Saudi Arabia’s AlUla certified as the world’s third-largest dark sky park

 

Saudi Arabia: AlUla's certified dark area expands to 6,146 square km 

For generations, AlUla’s pristine skies have played a vital role in marking the start of Ramadan, with locals watching the horizon to sight the new moon and announce the Holy Month. Today, this same celestial clarity has helped transform AlUla into a globally recognized hub for astrotourism, now certified as the world’s third-largest Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International (DSI).

With the recent addition of Sharaan National Park and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve to the Dark Sky Park designation, AlUla’s certified dark-sky area has expanded to 6,146 km². This, combined with the existing AlUla Manara site and Gharameel Nature Reserve, creates a vast, interconnected region perfect for stargazing and night-sky exploration.

This recognition is also a result of AlUla’s newly approved Astrotourism Policy, which implements strict lighting zones, curfews, and compliance standards to safeguard the area’s natural darkness. Independent assessments conducted during the certification process placed AlUla’s night skies in the top 5% globally for sky quality and natural darkness—attributes that are becoming rarer due to modern light pollution.

 

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AlUla’s history as a celestial observatory stretches back long before modern certification. For centuries, the region’s residents relied on the stars to track time, especially during Ramadan. The “Moon Sighter” would fill a copper vessel with water, climb to an elevated vantage point, and watch for the crescent moon's reflection to confirm the start of the month. Locations like AlMadhbah Fort and Harrat ‘Uwayrid are believed to have been used for these vital observations.

As Majid AlZhoufi, AlUla’s Moon Sighter, explained, “When you raise your head to the night sky and see it studded with stars, know for certain that you are in AlUla. This dreamy destination’s sky is distinguished by its unparalleled clarity... observing it, contemplating it, and immersing in the Arab heritage of stories, poems, and legends written across the skies.”

Today, this ancient tradition of stargazing has evolved into a popular travel experience. AlUla is now a prime destination for low-impact, nature-based tourism, with an increasing number of travelers seeking to visit places where the night sky remains unmarred by artificial lights. As global light pollution has risen by nearly 50% in the last two decades, truly dark skies like those in AlUla have become increasingly rare.

AlUla’s growth as a tourism destination has been carefully planned to respect these environmental thresholds. Strict lighting controls are in place to ensure that the region’s remarkable night skies remain protected from the encroachment of urban light pollution.

 

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Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said, “AlUla’s night sky is unlike anything most travelers have experienced before, so being recognized as the world’s third-largest Dark Sky Park is a promise to visitors that this sense of wonder will be protected for years to come.”

For many visitors, stargazing in AlUla becomes a transformative experience. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches brightly across the sky, with constellations and shooting stars visible to the naked eye. Visitors can enjoy guided stargazing sessions, astrophotography workshops, wellness experiences under the stars, and curated celestial events like annual meteor showers and planetary alignments—all set against AlUla’s dramatic sandstone canyons, ancient rock formations, and historical sites.

Dan Oakley, Policy and Destination Senior Manager at DarkSky International, praised AlUla for its commitment to both preserving its dark skies and offering visitors access to them. “AlUla demonstrates how destinations can balance history and conservation with access,” Oakley said. “We look forward to supporting AlUla as they deepen protection while growing sustainable astrotourism.”

This recognition and AlUla’s continuing efforts to protect its natural landscapes align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for environmental stewardship, scientific progress, and responsible tourism. As a result, AlUla continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in conservation-driven tourism development.

Source: Breaking Travel News