelers can choose from six different daily tours, each led by professional guides and including transportation by shuttle bus directly from the airport.

One of the highlights of the program is a visit to Bozdağ Film Studios in Beykoz, a sprawling 200-acre complex renowned for producing popular Turkish historical TV dramas like "Diriliş: Ertuğrul" and "Kuruluş: Osman."

This studio is the largest in Europe and the third-largest in the world, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at life-sized sets that recreate different eras of Turkish history.

Beyond the film studio, the various tour routes cover Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Hippodrome, Taksim Square, Grand Bazaar, and the Galata Bridge, with photo stops and guided commentary throughout.

Passengers can also enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine—such as fire-cooked soup and hand-pounded rice pudding—at local restaurants, and participate in cultural workshops like glassmaking and archery.

All meals, museum entrance fees, and transportation are included at no cost, and the tours are available every day of the year, with 19 different routes offered weekly. To participate, passengers must have a Turkish Airlines ticket with a layover of 6 to 24 hours, and must register at the Touristanbul desk at least 30 minutes before the tour begins.

The program is designed to ensure travelers return to the airport with ample time for their connecting flights, transforming what could be idle hours into a memorable cultural experience.

Etihad Guest, the loyalty program of Etihad Airways, has expanded its highly popular competition, The Extraordinary Challenge, by increasing the total prize pool to over 20 million Etihad Guest Miles following an unprecedented surge in participation.

Initially, the challenge offered 5 million miles to the first member to visit all 15 of Etihad’s newly launched destinations, with second and third place receiving 3 million and 1 million miles, respectively. However, due to overwhelming demand, Etihad has now added 12.5 million additional miles, opening the door for more than 200 winners in total.

The competition, which runs until May 25, 2026, is open to both new and existing Etihad Guest members. Participants must travel to or from 15 specific new year-round destinations, including cities such as Addis Ababa, Atlanta, Prague, and Taipei, within a 12-month period. The race is based on speed and dedication—the fastest members to complete all 15 routes win the largest prizes, while tie-breakers are resolved by the earliest registration date.

In addition to the top three grand prizes, Etihad has introduced "The Extraordinary Milestones" category: the first 100 members to visit five new destinations will receive 25,000 miles each, and the first 100 to reach ten destinations will earn 100,000 miles each. This expansion aims to reward both the most ambitious travelers and those making significant progress, with members able to track their journeys and standings on a live digital leaderboard.

Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, commented, “We’ve seen an amazing response across the globe since we launched The Extraordinary Challenge, and expect to see over 50,000 member sign-ups as more destinations come online. Having seen the desire and determination of so many, we wanted to reward Etihad Guest members even more by giving flight to their ambition with more prize miles and potential for 200 additional winners”.

Sohar International and its Islamic banking division, Sohar Islamic, have announced a new partnership with SalamAir, Oman’s prominent budget airline, to bring substantial savings to their customers on domestic travel. Under this collaboration, credit cardholders from Sohar International and Sohar Islamic can enjoy up to 40% off, while debit cardholders receive a 15% discount on SalamAir flights within Oman.

The offer covers popular routes such as Muscat to Salalah, Masirah, Duqm, and the newly introduced Sohar to Salalah flights, with bookings available from June 22 to August 31, 2025, for travel between July 1 and August 31, 2025.

To take advantage of these discounts, eligible customers must book their tickets through SalamAir’s official website, applying special promo codes provided by the banks and using their Sohar cards for payment. The partnership was officially launched at a signing event on June 17, 2025, at Sohar International’s headquarters, highlighting a shared vision to blend financial services with lifestyle benefits and support Oman’s national tourism strategy outlined in Vision 2040.

Bank officials, including Abdul Qadir Al Sumali, stressed that the initiative is designed to go beyond simple discounts, aiming to create a more integrated experience for customers by connecting banking with travel. Steven Allen, SalamAir’s Chief Commercial Officer, noted that the airline is committed to making domestic travel more affordable, especially during the busy Khareef season in Salalah.

SalamAir, which operates a growing fleet of Airbus aircraft and serves over 80 flights daily, is also investing in digital upgrades, such as a new WhatsApp ticketing service. The airline has introduced fixed fares for Omani nationals on key routes to further support local travelers.

