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An orange sun has just slid behind an imposing dune in the AlUla desert of Saudi Arabia. The tops of the surrounding rock formations still bear an amber glow. The geological landscape almost feels designed, but its only architects are wind, sand and time.
On the ground, a crowd floods the air with conversations in foreign tongues. Traditional snacks and fragrant sweet drinks are served – the Middle Eastern country is apparently big on mocktails. People have congregated on this winter night for the Wadi AlFann Immersive Experience.
After drinks and snacks, the audience of around 150 walk in procession down a sand path lit with lamps. They are treated to a live performance of vocal Arabian music, known as mawwal, which loudly reverberates between the rock walls of the valley. The singers are scattered across the landscape, seen in the distance and illuminated by spotlight.
