Saudi Arabia: Desert X AlUla 2026 to unveil "Space without Measure" exhibition on January 16

 

Saudi Arabia: Desert X AlUla 2026 to return with fourth edition

Desert X AlUla 2026 is set to return with its fourth edition, unveiling a new exhibition titled “Space Without Measure,” which will open on January 16 and run through February 28. Held as part of the prestigious AlUla Arts Festival, this unique open-air art experience transforms the stunning AlUla desert landscape into a living gallery with site-specific installations from both Saudi and international artists.

The exhibition, Space Without Measure, draws inspiration from the visionary works of Lebanese-American poet Kahlil Gibran. It invites visitors to explore the boundless connection between art, landscape, and time, offering a powerful meditation on creativity and place. The exhibition features 10 newly commissioned installations, each a response to AlUla's dramatic terrain, historic routes, and deep cultural history.

A Living Art Landscape

Desert X AlUla is produced by Desert Biennial, a nonprofit organization dedicated to curating international contemporary art exhibitions in desert environments. Through free, site-responsive installations, Desert X brings together artists from around the globe, fostering cultural exchange while engaging thoughtfully with local ecologies and communities. This year’s edition promises to continue that tradition by celebrating AlUla's role as a crossroads of culture, shaped by thousands of years of human history.

 

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AlUla, located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and archaeological significance. Stretching over 22,500 square kilometers, the region blends a fertile oasis valley with striking sandstone formations. Home to the ancient Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms, AlUla boasts remarkable cultural landmarks, including Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Exploring the Theme: "Space Without Measure"

Curated by Wejdan Reda and Zoé Whitley, with artistic direction from Neville Wakefield and Raneem Farsi, Space Without Measure features works that are as varied as the landscape itself. From poetic utopias to immersive environments, each installation serves as a marker on an imaginary map, inviting visitors to reflect on the vastness of time, space, and human connection.

Wejdan Reda, one of the curators, commented, “AlUla’s landscape is a living archive of stories, traditions, and encounters that span centuries. This exhibition invites artists to engage with this landscape, creating works that both honor its rich history and open new spaces for imagination.”

Zoé Whitley added, “Through this theme, the temporary artwork installations will serve as landmarks for reflection and connection. Each piece invites visitors to explore AlUla through new perspectives, transforming their experience of its nature, light, and history.”

 

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Exhibition Details

• Project Name: Desert X AlUla 2026
• Location: AlUla, Saudi Arabia
• Curators: Wejdan Reda and Zoé Whitley
• Artistic Directors: Neville Wakefield and Raneem Farsi
• Dates: January 16 – February 28, 2026

Desert X AlUla 2026 is set to be an extraordinary fusion of contemporary art and one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Don’t miss your chance to experience Space Without Measure and explore the boundless creativity that arises when art meets nature.

Source: parametric-architecture.com