Astrotourism is picking up speed around the world as increasingly more nations prioritize dark sky protection. The United States National Park Service estimates that stargazing tourists bring billions of dollars into the economy every year in accommodations, meals, and equipment rentals. In West Asia, Saudi Arabia is marketing itself as a top destination for stargazers, taking advantage of its extensive desert expanses and low light pollution to welcome travelers in pursuit of awe-inspiring celestial encounters.
Saudi Arabia’s Push for Astrotourism
With its unobstructed desert skies, Saudi Arabia is developing astrotourism as a central priority. AlUla Manara and AlGharameel Nature Reserves have already earned recognition for their untouched nightscapes, and an even more ambitious endeavor is underway. The Red Sea Destination, under development, will be the Middle East’s largest Dark Sky Reserve. Spanning an area the size of Belgium, this project will offer unprecedented stargazing while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Saving the Night Sky
The developer of the project, Red Sea Global, is working with lighting designers to maintain strictly correct light pollution controls. “Those are locations that are going to be pretty isolated from big communities, but it’s a location where you’ll see the Milky Way very well,” Dan Oakley, chair of the Dark Sky Places Committee for DarkSky International, explains.
The development incorporates innovative lighting solutions, including shielding light sources, pointing fixtures downwards, and employing warm-colored lighting. “Maintaining natural darkness is important for both humans and the planet,” asserts Andrew Bates, Red Sea Global’s associate director of lighting. The destination’s first resort, Six Senses Southern Dunes, has already attained Dark Sky compliance.
Mixing Astronomy with Culture
Saudi Arabia is also weaving its rich Islamic astronomical heritage into astrotourism experiences. “We emphasized, during Hajj season, how celestial bodies were utilized for navigation to Mecca and the timing of rituals,” states Ahmed AlThaher, astronomy lead for Akun, Red Sea Global’s adventure activity company. Other experiences will center on moon phases and the Hijri calendar, combining science with cultural heritage.
Managing Growth Sustainably
Although astrotourism presents huge economic potential, it also has its challenges. More visitors mean more light pollution, with artificial light from cities causing a “sky glow” that reaches 80% of the global population, DarkSky International reports.
To meet this, Red Sea Global intends to limit visitor traffic to one million per year while putting conservation policies in place to safeguard wildlife and ecosystems. The low population density of Saudi Arabia—only 15 people per square kilometer—provides it with a singular advantage when it comes to keeping its dark skies intact.
A Stargazer’s Paradise
To astronomy fans such as Sara Sami, a 38-year-old Bahraini photographer, Saudi Arabia is still one of the best destinations. “The majority of the regions in Saudi, you would be able to find the night sky there. All their lovely wonders they have, they are located out in the desert, so you get the best of both worlds: lovely nature and an excellent night sky,” she says.
With large-scale Dark Sky initiatives and a commitment to sustainability, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a leader in astrotourism, offering visitors an extraordinary celestial adventure.
