In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia’s AlUla region has been designated as the Middle East’s first ‘Dark Sky’ destination, paving the way for astrotourism in the region. The certification, awarded by DarkSky International, recognizes the area’s unpolluted night skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and astronomical observations.
The Middle East’s First ‘Dark Sky’ Destination is Betting Big on Astrotourism
In Saudi Arabia‘s golden desert dunes, travelers can marvel at stunning rock formations and awe-inspiring sunsets. However, it’s the Kingdom’s unpolluted, clear night skies that are drawing astro-enthusiasts from around the world.
A New Era for Astrotourism in the Middle East
The AlUla Manara and AlGharameel Nature Reserves have been named as the first-ever Dark Sky Parks in the Middle East by DarkSky International, a non-profit that advocates against light pollution. This certification means that the skies in these reserves are free of light pollution, providing better visibility to the night sky.
A Dark Sky Park is a designated area that has exceptional starry skies and minimal light pollution.
These parks are certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to promote astronomy, education, and conservation of natural resources.
There are over 200 Dark Sky Parks worldwide, including national parks, state parks, and protected areas.
These parks offer stargazing opportunities, astronomical events, and educational programs for visitors.
Experience the Magic of the Night Sky
The Milky Way is often clearly visible in Dark Sky Parks, and AlUla is no exception. The reserve’s unique geological features provide unusual and unique vantage points for stargazing. Visitors can take guided tours or embark on their own star-gazing excursions to experience the region’s rich ‘starlore‘ – cultural mythology around the night sky.
A Commitment to Preserving the Night Sky
Part of the 2,334 square kilometer reserve’s commitment to preserving the night sky involves careful lighting design. The observatory is currently drawing up an outdoor lighting guide for new and existing developments within AlUla County, ensuring that lights have shades that direct the light down rather than up.
A Growing Niche in Sustainable Travel
Astrotourism has been a growing niche in sustainable travel for several years, with huge economic rewards. In the US, astronomically minded visitors are bringing in billions of dollars, and other nations like India and Australia have seen an uptick in nocturnal tourists in recent years.
Astrotourism is a growing trend where individuals travel to witness celestial events, visit astronomical sites, or experience space-related activities.
Popular destinations include the Atacama Desert in Chile for stargazing and the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii for viewing the cosmos.
Many tour operators now offer astrotourism packages, including guided tours of observatories and telescopes.
In 2020, over 1 million people visited the Atacama Desert specifically for astrotourism purposes.
A New Destination on the Horizon
Saudi Arabia‘s Red Sea Destination is set to become the Middle East’s largest designated Dark Sky Reserve. The project’s developers, Red Sea Global, are working with lighting specialists to implement innovative designs that minimize light pollution and preserve natural darkness.
