Saudi Arabia Pursues Star Tourism with New Dark Sky Certifications
Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism development strategy with two of its resorts, Desert Rock and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, receiving the inaugural DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resorts certifications. This new international standard recognizes hotels and resorts committed to preserving natural darkness and combating light pollution. The certification was announced on August 3, 2026. Both resorts are part of the ambitious Red Sea tourism project developed by Red Sea Global.
DarkSky International's certification goes beyond mere remote location. It requires properties to demonstrate high-quality night skies, minimal light pollution, identify sensitive natural areas and wildlife, and provide guests with opportunities to observe and understand the importance of preserving the night sky. Specific lighting requirements mandate that every light source must have a clear purpose, direct light only where needed, avoid excessive brightness, operate only when necessary, and ideally use warm tones.
Desert Rock, nestled in the Hijaz Mountains, integrates its architecture into the granite landscape, with villas partially hidden within rocks. The resort offers stargazing programs, night walks, and educational sessions on the impact of artificial light on nature, alongside an astronomical center with telescopes and lessons on "Arabian astronomy." The Luna Trail offers a nighttime desert experience illuminated solely by the moon and stars.
Nujuma, located on Red Sea islands, capitalizes on its minimal artificial light sources. Its name, derived from the Arabic word for "stars," reflects its focus on celestial observation. The resort features villas with expansive views of the night sky and employs an astronomer to guide guests. The island setting also highlights the ecological importance of limiting light pollution, which can affect marine ecosystems.
Saudi Arabia is leveraging its vast desert landscapes and remote locations, which naturally offer dark skies, to boost its tourism sector. Red Sea Global plans to extend the DarkSky principles to other properties in its portfolio, aligning with its broader vision of connecting tourism with nature, ecology, and unique experiences. This certification specifically assesses a resort's ability to maintain natural darkness, setting it apart from typical environmental certifications.
The article also notes the increasing difficulty of observing stars due to urban sprawl and infrastructure development, making remote areas more attractive for astro-tourism. It highlights Israel's Mitzpe Ramon and the Ramon Crater, a certified International Dark Sky Park since 2017, as a prime location for stargazing in the region, offering dark skies and organized astronomical events.
