RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb 22: A new trend in sustainable travel, known as astrotourism, has gained momentum in Saudi Arabia, where the nation's desert landscapes and clear night skies are becoming prime destinations for stargazing. One of the country’s standout spots, known as the “Edge of the World,” located in the vast desert, offers an unparalleled view of thousands of stars in the sky. Visitors traveling from nearby Bahrain, like one local photographer, have been captivated by the undisturbed darkness and the chance to witness the Milky Way in its full glory.

In November of the previous year, Saudi Arabia made significant strides in this emerging field by earning its first Dark Sky Parks designation from DarkSky International, a non-profit organization advocating for light pollution reduction. The AlUla Manara and AlGharameel Nature Reserves were recognized as the first certified Dark Sky Parks in the Middle East, joining a global list that includes the United States, New Zealand, and Germany.

AlUla, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its ancient oasis city and sprawling desert landscapes. The designation was made possible through efforts at AlUla’s observatory, which is committed to preserving the area's natural night sky. Part of this work includes introducing lighting strategies, such as shading fixtures to ensure the light is directed downwards to minimize light pollution.

The growing interest in astrotourism has been reflected in the rise of activities such as guided stargazing excursions, which not only introduce visitors to celestial events but also highlight the region’s rich "starlore." The stars have played an essential role in the cultural and spiritual lives of ancient nomadic tribes such as the Nabataeans and Bedouins, who used them for navigation and to mark sacred events. These traditions are still significant in the region today, with stargazing being incorporated into modern tourism experiences.

Astrotourism has proven to be a lucrative segment of sustainable travel. Countries like the United States, India, and Australia have seen growing interest, particularly around special celestial events such as solar eclipses. In Saudi Arabia, the new focus on the night sky is expected to boost tourism further, with activities designed to connect visitors with both the natural environment and the region's cultural heritage.

Saudi Arabia’s plans extend beyond the reserves in AlUla. The Red Sea Destination, a massive project under development, aims to become the Middle East’s largest Dark Sky Reserve. The initiative includes working with lighting specialists to ensure that the development aligns with environmental and light pollution standards. Developers have already achieved Dark Sky compliance for the first resort, with plans to limit visitor numbers to a million in order to prevent overtourism and minimize environmental impacts.

While the rise of astrotourism could lead to more light pollution as the tourism sector grows, the country is implementing measures to maintain the balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. These efforts include sustainable practices for controlling light pollution, such as the use of downward-facing lights and the integration of renewable energy sources into the resorts.

The preservation of natural darkness benefits not only tourism but also wildlife and ecosystems. Light pollution disrupts the behavior of nocturnal species, including bird migrations and sea turtle hatching, making the protection of night skies an important environmental consideration.

For those who seek an authentic and unspoiled stargazing experience, Saudi Arabia remains a prime destination. Despite its efforts to develop designated tourist areas, the country’s vast desert expanses continue to offer visitors the opportunity to experience a pristine, uninterrupted night sky. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history makes the Kingdom an ideal setting for astrotourism, where nature and the cosmos converge.