- Acclaimed Iraqi singer and composer Al Sahir will perform on 22 November
- Globally celebrated Iraqi musician and oud player Shamma, and Georgian concert pianist Buniatishvili will take to the stage on 29 November
- The concerts take place in Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra
- Held as part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, Hegra Candlelit Classics is a reflection of AlUla’s commitment to platforming creativity and celebrating culture
AlUla, Saudi Arabia – -: AlUla’s music repertoire will rise to new heights next month, as Arab music icon Kadim Al Sahir is set to headline Hegra Candlelit Classics on 22 November, while acclaimed performers Naseer Shamma and Khatia Buniatishvili are headliners for 29 November.
The two concerts are being introduced as part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, promising two unforgettable nights of music under the stars at the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, an ancient Nabataean city.
Dubbed ‘The Caesar’ of Arab music, veteran star Kadim Al Sahir is considered one of the most accomplished artists in the Middle East and is known for classical and pop hits such as ‘Eid Al Ashak’, ‘Furshat Ramil El Baar, ‘Ha Habibi’ and more.
Naseer Shamma, the world-renowned Iraqi musician and oud player, currently in his fourth term as a UNESCO Artist for Peace, is acclaimed for his signature style that seamlessly fuses ancient traditions with contemporary compositions. With a career spanning over three decades, he has garnered more than 70 prestigious international awards and honours.
Following Shamma’s performance, Georgian concert pianist Khatia Buniatishvili will take to the stage, bringing her profound musicality and technical prowess to AlUla audiences. Buniatishvili has captivated audiences worldwide with her passionate, glamorous performances and has established herself as one of the most accomplished pianists of her generation.
The Hegra Candlelit Classics is a striking reflection of AlUla’s commitment to platforming creativity in all its facets – from modern to classical elements.
As key events within the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, running from the 7th to 30th November, the concerts also reinforce AlUla’s growing reputation as a go-to destination for music and culture enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled experience.
Organised by AlUla Moments, the critically acclaimed Ancient Kingdoms Festival returns with its biggest and boldest line-up yet, offering a jam-packed programme of daytime discoveries, adventure-filled explorations and theatrical after dark journeys inspired by the stories of AlUla’s ancient past, and delivered by some of the world’s best immersive experience creators.
Participating heritage sites include the Nabataean city of Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site; Wadi AlNaam, a spectacular valley of iconic rock art; and the mudbrick city of AlUla Old Town, which was recognised as one of the world’s best tourism villages in 2022 by UNWTO. Maraya also joins the festival venue list for the first time, hosting a collection of ancient artefacts that have travelled to the region for the first time from the world famous National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
To book your tickets for Hegra Candlelit Classics and other Ancient Kingdoms events, or for more information, please visit experiencealula.com
