The initial dark sky venue in the Middle East is positioning significant investments in astrotourism.
In the hearts of the vast Saudi Arabian desert, a 38-year-old travel guide and photographer from Bahrain discovered a newfound love for the starry night sky. After witnessing an awe-inspiring display of stars at the "Edge of the World," she found herself drawn to Saudi Arabia's undisturbed darkness and celestial beauty.
Now, her favorite stargazing spot is just a four-hour drive from her home in Bahrain, nestled in a deserted, abandoned village. The location boasts chilling darkness and a silhouette of broken houses, creating an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. The village fits perfectly into her nightly hunting ground for the Milky Way, far from the distraction of cities and towns.
Saudi Arabia's astronomical appeal did not go unnoticed. In late 2021, AlUla Manara and AlGharameel Nature Reserves were named the country's first-ever Dark Sky Parks by DarkSky International. The non-profit organization, dedicated to reducing light pollution, recognized the reserves' commitment to preserving darkness and natural beauty. This designation places Saudi Arabia among the elite 21 Dark Sky Places worldwide, joining the ranks of the U.S., New Zealand, and Germany.
AlUla's night sky has always left visitors spellbound. To protect this natural treasure and foster stargazing activities, the AlUla Manara Observatory, a scientific research and tourism initiative, promotes careful lighting design. Lights at the observatory have shade covers that direct the light downwards, reducing light pollution and ensuring that visitors can continue enjoying the night sky's enchanting display for years to come.
Marveling at Celestial Wonders
Astrotourism, which involves sustainable travel aimed at stargazing and space exploration, has become a highly lucrative and appealing niche. In the United States, this passion attracts visitors who spend billions annually on lodging, food, and equipment. The Middle East and other regions have also seen a surge in nocturnal tourism, especially around celestial events like solar eclipses.
DarkSky International categorizes areas conducive to stargazing into five categories based on minimal light pollution and dark sky conservation policies. These spots prove to be the ideal spots for viewing the Milky Way. Saudi Arabia's AlUla is no exception, offering various astrotourism activities, from guided stargazing excursions to workshops and educational programs.
Saudi Arabia's connection with the stars extends far back into history. The Nabataeans and Bedouins, ancient nomadic tribes, used night skies for both navigation and divine significance. Sky observations aided in aligning with celestial events that held cultural meanings. Venus was associated with Al-Uzza, a powerful goddess, while the Sun was connected to Dushara, a revered deity.
The preservation and study of sky heritage is essential for understanding how civilizations developed. It also offers locals and visitors an opportunity to relive the age-old heritage and stories woven around the night sky.
Conscious Design for Dark Skies
With the AlUla Manara and AlGharameel Nature Reserves marking just a beginning, Saudi Arabia is poised on a grand ambition—making its Red Sea Destination, approximately the size of Belgium, the Middle East's largest designated Dark Sky Reserve.
This ambitious plan involves collaboration with lighting specialists to integrate eco-friendly designs that minimize light pollution. Red Sea Global prioritizes protecting natural darkness, implementing solutions like shade covers for lights, smart control systems, and warm lighting colors. The initiative reflects not only a massive effort to preserve the night sky but also effort to cater to the growing interest in astrotourism.
Saudi Arabia's astrotourism intentions are also fueled by Islamic Astronomy traditions. During Hajj—the annual Islamic pilgrimage—visitors learn about celestial objects used for navigation to Mecca, and time-based rituals. Visitors can also explore moon phases and Hijri calendaring, integral to the Islamic lunar calendar.
Despite the challenges posed by increased tourism, the preservation of the night sky is crucial for the planet's well-being. Excessive light pollution disturbs wildlife behavior and ecosystems, negatively affecting bird migrations, sea turtle hatching, and nocturnal predator activities. Sustainable initiatives, like capping tourist numbers at one million, aim to mitigate the impacts of human activity.
In a nation with one of the lowest population densities (15 people per square kilometer or 5.8 per square mile), progressive dark sky lighting practices take on greater prominence in Saudi Arabia. Visitors like Sara Sami continue to be captivated by the captivating sky displays, which are easily accessible in the desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia.
- Sara Sami, the Bahraini travel guide, frequently journeys to Saudi Arabia's deserted village for stargazing, seeking the paradox of tranquility amidst the broken house silhouettes.
- As part of Saudi Arabia's dark sky preservation efforts, AlUla Manara Observatory employs conscious design, shielding lights with covers and directing them downwards, preserving the natural enchantment of the night sky for stargazers like Sami.
- Inspired by the rich stargazing heritage of nomadic tribes like the Nabataeans and Bedouins, Saudi Arabia aims to become the Middle East's largest Dark Sky Reserve, ensuring celestial wonders remain accessible for individuals like Sami, who found a paradoxical love for stargazing in the heart of the desert.
