AlUla Sites Secure First Dark Sky Accreditation in Saudi Arabia, Arabian Gulf
The Royal Commission for AlUla has secured official accreditation for AlUla Manara and Gharameel Nature Reserve, designating them as the first certified dark sky sites in both Saudi Arabia and the wider Arabian Gulf, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The designation, awarded by DarkSky International, stands as a testament to the sites’ pivotal efforts to safeguard pristine night skies and curb light pollution.
Both sites feature extraordinary visual clarity and distinctive geological formations, offering unique opportunities for stargazing and unobstructed views of the Milky Way.

Currently, astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers are viewing these sites as perfect destinations for rare moments of contemplation under clear skies, far from the hustle and complexity of the urban life.
Through this accreditation, AlUla’s sites secure a special place in a prestigious list of world-renowned natural landmarks, including the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Joshua Tree National Park in California, the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the UK, as well as the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in Australia.
This milestone also reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a captivating hub for astrotourism.
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