Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie and Enrique Iglesias are heading to Saudi Arabia

The three singers will be performing in Al Ula for the Winter at Tantora festival

From left: Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie and Enrique Iglesias have all been confirmed for the Winter at Tantora festival line up in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia. AP, Getty Images
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Farah Andrews
Sep 25, 2019
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The Winter at Tantora festival had teased a Lionel Richie concert later this year, but it has now been confirmed that he is heading to Saudi Arabia in February 2020. He will be joined on the Al Ula line-up by Rod Stewart, who is performing in January, and Enrique Iglesias in February.

Winter at Tantora has confirmed the three international acts on its website. Scottish singer Rod Stewart is set to perform at Al Ula between January 23 to 25, 2020; Spanish singer / songwriter, Enrique Iglesias, will be taking to the stage between February 20 to 22; and Lionel Richie will be performing in the kingdom between February 26 to 29.

All of the acts seem to be heading to the kingdom for a number of days.

They are not the only stars on the bill. Egyptian composer, pianist and conductor Omar Khairat is heading back to to Winter at Tantora once again, performing between December 26 to 28, 2019. Greek composer Yanni is also set to perform, scheduled between February 6 to 8, 2020.

There are still some spaces on the bill to be filled as the Winter at Tantora festival listings still has five "To be revealed soon" posts, in the performances and events listings.

Winter at Tantora festival

The Winter at Tantora season runs from Thursday, December 19, 2019 until Saturday, March 7, 2020, and celebrates "nature, heritage and art at Al Ula".

Al Ula, an area north of the Arabian Peninsula, is home to a number of stunning archaeological wonders. Courtesy Winter at Tantora

Al Ula, an area north of the Arabian Peninsula, is home to a number of stunning archaeological wonders. Courtesy Winter at Tantora

The archaeological heritage site of Al Ula is set to open officially to the public in October 2020, but the Winter at Tantora festival aims to give visitors a "sneak peek of this amazing destination".

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Guests will also be able to witness the Al Ula Balloon Festival from January 2 to 11, 2020 and the Fursan Horse Race on February 1, 2020.

From February 13 to 15, 2020, the traditional folklore Jameel Buthainah will be performed by dance group, Caracalla.​

It is a significant time for tourism in the kingdom, as it is expected that by the end of 2019, Saudi Arabia will be open to international tourists.

Earlier this year, Saudi hosted the Jeddah Season, a cultural festival that attracted international acts to perform in the kingdom.

Everyone from Janet Jackson and 50 Cent to Liam Payne, DJs Martin Garrix and Marshmellow and K-pop boy band Super Junior performed in Jeddah this summer.

Next month, K-pop megastars BTS are set to perform in Riyadh's King Fahd International Stadium, on Friday, October 11.

RiyadhAl UlaOmar KhairatLionel Richie
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