Saudi Arabia: AlUla teams up with astrophotographers to boost its global astrotourism position

 

AlUla launches new project to profile its image as global hub for astrotourism

AlUla Governorate has launched a new initiative in collaboration with leading astrophotographers to strengthen its position as a global hub for sustainable astrotourism. The move forms part of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) efforts to highlight the governorate’s unique natural and environmental assets.

Implemented under the AlUla Manara umbrella, the initiative supports RCU’s goals of protecting the night sky, documenting its exceptional clarity and low levels of light pollution, and developing distinctive astrotourism experiences for astronomy and stargazing enthusiasts from within the Kingdom and around the world.

 

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The program brings together Saudi and Arab astrophotography specialists, enhancing the quality of astronomical documentation while encouraging the exchange of technical and scientific expertise. It also focuses on producing scientific and documentary content that showcases AlUla’s astronomical features, strengthening its standing on the global map of dark-sky destinations. At the same time, the initiative aims to build local knowledge and raise awareness of the night sky as a valuable natural and cultural resource that must be preserved.

Among the contributors is Saudi astrophotographer Abobaker Abdullah Basudan, who captured a range of celestial scenes by taking advantage of AlUla’s clear skies and minimal light pollution. Using advanced astronomical cameras, telescopes, and star-tracking equipment, he documented sights such as the Orion constellation and its well-known nebulae, as well as meteors and faint deep-sky objects. His work earned first place nationwide in the “Abaad” competition launched by the Saudi Space Agency, reflecting the growing strength of national talent in space sciences and astrophotography.

 

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RCU’s wider efforts have resulted in several sites across the governorate receiving Dark Sky designations. These include AlUla Manara and AlGharameel Reserve, the first locations in the Kingdom and the Gulf region to receive such accreditation. Sharaan Nature Reserve and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve have also been designated under international standards aimed at reducing light pollution and safeguarding the night sky.

Together, these achievements position AlUla as one of the world’s leading astrotourism destinations, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to diversify income sources and strengthen the Kingdom’s cultural and scientific presence on the global stage.

Source: One Arabia