- AZIMUTH returned with its highly anticipated third edition and did not disappoint – providing a spectacle that left fans ecstatic 
- More than 30 local, regional, and international artists delivered exhilarating live performances over two days on Thursday and Friday

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 23 September 2023: The 2023/24 AlUla Moments calendar has officially commenced with a sensational start as AZIMUTH, the renowned music and entertainment extravaganza, kicked off the Saudi National Day celebrations with an epic two-day program of exhilarating live performances, welcoming thousands of fans.
Returning for its third edition and amplified by MDLBEAST, AZIMUTH, the flagship event of AlUla Moments, once again captivated audiences, living up to its promise of an extraordinary blend of east-meets-west inspiration and melodies, in the iconic desert canyon that hosted the contemporary art exhibition of Desert X AlUla 2022.

In a spirited tribute to Saudi National Day, the majestic landscapes of AlUla were adorned with the vibrant hues of the Saudi flag through captivating projections. This artistic spectacle seamlessly blended culture, music, and patriotism, with the Saudi national anthem echoing through the air, evoking a sense of unity and pride. 

A testament to the evolution of AZIMUTH, international artists performed at the event this year doubled than last year’s lineup – with the number of local and regional performers also rising in a clear illustration of AlUla Moments’ commitment to empowering the Saudi creative scene.
“We couldn’t be prouder with what’s unfolded over the last two days; what an extraordinary event,” said Rami Al-Moallim, Vice President of Destination Marketing and Management at the Royal Commission for AlUla. 
“Building upon its previous triumphs, there’s no doubt that AZIMUTH 2023 will leave a lasting impact that contributes to entertainment industry growth here in AlUla and across Saudi Arabia. Without doubt, the industry’s position has never been stronger and the future is beyond exciting – with so many possibilities and so much potential.

“Welcoming fans to AlUla for events like this is always special, but even more so when it coincides with the Saudi National Day weekend celebrations. AZIMUTH is the perfect platform for cultures to blend and what better way for us to showcase all that Saudi has to offer than during this weekend.
“The passion for live music, the crowd reactions to each artist and their contributions in making AZIMUTH 2023 so special has set the scene of our best ever season. We really cannot wait for them to experience what we have in store over the coming months.”

AZIMUTH Airwaves, an ultra-exclusive celebration, got the party started ahead of the live performances as a select group of passengers were whisked away to the ancient desert city by a private jet with live entertainment onboard by renowned regional DJ Misha Saied setting the mood ahead of the two-day music event.
AZIMUTH boasted an impressive lineup of over 30 diverse artists, setting an electrifying ambiance. Day 1 featured renowned acts like UK indie band The Kooks, South Korean DJ Peggy Gou, Australian singer RY X, Egyptian rock band Cairokee, electronic duo Thievery Corporation, and Saudi-born DJ Nooriyah. The next day saw performances by international stars Jorja Smith, Dope Lemon, Chet Faker, Tinariwen, and Saint Levant, among others, alongside regional talents like Vinyl Mode and Husa & Zeyada.

Speaking to Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation, he said: 'If I were to describe AlUla, I'd say it's an incredibly fascinating, beautiful, and unforgettable place. I highly recommend a visit, as it's truly magical and filled with creativity. It's amazing to see people dreaming and doing something very different here in the desert, defying what we had originally thought of what Saudi Arabia was going to be like.'

Hot on the heels of AZIMUTH, next up on the AlUla Moments calendar is legendary 15-time GRAMMY Awards winner Bruno Mars, who headlines the first of many live concerts scheduled throughout the season. The celebrated singer, songwriter, producer, and musician is performing at the same location where AZIMUTH took place next Friday, September 29.