Desert X | Saudi Arabia & Qatar 2026

Saudi Arabia & Qatar

Travel with Desert X on an extraordinary journey to Saudi Arabia and Qatar for Desert X AlUla 2026 January 29 – February 5, 2026. Over several days, guests will enjoy privileged access to the region’s most compelling art and culture, beginning in Riyadh with private visits to leading museums, galleries, and artist studios. This art tour is open to Leadership Circle donors only. See below for some trip highlights. Download the brochure for more details and information about pricing.

If you are interested in joining us on this trip, please contact Al Partida.

Download the Saudi Arabia and Qatar trip brochure & pricing information

Download the Saudi Arabia and Qatar trip registration form

Liaisons is Desert X’s preferred travel and concierge partner.

Riyadh, January 29 – February 1, 2026

View of the city of Riyadh.

Sultan Bin Fahad, Dream Traveled, Installation detail at the Diriyah Biennale 2021.

Marwah AlMugait, This Sea is Mine performance view. Courtesy Canvas and Diriyah Biennale Foundation.

E Pluribus Unum – A Modern Fossil at Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale. Photo courtesy of Ithra.

Wolfgang Laib’s installation in the 2022 Diriyah Biennale. Photo courtesy of Diriyah Biennale Foundation.

Ahmed Mater in his studio, 2010. Photo courtesy of Art Dubai.

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The word Riyadh is derived from the Arabic word rawdah which means ‘gardens’ or ‘meadows’. This is in reference to the immense fertility and lush green gardens of the area. The city of Riyadh city is not only the administrative and political capital of the country but is also referred to as the cultural capital of Saudi Arabia due to the various cultural centers in the city like the King Abdulaziz Historical Center (National Museum).

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Private guided tours of museums and cultural institutions such as the Al Masmak Palace Museum, ATHR Gallery, Lakum Art Space, Naila Art Gallery and Misk Art.

DIRIYAH CONTEMPORARY ART BIENNALE
Diriyah, just outside Riyadh, is Saudi Arabia’s historic cultural heart and the site of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale. This international art event, curated by Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed, will bring together visionary artists from Saudi Arabia and around the world. We will be attending the VIP opening of the biennale and will have a curator-led tour of the Biennale.

ARTIST STUDIO VISITS
A curated selection of studio visits of the most relevant artists in the contemporary art scene in Saudi Arabia such as Maha Malluh, Ahmed Mater , Muhannad Shono, Rashed AlShashi, Filwa Nazer, and Hmoud Al Attawi.

CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Meals at some of the most popular restaurants such as Mamo, Roka, LPM, Suhail, Lusin and Cipriani.

HOTEL
While visitng Riyadh, attendees will be staying at the Fairmont Hotel.

AlUla, February 1–3, 2026

UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. Photo courtesy The Telegraph.

Lita Albuquerque, NAJMA (She Placed One Thousand Suns Over the Transparent Overlays of Space), Desert X AlUla 2020.

Habitas AlUla hotel. Photo courtesy of Habitas.

Jim Denevan, Angle of Repose, Desert X AlUla 2022.

Maraya art center & concert hall, AlUla.

Alicia Keys at Desert X AlUla 2022.

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From Hegra’s well-preserved tombs to the historic alleys of the Old Town, AlUla has become a hallmark of heritage preservation in the Middle East. Beyond history, AlUla is being transformed into a thriving cultural hub where art, music, and creativity converge against the backdrop of its natural beauty. This unique fusion of artistic expression, heritage, and nature makes AlUla an inspiring destination for travelers and art enthusiasts alike.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Special visit of Desert X and its site-specific installations by acclaimed international artists. Private visits and special guided tours of Wadi Al Fann, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra.

CULINARY EXPERIENCES
During our visit to AlUla, we will enjoy meals at some of the most popular restaurants such as Okto, Maraya Social, Pink Camel, Annabel’s Restaurant, Asfar, and Somewhere.

HOTEL
Attendees will be staying at Habitas Hotel in AlUla.

Doha, February 3–5, 2026

Richard Serra, East-West/West-East.

The Ned Doha.

National Museum of Qatar.

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Doha stands as a rapidly emerging cultural capital in the Middle East, hosting the inaugural Art Basel Qatar in 2026. This dynamic city offers a compelling blend of world-class museums, vibrant artist communities, exceptional culinary offerings, and landmark cultural experiences that make it an essential destination on the contemporary art circuit.

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Private guided tours of internationally acclaimed institutions such as the Museum of Islamic Art, and the National Museum of Qatar, both renowned for their stunning architecture and extensive collections. We will also visit Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, which houses one of the world’s most significant collections of modern and contemporary art from the Arab world.

ART BASEL QATAR
The fair’s first edition presents a new format, focusing on a curated approach where around 50 galleries show solo or thematic projects. Egyptian artist Wael Shawky serves as Artistic Director, shaping the experience around a strong curatorial vision that highlights art from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. The tour includes VIP acces to the fair.

CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Doha’s cuisine reflects its cosmopolitan spirit and deep regional roots, we will have meals at some of the most celebrated dining insitutions such as Morimoto Doha, Yasmine Palace, Gaia Doha and Saffron Doha.

OTHER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Unique half-day 4x4 desert excursion to Brouq Nature Reserve to experience Richard Serra’s monumental East-West/West-East sculpture, a striking installation of four massive steel plates extending across over a kilometer of desert landscape.

HOTEL
Attendees will be staying at The Ned.