October 30, 2025: On Friday, 21st November, Hegra will host an extraordinary evening featuring two artists who share a profound gift for emotional storytelling through music.
This November, AlUla welcomes back Hegra Candlelit Classics, an experience that blends candlelight, history, and world-class music in a way found nowhere else. On 20th and 21st November 2025, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, will be transformed by the soft glow of thousands of candles, inviting guests to gather among ancient Nabataean tombs for an evening where music, heritage, and atmosphere intertwine.
On Friday, 21st November, Hegra will host an extraordinary evening featuring two artists who share a profound gift for emotional storytelling through music.
Jon Batiste is one of the most celebrated musicians of his generation, his career is a testament to artistry without boundaries. With seven Grammy Awards and an Academy Award, he has continuously reshaped modern music—whether through his Oscar-winning score for Disney/Pixar’s Soul, his history-making album We Are, or his more recent projects such as Beethoven Blues and Big Money, which highlight his fearless ability to move fluidly between genres. His performances are known not only for their virtuosity but also for their humanity—uplifting audiences and reminding them of the shared joy and intimacy that only live music can bring.
Marilyne Naaman, the rising Lebanese star, will perform on the same night. Naaman is celebrated for her soulful sound that bridges Arabic traditions with contemporary pop. She first gained international attention on The Voice France in 2023 and has since established herself as both a recording artist and an actress of rare depth. Alongside acclaimed roles in television dramas, she has released songs that resonate deeply with listeners, from Nachez and 5 Minutes to Ana Min, the viral theme song of Bil Dam. Her music carries both emotional weight and a luminous quality, making her an inspired choice for this once-in-a-lifetime performance.
Together, under a canopy of stars and candlelight, Batiste and Naaman will create a sensory-rich journey that connects cultures, eras, and emotions—set against the extraordinary backdrop of Hegra’s sandstone tombs.
Hegra Candlelit Classics forms part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival (running from 20th November – 6th December 2025), which brings to life the legacies of the Dadanite, Lihyanite, and Nabataean civilisations. Beyond the concerts, visitors can expect immersive archaeological tours, cultural performances, and rare opportunities to engage with experiences that reveal the stories of this remarkable region.