Royal Commission for AlUla, SETI Institute Collaborate to Develop AlUla Manara Observatory

The Royal Commission for AlUla logo
The Royal Commission for AlUla logo
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Royal Commission for AlUla, SETI Institute Collaborate to Develop AlUla Manara Observatory

The Royal Commission for AlUla logo
The Royal Commission for AlUla logo

The Royal Commission for AlUla has signed a cooperation agreement with SETI Institute to support the development of the AlUla Manara Observatory, which will act as a leading global center for innovation and excellence in space and astronomy sciences.

The agreement seeks to boost AlUla's status as a leading world destination for star and astronomy exploration tourism.

The collaboration will make AlUla Manara a hub for scientific advancement through joint research projects and initiatives for the growing astro-tourism sector in AlUla, and will provide educational opportunities to develop skills needed to work at the observatory, including supporting research and development programs with the latest systems and equipment. These advancements will enable scientists to conduct comprehensive space surveys and analyze data to identify new stars, planets, and comets.

Supervisor of the AlUla Manara program Eng. Nayef Al-Malik said that the collaboration strengthens AlUla’s role as a vital center for the exchange of science and knowledge.

He said that SETI Institute is one of the world’s leading organizations in research and scientific exploration, equipped with decades of technical expertise and knowledge in space and astronomy.

Al-Malik pointed out that the institute will support the development of data analysis systems for a range of telescopes planned for the observatory.

The observatory's educational centers will enhance local capabilities in space sciences using virtual reality. Furthermore, the awareness center will offer visitors to the observatory the chance to get familiarized with astronomy, in line with the commission’s vision to establish AlUla as a knowledge-sharing global center for research, innovation.

SETI Institute CEO Bill Diamond stressed that the institute’s mission is to share the results of its research with the world, noting that the collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla opens new horizons for advancing space sciences, education, and technology development.

"We envision the AlUla Manara Observatory as a beacon of discovery, equipped with advanced and modern telescopes to detect new planets and stars, pushing astronomical research to further frontiers,” Senior Planetary Astronomer and Director of Citizen Science at the institute Frank Marchis said.

He also said that their initiative in astronomical sciences will invite the community and tourists to “stargaze, explore AlUla’s rich scientific heritage, foster international collaboration, and revive humanity's deep connection with the universe.”

The AlUla Manara Observatory is set to open in several phases over the coming years, and carry out continuous research, collaboration, and educational initiatives.

AlUla Manara Observatory, currently under development, is located near the Gharameel area, in AlUla, which is one of the top 10% global locations with clear, dark skies.



Saudi National Center for Wildlife Releases 134 Endangered Species at NEOM Nature Reserve

The release into NEOM Nature Reserve reinforces Saudi Arabia's efforts to protect endangered species and restore their roles in the natural environment. (SPA)
The release into NEOM Nature Reserve reinforces Saudi Arabia's efforts to protect endangered species and restore their roles in the natural environment. (SPA)
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Saudi National Center for Wildlife Releases 134 Endangered Species at NEOM Nature Reserve

The release into NEOM Nature Reserve reinforces Saudi Arabia's efforts to protect endangered species and restore their roles in the natural environment. (SPA)
The release into NEOM Nature Reserve reinforces Saudi Arabia's efforts to protect endangered species and restore their roles in the natural environment. (SPA)

The Saudi National Center for Wildlife (NCW), in cooperation with NEOM, released 134 endangered species into NEOM Nature Reserve as part of programs for breeding and rewilding native species in their natural habitats.

NEOM Nature Reserve has received 100 Arabian oryxes, 20 Arabian gazelles, eight Nubian ibexes, and six Idmi gazelles to enhance previous releases, enrich biodiversity, and restore ecological systems within the Kingdom's natural environments.

NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Ali Qurban explained that this move is part of a series of releases conducted by NCW in various nature reserves. He emphasized that the release into NEOM Nature Reserve reflects the strong constructive cooperation and integration with partners in the wildlife sector.

Qurban stated that the center is committed to breeding and reintroducing endangered species into their natural habitats based on the highest global standards and practices.

He underscored the ongoing efforts to protect ecosystems, restore biodiversity, and enhance environmental balance to meet national objectives.

The NCW currently operates specialized facilities that rank among the leading global centers for breeding and reintroducing endangered species according to the highest standards, he added.

This release into NEOM Nature Reserve reinforces Saudi Arabia's efforts to protect endangered species and restore their roles in the natural environment, boosting the appeal of nature reserves and national parks to promote eco-tourism, with a focus on building a sustainable future for coming generations.