AlUla Earns Recognition as Global Leader in Dark Sky Tourism with Two New Reserves

Published on December 25, 2025

Two more nature reserves in the historic AlUla region have been designated as Dark Sky Places, which is an important accomplishment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This development solidifies AlUla’s increasingly prominent position in the world as a top destination for astronomical tourism and night sky preservation. Sharaan National Park and Wadi Nakhlah reserves have been officially recognized by DarkSky International, adding to the area’s already remarkable record of maintaining its clear night skies. These reserves are part of a global network of more than 250 protected areas dedicated to reducing light pollution and preserving the beauty of the universe.

A Growing Legacy of Night Sky Protection in AlUla

This latest recognition enhances AlUla’s position as a global leader in dark sky preservation. The region has already made history, with AlUla Manara and Al-Gharameel Nature Reserve becoming the first areas in the Kingdom and the Gulf region to earn Dark Sky Park status in 2024. These advancements reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to environmental protection, sustainable tourism, and the fostering of world-class stargazing experiences.

DarkSky International, an organization that works to reduce light pollution worldwide, recently praised AlUla’s efforts. The reserves, which collectively span an area of 6,146 square kilometres, showcase the extensive environmental preservation efforts undertaken to protect the region’s natural heritage. These protected areas are strategically located in northwest Arabia, close to the ancient oasis city of AlUla in Madinah province. This geographical isolation from urban light sources makes the area one of the best spots in the world for stargazing.

The Geographical and Geological Wonders of AlUla

AlUla’s natural beauty goes beyond its celestial wonders. The region is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, labyrinthine canyons, tranquil basins, and striking volcanic formations, creating a visually stunning environment for both daytime exploration and night-sky observation. The unique geological diversity of the area converges with cultural heritage and thriving biodiversity, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the wonders of nature in one of the most visually arresting parts of the world.

These features, combined with AlUla’s ideal atmospheric conditions, make the region a perfect destination for those interested in stargazing and astronomy education. The area’s natural isolation from urban centres significantly contributes to its lack of light pollution, a key factor in making AlUla a world-class destination for astronomical experiences. As part of its ongoing development, AlUla continues to promote immersive dark-sky experiences for visitors, including guided stargazing tours, educational activities, and exclusive astronomy events.

Strengthening AlUla’s Position in Global Tourism

AlUla’s continued commitment to preserving its night skies aligns with the Kingdom’s broader goals for the future of tourism. The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has played a pivotal role in fostering the region’s reputation as a global tourism destination, positioning it as a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. The inclusion of Sharaan National Park and Wadi Nakhlah into the growing list of protected areas underscores AlUla’s dedication to preserving the environment while also creating opportunities for eco-tourism, sustainable development, and the flourishing of scientific research.

This dark sky accreditation serves as a key milestone in the development of AlUla’s tourism infrastructure. As one of the world’s foremost destinations for protected night skies, AlUla is now ranked third globally in the Dark Sky Park category. This ranking further solidifies the region’s status as a top destination for visitors seeking to explore the cosmos from a unique and awe-inspiring location.

AlUla’s Commitment to Dark Sky Education and Stargazing

Stargazing has become an essential part of the region’s tourism offering, attracting visitors from all over the world who are eager to experience the night skies in one of the least light-polluted places on Earth. AlUla’s commitment to dark sky education has led to the creation of various stargazing programmes, educational initiatives, and collaborations with international astronomical organizations. These initiatives are helping to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the night sky, while also encouraging a deeper understanding of the science behind stargazing and astronomy.

The newly recognized reserves also play an important role in AlUla’s broader environmental goals. By protecting these vast areas from light pollution, Saudi Arabia is not only preserving a crucial natural resource but also ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. DarkSky International’s involvement in the accreditation process has helped raise global awareness of the significance of these efforts and has bolstered AlUla’s reputation as a leader in the fight against light pollution.

AlUla as a Sustainable Tourism Hub

The increasing focus on sustainable tourism in AlUla is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and create new opportunities for cultural and environmental tourism. The region’s commitment to maintaining its natural beauty while promoting tourism as an economic driver is in line with global trends in eco-tourism and responsible travel.

AlUla’s dark sky initiatives complement the region’s broader efforts to develop tourism that is both environmentally and socially responsible. By offering a sustainable, immersive tourism experience that highlights the region’s natural and cultural heritage, AlUla is setting a global example for how tourism can contribute to the protection of the environment while also offering unique and enriching experiences for visitors.

A Starry Future for AlUla

AlUla is quickly emerging as one of the most sought-after locations for people who are passionate about the stars thanks to its expanding network of protected dark sky reserves. The area’s breathtaking natural scenery and dedication to protecting the night sky provide tourists with an experience that is simply unmatched. AlUla’s efforts to preserve its dark skies are a ray of hope for other travel destinations around the world as the world struggles with the effects of light pollution.

AlUla maintains its standing as one of the world’s most thrilling and environmentally friendly travel destinations while also strengthening its position as a global leader in dark sky tourism.