Winter at Tantora

Winter at Tantora is an annual festival organized by the Royal Commission for al-Ula in the Medina Province, located in the western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The festival is named after al-Tantora, a sundial used to determine the start of the four seasons. The first edition of the festival was launched on December 19, 2018, and covered thirteen archaeological and cultural sites.

Winter at Tantoura Festival holds deep historical and cultural significance as al-Ula, located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia, is rich with numerous archaeological sites. It has been a meeting point of civilizations throughout history. The first edition of the festival was launched on December 19, 2018. During the festival, the Maraya Hall was inaugurated, showcasing a modern architectural masterpiece designed to serve as the festival's main center, and hosted eight international artists over a period of seven weeks.

Al-Ula Governorate is internationally recognized as a significant archaeological site. It is classified as a premier tourist destination due to its charming nature, characterized by its diverse vegetation, and the agricultural practices of its people. Eight thousand years ago, the inhabitants of al-Ula left an ancient legacy engraved on the mountain facades throughout the region, transforming it into an open-air museum that reflects various historical periods and eras.

The events of the first edition of the Winter at Tantoura Festival covered thirteen historical and cultural sites. These included the ancient town within Musa bin Nusayr Castle, which dates back two millennia. The festival also featured children's shows, folk performances, traditional music, visual arts exhibitions, artistic sessions, international restaurants, and events at Jabal al-Fil, a rock formation depicting the history of the place.

Winter at Tantoura Festival has gained international recognition by hosting artistic stars from around the world and attracting icons of arts, music, culture, and history. The festival's backdrop was the al-Ula desert, where attendees learned about the history of Hijr and Dadan dating back to three thousand years. The Desert X al-Ula was the first contemporary art exhibition to feature artworks harmonizing with the surrounding sculptures.

The festival added a global dimension to this historical region and contributed to its recognition as it continued its events in its second edition, Winter at Tantoura 2019. The festival lasted from December 19, 2019, until March 7, 2020, under the theme "A Journey Through Time in a Timeless Historic Site." It featured the participation of renowned international artists who performed in various artistic styles, including Enrique Iglesias and Lionel Richie, in the Maraya Hall. Omar Khairat and Yanni participated for the second time.

In the second edition of the festival, the International Caracalla Dance Theatre group presented its theatrical performance, which was inspired by the glories of al-Ula and its history, entitled Jamil Buthaina. The festival also included a concert featuring Beethoven's music, as well as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup (Multaqa al-Fursan), which is the second-largest endurance race in the world. Additionally, there was the Hot Air Balloon Festival, classic airplane flights, and classic car experiences.

As part of the expansion and enrichment of the festival, the Desert Polo Tournament was launched in that edition. It made history in Saudi Arabia as the first tournament held under the sponsorship of the Saudi Polo Federation. The tournament took place from January 16th to 18th, 2020.

The success of the events and the broad public interest have contributed to the development and preparation of facilities in al-Ula Governorate to accommodate visitors from around the world. The Royal Commission for al-Ula has completed infrastructure development works for al-Ula Airport, increasing its capacity fourfold to accommodate 400,000 passengers annually, up from 100,000.

The third edition of the Winter at Tantoura Festival commenced on December 21, 2021, and lasted for six weeks. It included various events encompassing Arab and international music, culture, equestrian activities, and culinary arts. Winter at Tantoura Festival in the Old Town lasted for only five days and focused on showcasing traditions and culture in the al-Ula Oasis.

The festival included light and sound shows, as well as various interactive events and roaming performances in the Old Town of al-Ula from December 21st to 25th. These activities reflected the ancient heritage that extends over thousands of years, aiming to highlight the historical and cultural depth that bears witness to the development of al-Ula community.

The third edition witnessed a candlelight classical music concert at Hijr site, creating an atmosphere adorned with hundreds of candles illuminating the Nabatean-carved ruins dating back over two thousand years. The festival program also included the second edition of the Richard Mille al-Ula Desert Polo Tournament, organized by the Saudi Polo Federation and the Royal Commission for al-Ula. The tournament was held at al-Fursan Village Stadium, featuring twelve players from four teams: Saudi Arabia, al-Ula, Richard Mille, and Bentley.

Winter at Tantora Festival was held in its fourth edition from December 22, 2022, to January 21, 2023. It featured a variety of cultural and historical experiences, including cultural performances and interactive activities that showcased the rich history of al-Ula. The festival also included a live orchestra performance, a visual show projected on the walls of the Old Town and the Old Town Castle, and the Flavours of al-Ula event, which hosted a group of renowned international chefs.