Saudi Arabia is taking on some of the biggest music festivals around the world with Azimuth, a festival in Al-Ula which is expected to attract over 600,000 attendees this weekend.

In its fourth year, the three-day music and cultural event is likely to attract the same number of people that attend Belgium’s Tomorrowland, which has had 19 years to develop into one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world. Azimuth’s attendance is also only 45,000 less than the annual attendance of Coachella, which has had 25 years to build its reputation and success.

Azimuth’s fast-growing appeal is likely due to several factors including its timing which coincides with Saudi National Day, a public holiday marking the Kingdom’s unification, as well as more people gravitating towards musical festivals held in unique settings, such as the backdrop of a Middle Eastern desert.

The festival also differs itself from other music events with its mix of Eastern and Western influences by securing international artists such as James Blake, The Blaze and Jamie Jones as well as regional acts from Agha to Cosmicat and Baloo.

This year, the festival’s theme of ‘Until The Sun Comes Up’ promises to keep attendees on their feet for 11 hours, whether it be dancing to their favourite musicians/DJs at one of two stages or engaging with the variety of culinary and cultural offerings.

Learn more about the festival, here, and if you’re keen, passes are still available from SAR 792.