Saudi Arabia Donor Trip
Travel with Desert X on an exclusive trip to Saudi Arabia for Desert X 2024 AlUla February 4–11, with stops in Riyadh, AlUla, and Jeddah. Enjoy prime access to artists’ studios, museums, galleries, and invitation-only events. This art tour is open to Leadership Circle members 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 trip brochure & pricing information
Download the Saudi Arabia trip registration form
Liaisons is Desert X’s preferred travel and concierge partner.
Riyadh, February 4–7, 2024
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.
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 and Hmoud Al Attawi.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Meals at some of the most popular restaurants such as Mamo, Roka, LPM, Suhail, Lusin and Cipriani.
OTHER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Special guided tours such as curator-led visits of the Noor projects in Riyadh.
HOTEL
While visitng Riyadh, attendees will be staying at the Fairmont Hotel or similar.
AlUla, February 7–9, 2024
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
VIP opening 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 followed by the artists’ dinner, and a VIP opening at Maraya.
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.
Jeddah, February 9–11, 2024
Jeddah, the “bride of the Red Sea”, is a major port and urban and cultural center on the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula overlooking the Red Sea. The second largest city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh, Jeddah is an ancient trading city that also acts as a vital gateway to Mecca, situated on the maritime trade route connecting the Mediterranean with India, the Arabian Peninsula and south east Asia.
MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Private guided tours of museums and cultural institutions such as the Islamic Art Museum, ATHR Gallery, Hafez Gallery and Hayy Jameel.
ARTIST STUDIO VISITS
A curated selection of studio visits of the most relevant artists in the contemporary art scene in Saudi Arabia such as Dana Awartani, Zahrah Al Ghamdi, Ahaad Al Amoudi, Nasser Al Salem and Filwa Nazer.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Meals at some of the most popular restaurants such as the Social Kitchen, Kuruu or the Llucky Lama. We will also enjoy a private dinner at Nassife House as well as a dinner at an art collector’s home.
OTHER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Private visit to Dr Sami Angawi Residence in the company of the owner and a special guided tour of Al Balad, among others.
HOTEL
In Jeddah, attendees will be staying at the Rosewood Hotel.