Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Governorate launched a new initiative in collaboration with leading astrophotographers to highlight its position as a global destination for sustainable astrotourism, as part of the Royal Commission for AlUla's (RCU) efforts to showcase the governorate’s natural and environmental assets.
Implemented under the “AlUla Manara” umbrella, the initiative supports RCU's objectives to protect the night sky, document its exceptional clarity and low light pollution levels, and develop distinctive astrotourism experiences for astronomy and stargazing enthusiasts from within the Kingdom and abroad.
The initiative brought together national and Arab specialists in astrophotography, contributing to enhanced documentation quality, the exchange of technical and scientific expertise, and the development of professional practices in the field.
It focuses on producing scientific and documentary content that highlights AlUla's astronomical features, strengthening its presence on the global map of dark-sky destinations while building a local knowledge base and raising awareness of the importance of preserving the night sky as a natural and cultural resource.
Among the participants was Saudi astrophotographer Abobaker Abdullah Basudan, who documented a range of celestial scenes, taking advantage of AlUla’s clear skies and minimal light pollution.
Using advanced astronomical cameras, telescopes, and star trackers, he captured scenes including the Orion constellation and its famous nebulae, as well as meteors and faint celestial objects.
His work earned him first place nationwide in the “Abaad” competition launched by the Saudi Space Agency, reflecting the growth of national talent in space sciences and astrophotography.
The RCU's efforts have led to several sites in the governorate receiving Dark Sky designations, including AlUla Manara and AlGharameel Reserve, the first accredited Dark Sky sites in the Kingdom and the Gulf region.
Sharaan Nature and Wadi Nakhlah Nature reserves also received the designation under international standards aimed at reducing light pollution and protecting the night sky.
These achievements position AlUla as one of the world’s leading astrotourism destinations, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to diversify income sources and enhance the Kingdom’s cultural and scientific standing globally.
