From 24 October to 1 November 2025, AlUla will transform into a global stage for health, fitness, and mindful living, as it welcomes the return of its much-anticipated Wellness Festival.
This year marks a milestone moment for the destination, with the debut of its first-ever duathlon, a multisport race set against the spectacularly rugged desert, oasis, and mountain backdrops that make AlUla extraordinary.
Taking place at Winter Park on Friday 24 October, the AlUla Duathlon will feature Olympic, Sprint, and Kids’ categories. Competitors will run and cycle across dramatic landscapes, cheered on by crowds at a buzzing race village filled with food stalls, refreshments, and live DJ sets.
Indeed, the Duathlon is a bold step in AlUla’s evolution into a premier destination for sports, adventure, and wellness tourism. As health-conscious travellers increasingly seek experiences that balance fitness, culture, and nature, AlUla is positioning itself at the forefront of this growing global movement.
Wellness tourism on the rise
The Middle East has seen a remarkable rise in health and wellness tourism, with travellers increasingly seeking experiences that combine fitness, cultural immersion, and restorative escape. From yoga retreats in the desert to world-class endurance races, the region is fast becoming a magnet for those looking to nourish body and soul.
AlUla, with its natural beauty, luxury hospitality, and cultural depth, is perfectly positioned to lead this movement. Here, wellness is more than the daily exercise or meditation. It is about immersing oneself in a landscape that inspires balance, renewal, and connection.
Highlights of the AlUla Wellness Festival 2025
This year’s programme introduces brand-new mass participation events, inviting athletes and enthusiasts alike to run, cycle, and swim across AlUla’s spectacular desert valleys, oasis trails, and mountain paths.
- Debut of the AlUla Duathlon (24 October, Winter Park): Offering Olympic, Sprint, and Kids’ distances, this exhilarating race challenges participants with runs and rides across the striking desert terrain. A lively race village with food stalls, refreshments, and DJ sets ensures it’s a day of sport and celebration for all.
- Competitive challenges: The line-up also features the AlUla Half Marathon, Ashar Valley Triathlon, a Cycling Ride with the Pros of Team Jayco AlUla, and a thrilling 24-Hour Endurance Race, each testing stamina and rewarding athletes with breathtaking views at every turn.
- Mindful experiences: Balance comes in the form of the AlUla Yoga Programme, with 78 sessions across serene venues including Banyan Tree, Our Habitas AlUla, Shaden Resort, and the Five Senses Sanctuary. For something truly iconic, Les Mills fitness classes will unfold at landmarks like Elephant Rock and the Maraya Rooftop, with 22 sessions led by elite international trainers.
The AlUla Wellness Festival is as much about community and self-discovery as it is about competition. From sunrise yoga in the desert to adrenaline-fuelled endurance races, the programme is designed for every level of participant, whether you are an elite athlete, a mindful traveller, or someone simply looking to recharge in nature.
The experience extends beyond sport, with AlUla’s hospitality, rich heritage, and warm community spirit. And as wellness travel continues to outpace traditional tourism, destinations are making the necessary changes and enhancements to attract travellers seeking healthy, sustainable, and meaningful experiences.
