UPDATE: The AlUla Contemporary Art Museum was officially named on January 31, 2026, just ahead of the much-anticipated launch of the Arduna exhibition, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape. This announcement was made during the fifth edition of the AlUla Arts Festival, which runs from February 1 to April 15, 2026.
Located in the stunning oasis of AlUla, approximately 1,100 km from Riyadh, this new institution aims to bridge the area’s rich heritage with contemporary art. Backed by Arts AlUla, the museum will serve as a dynamic platform for artistic dialogue and innovation, shaping the future of cultural engagement in the region.
Hamad Alhomiedan, Director of Arts & Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla, emphasized the museum’s role in connecting local heritage with global artistic trends. “We are building a platform that elevates Saudi and regional voices into meaningful dialogue with the world,” he stated. The museum is designed by renowned architect Lina Ghotmeh as part of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, enhancing the unique landscape of the AlUla Oasis.
The Arduna exhibition, meaning “our land” in Arabic, showcases over 80 works from artists across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond. Co-curated with the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the exhibition explores humanity’s evolving relationship with nature, featuring iconic pieces from artists such as Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky alongside contemporary voices like Manal AlDowayan and Ayman Zedani.
This event is not just about art; it signifies AlUla’s emergence as a cultural crossroads with a commitment to international artistic exchange. As visitors flock to this vibrant oasis, the AlUla Contemporary Art Museum is poised to become a cornerstone of cultural dialogue in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
What’s Next: As the exhibition unfolds, expect further announcements regarding upcoming installations and community engagement programs. The AlUla Contemporary Art Museum is set to redefine the cultural landscape, promising to shape artistic discourse for generations to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative initiative that blends history, art, and innovation in one of the world’s most remarkable settings.
