Dark Sky Sites in Saudi Arabia
Dark Sky Sites in Saudi Arabia, are locations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that have been designated as free from light pollution by the International Dark Sky Association "Dark-Sky International", concerned with reducing light pollution in urban and rural areas. The first Dark Sky sites in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf were approved in 2024: AlUla Manara and the Gharameel Reserve.
AlUla Manara and the Gharameel Reserve
AlUla Manara Observatory is a new pathway in astronomy and space sciences, located between Harrat Uwayrid and the Gharameel Reserve. It is a global destination for scientific discovery,while the Gharameel Reserve is one of the natural sites in Saudi Arabia. It is located in AlUla Governorate and is characterised by distinctive rocky terrain and a sky free from light pollution, making it an ideal environment for observing stars and enjoying clear night-sky views. Its inclusion among the Dark Sky sites reflects the reserve's commitment to preserving nature and reducing light pollution, which contributes to protecting the environment and providing distinctive experiences for visitors, and enhances eco- and astro-tourism in the governorate.
Accreditation of the Saudi sites by the International Dark-Sky Association
Preserving the dark sky is one of the objectives of the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate to safeguard and celebrate AlUla's cultural and natural treasures, ensure environmental sustainability, and support stargazing experiences in AlUla that can be seen with the naked eye and through various technologies, as well as to establish sustainable standards for preserving wildlife and the clarity of AlUla's skies. The sites were accredited by the International Dark-Sky Association after rounds of visits by the organization's representative team. The accreditation followed an assessment of the Royal Commission’s plans and commitment to protecting AlUla’s natural and cultural landscape, as well as a review of the extent to which the Dark Sky sites provide scientific, educational, cultural, and natural value and contribute to enhancing AlUla as a tourist destination.