From ancient star lore to cutting-edge astronomy, AlUla invites you to experience the cosmos like never before.

Beneath the vast desert sky of AlUla, the final glow of sunset gives way to a universe revealed in breath-taking clarity. Stars ignite above sandstone cliffs and whisper of stories told for millennia. This is a remarkable celestial theatre - one that earned global recognition in late 2024, when AlUla became the first location in the Middle East to be designated an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. With Gharameel and AlUla Manara ranked among the top five percent of the world’s darkest skies, the region has emerged as a leader in astrotourism - offering stargazing in Saudi Arabia that is as reliable as it is breathtaking.
Unlike the fleeting Northern Lights or seasonal meteor showers, AlUla’s night sky is a constant, cosmic companion. Visitors are invited to trace the routes of ancient Arab astronomers, learn how early civilisations navigated by the constellations, and hear myths and legends passed down through generations. This fusion of science, culture, and storytelling transforms every night under the stars into an experience rich with meaning.

A CULTURAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE COSMOS

The surreal rock formations of Gharameel rise like sentinels from the sand, creating a dramatic frame for the night sky. Here, curated stargazing sessions use powerful telescopes and expert guidance to reveal Saturn’s rings, distant nebulae, and the glowing arc of the Milky Way. It’s a place where geology and astronomy meet in perfect harmony; appreciation of the dark skies can be led by an English and Arabic-speaking guide, alongside an atmospheric dinner in the desert around a campfire. To look up here is to journey through time as well as space. The same stars that guided ancient caravans along the Incense Road still blaze over the desert, carrying stories passed down for centuries.

Nighttime in AlUla often intertwines with its cultural treasures. At Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, moonlight spills across Nabataean tombs carved into rose-red rock, transforming them into glowing monuments beneath a star-filled canopy. It is a scene where history and the cosmos meet, and where the desert’s silence amplifies the wonder above. Soon, visitors will be able to explore the universe from a new vantage point with the opening of AlUla Manara - a world-class space discovery centre set seamlessly into the landscape. Inside, immersive astronomy exhibits, Mars rover simulations, and guided telescope viewings will inspire guests of all ages. Luxury stargazing lodges will offer private observation decks, merging comfort with the thrill of the cosmos.
The joy of the night sky comes into full focus during the annual AlUla Skies Festival, a celebration of celestial exploration. From hot-air balloon flights over sandstone valleys to moonlit hikes, pop-up planetariums, astronomy workshops, and meteor-shower gatherings, the festival transforms the desert into a living observatory. Astrotourism in AlUla is more than a visual feast - it’s a sensory and emotional connection to the desert’s rhythm. You might wake at dawn to explore the shaded alleyways of Old Town, or simply reflect on the constellations you traced the night before while enjoying breakfast in a boutique desert resort.

AlUla’s climate makes these experiences possible year-round. Summer evenings are crisp and dry, perfect for outdoor observation, while winter’s longer nights bring unmatched clarity. Protecting these skies is central to AlUla’s vision for sustainable tourism, ensuring future generations can inherit the same unspoiled views. As the first blush of dawn paints the cliffs gold, you may find yourself already longing for nightfall. In AlUla, the sky is a living companion, storyteller, and an endless invitation to look up.