The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), through AlUla Manara, participated in the 8th edition of the Adaptive Optics for Extremely Large Telescopes (AO4ELT8) conference, held in Chile from October 27 to 31, 2025, with the participation of leading scientists, engineers, and research institutions from around the world to discuss the latest developments in astronomy, telescope design, and optical innovation.
This participation marked AlUla Manara's first international scientific appearance, offering an opportunity to strengthen AlUla's presence within the global astronomical community and to establish channels of communication and knowledge exchange with experts and specialized research centers, SPA reported.
The participation reflects RCU's ongoing commitment to enhancing international scientific cooperation and supporting the development of science, education, and sustainable tourism, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The AO4ELT conference is considered one of the world's leading scientific gatherings in the field of astronomical optics, bringing together top scientists and specialists from observatories and research centers worldwide to discuss the latest technologies and innovations in telescope development.
Through such international engagements, the Royal Commission for AlUla continues to cement AlUla's position as a global center that unites heritage, innovation, and sustainability, inspiring future generations in the pursuit of science and discovery, and reinforcing AlUla's growing role as an international destination for astronomy and natural sciences, a place where knowledge, culture, and exploration converge.