AlUla Shines as World's Third-largest Dark Sky Park: From Ramadan Stargazing Traditions to DarkSky Certification

For generations, AlUla's clear skies have played a meaningful role in marking the start of Ramadan, when locals would look to the horizon to sight the new moon and confirm the Holy Month. Today, that same clarity underpins AlUla's evolution into a globally recognised astrotourism destination, now certified as the world's third-largest Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International.

Photo credits: AlUla

Following the newly awarded Dark Sky Park designations for Sharaan National Park and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve by DarkSky International (DSI), AlUla's certified dark-sky area has expanded to 6,146 km². Together with the previously accredited AlUla Manara site and Gharameel Nature Reserve, this creates an extensive connected landscape for night-sky discovery.

This recognition is underpinned by AlUla's recently approved Astrotourism Policy, which sets strict lighting zones, curfews and compliance standards across the destination. Independent measurements taken as part of the certification process place AlUla's night skies in the top 5% globally for natural darkness and sky quality, a level of clarity increasingly rare in the modern world.

This achievement echoes AlUla's legacy as a natural observatory, particularly on the cusp of Ramadan. Long before modern certification, celestial observation formed an essential part of AlUla's cultural heritage. The community's designated 'Moon Sighter' would fill a copper vessel with water and climb to an elevated vantage point.

Location was critical – the site required a clear western horizon, free from cosmic dust, urban pollution or natural obstruction. Local oral accounts suggest locations may have included AlMadhbah Fort, east of AlUla, and Harrat 'Uwayrid, west of AlUla.

Here the Moon Sighter would observe the reflections of the sun and moon's movement on the water, before confirming it with a palm frond formed into a circle where the crescent reflected. A telegram was sent to the court in Riyadh, contributing to the official statement declaring the start of Ramadan.

Majid AlZhoufi, AlUla Moon Sighter, said, “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. You have no choice but to indulge in its beauty – observing it, contemplating it, and immersing in the Arab heritage of stories, poems and legends written across the skies. Muslims have long looked to the sun for prayer times, and the moon marks new months and the arrival of Ramadan. AlUla's renown as an astronomical beacon was and will remain an extension of our ancient heritage.”

Today, that tradition of celestial observation has evolved from necessity to experience. This legacy takes on new dimensions in the modern day, with AlUla offering a diverse roster of celestial-related experiences aligned with the global shift toward nature-based, low-impact and slow travel. Travellers are increasingly seeking destinations where darkness is not lost to urban glow but preserved as part of the landscape itself.

At a time when light pollution has increased by nearly 50% globally over the past two decades, truly dark skies are becoming increasingly rare. AlUla's tourism development has been intentionally guided by environmental thresholds and lighting controls that protect the very darkness visitors come to experience, ensuring that growth does not compromise the clarity of its night skies.

Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said: “AlUla's night sky is unlike anything most travellers have experienced before, so being recognised 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. As Ramadan approaches and families gather to reconnect, we welcome everyone to enjoy the peace and spirituality of AlUla during the Holy Month.”

For most visitors to AlUla during Ramadan and beyond, looking up at the sky turns into a transformative experience. On clear nights and across multiple viewing points in the destination, the Milky Way can be seen stretching in a bright ribbon across the sky, alongside sharply defined constellations and shooting stars visible with the naked eye.

Across its desert and oasis landscapes, AlUla offers guided stargazing in protected zones, specialist astrophotography sessions, wellness experiences under the stars, and curated celestial event viewings, including annual meteor showers and planetary alignments.

Set against dramatic sandstone canyons, ancient rock formations and millennia-old heritage sites, these experiences take place in carefully preserved locations guided by experts and aligned with dark-sky protection standards.

Dan Oakley, Policy and Destination Senior Manager at DarkSky International, said: “AlUla demonstrates how destinations can balance history and conservation with access. The scale of its protected night-sky area, coupled with a strong commitment to visitor programming and robust lighting policy, makes AlUla a standout example globally. We look forward to supporting AlUla as they deepen protection while growing sustainable astro-tourism that benefits communities and enhances the visitor experience.”

AlUla's certified darkness, protected terrain primed for outdoor photography and exploration and curated night-time programming offer a rare combination of exceptional celestial visibility and responsible access, creating an elevated tourism experience that sets the destination apart.

Together, this history and milestone align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 priorities for environmental stewardship, scientific advancement and diversified responsible tourism, reinforcing AlUla's reputation as a global leader in conservation-led destination development.