This partnership not only delivers significant value to Sohar International and Sohar Islamic customers but also contributes to the wider goals of enhancing domestic tourism and strengthening collaboration between Oman’s banking and aviation sectors.

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ largest low-cost airline, has announced a special seat sale in honor of the country’s 127th Independence Day, offering one-way base fares from Dubai to Manila for just Dh3. The promotion, part of the airline’s annual Super Seat Fest, is available for bookings made between June 11 and June 15, 2025. The travel period for these discounted tickets spans from December 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, making it ideal for those planning year-end holidays or summer visits to the Philippines.

The Dh3 fare covers only the base ticket price, with additional charges for taxes and surcharges. Cebu Pacific’s extensive network allows travelers to connect from Manila to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations, including popular tourist spots like Boracay, the Banaue Rice Terraces, Vigan, and Davao’s Seven Falls. The airline encourages passengers to explore the Philippines’ rich historical and cultural sites, such as Intramuros and the National Museum complex in Manila.

Booking is available through Cebu Pacific’s official website, with multiple payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets. The airline also offers special guidelines for families traveling with infants or minors: infants under two years old may travel on an adult’s lap for an infant fee, and strollers or car seats can be brought free of charge. Children aged 12 and above are considered adult guests, and minors traveling with parents only need to present documents proving their relationship, such as a birth certificate or valid IDs.

Seats at the promotional rate are limited and subject to availability, so travelers are encouraged to book early. Cebu Pacific’s Super Seat Fest is a recurring event, celebrated alongside major milestones and holidays, and continues to be popular among Filipinos abroad looking for affordable ways to reunite with family or explore the country’s diverse attractions.

Etihad Airways has officially unveiled an exciting new competition aimed at both new and existing Etihad Guest members. Dubbed "The Extraordinary Challenge," this initiative invites participants to embark on a journey to visit 15 new year-round destinations added to Etihad's route network in 2025.

The first member to complete this challenge will be awarded an astounding five million Etihad Guest miles, marking the largest prize in the loyalty program's history.

Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, “This challenge embodies Etihad’s purpose to give flight to ambition. We’re inviting our adventurous members and travelers to explore 15 incredible destinations while competing for our largest-ever miles prize.”

The Challenge Overview

Participants in The Extraordinary Challenge will compete to be among the first three members to visit all 15 destinations, which include:

• Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
• Algiers (Algeria)
• Atlanta (USA)
• Chiang Mai (Thailand)
• Hanoi (Vietnam)
• Hong Kong (China)
• Krabi (Thailand)
• Medan (Indonesia)
• Peshawar (Pakistan)
• Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
• Prague (Czech Republic)
• Sochi (Russia)
• Taipei (Taiwan)
• Tunis (Tunisia)
• Warsaw (Poland)

Prize Breakdown

The competition's top three finishers will be rewarded as follows:

• 1st Place: 5 million Etihad Guest miles
• 2nd Place: 3 million miles
• 3rd Place: 1 million miles

These miles can be redeemed for flights, holidays, and a wide array of items from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. For context, five million miles could equate to over 500 Economy flights, more than 70 Business class trips, or around 40 First class journeys.

Engaging Features

To enhance the experience, participants will have access to a dedicated race dashboard, complete with a digital passport that gets stamped with each destination visited. This feature encourages continued travel and rewards every milestone. A live leaderboard will track each member's progress, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition among passionate travelers.

How to Participate

The challenge is open to both new and existing Etihad Guest members, making it an inclusive opportunity for anyone eager to explore. To enter, members must register through the official competition link and track their progress throughout the challenge. Terms and conditions apply.

Participants are required to fly on an Etihad-operated flight to or from all specified destinations by 25 May 2026.

Join the Adventure

Those interested in joining The Extraordinary Challenge can register at click here. Members are encouraged to share their journey on social media using the hashtag #EYextraordinarymiles as they race toward this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

With this innovative initiative, Etihad Airways is not only enhancing the travel experience but also inspiring its members to explore the world in a competitive and rewarding way.