AlUla expands dark sky certification to include Sharaan National Park and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserves, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s commitment to science, culture, and sustainable tourism

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

AlUla has achieved a new milestone in dark-sky preservation, with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) announcing that Sharaan National Park and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve have been officially designated as Dark Sky Parks by DarkSky International (DSI), the global authority on light-pollution management.

This new certification expands AlUla’s protected night-sky territory to 6,146 km², following the 2024 accreditation of AlUla Manara site and AlGharameel Nature Reserve. Together, these four sites form one of the largest connected Dark Sky Parks in the world, with AlUla now ranking third globally by area within the Dark Sky Park category.

The expansion reflects RCU’s long-term vision to make AlUla a living environment where science, culture, and tourism coexist in balance with nature. Through the AlUla Manara Executive Programme, astronomy and dark-sky conservation have become practical tools for research, education, and community participation — extending AlUla’s ancient relationship with the sky into a modern context of discovery and sustainability.

Certification followed an extensive technical evaluation by DarkSky International, which assessed lighting systems, conservation plans, and public-awareness initiatives across both reserves. The process demonstrates RCU’s partnership-based approach to implementing global environmental standards and advancing Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability goals under Vision 2030.

Naif AlMalik, Executive Programme Director, AlUla Manara, said:

“Expanding dark-sky certification to Sharaan and Wadi Nakhlah marks a strategic step forward for the AlUla Manara Executive Programme and for RCU’s sustainable-development agenda. Protecting the purity of AlUla’s skies is both an environmental responsibility and an investment in the region’s future — enabling scientific research, fostering education and partnerships, and supporting a world-class, responsible tourism experience. This achievement confirms AlUla’s position as third globally by the same administrative area within the Dark Sky Park category.”

Ruskin Hartley, CEO of DarkSky International, said:

“Sharaan National Park and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve certification marks the second International Dark Sky Park in Al-ula and provides another important milestone for protecting the regions nighttime environment and promoting astro-tourism. We congratulate Alula on this achievement and look forward to future efforts to protect the night sky. We commend the Royal Commissions for Alula for committing time and resources to prioritize the preservation of their exceptional dark skies.”

Dan Oakley, Policy and Destination Senior Manager, DarkSky International, said:

“This is another great achievement for Al-ula. Their work to certify more places is setting a fantastic and inspirational example for others to follow within the region and elsewhere. We look forward to supporting them on their continued journey and are excited to see what Alula will do next. The Sharaan National Parl and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve are excellent additions to the growing number of certifications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Duncan Wise – Chair of the Dark Sky Places Committee, DarkSky International said:

“As a committee, we were very impressed with the quality and exceptional level of detail provided within the submission for the Sharan National Park and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve and inspired by Al-Ula’s continuing commitment towards the responsible development of astrotourism in the region. It was, therefore, a pleasure to designate this strikingly beautiful area an International Dark Sky Park. We them every success.”

AlUla’s Dark Sky Initiative now covers four nature reserves AlUla Manara, AlGharameel, Sharaan National Park, and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve forming a protected dark-sky landscape of 6,146 km² that offers exceptional clarity and visibility for stargazing, astro-tourism, and scientific observation.

This milestone contributes to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 priorities for environmental protection, scientific advancement, and the growth of responsible tourism, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a global leader in conservation and sustainable destination development.

About the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)

The Royal Commission for AlUla was established by royal decree in 2017 to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in north-west Saudi Arabia. RCU’s long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable approach to development that preserves AlUla’s natural and historic heritage while positioning it as a place to live, work, and visit. This approach reflects the goals of Vision 2030 in heritage preservation, economic diversification, and community empowerment.

About the International Dark Sky Places Program: 

Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory, voluntary program that encourages communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. The AlUla Dark Sky Parks now joins more than 250 Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more by visiting https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/.

About DarkSky International: 

The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting.

Contacts

Royal Commission for AlUla
[email protected]
https://www.rcu.gov.sa/en/

Dan Oakley
Policy and Destination Senior Manager, DarkSky International
+44 780 357 0818
[email protected]