Saudi Arabia Announces the Largest Dark Sky Park in the MENA Region. Spanning 13,416 km², the new reserve marks a major milestone for regional conservation and astro-tourism.
Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority (ITBA) proudly announces the official designation of AlNufud Dark Sky Park, the largest Dark Sky Park in the Middle East and North Africa. This landmark achievement highlights ITBA’s growing leadership in environmental protection, sustainable tourism, and the preservation of the Kingdom’s natural nighttime environments.
Dan Oakley from DarkSky said, “This is a great step to promote the protection of dark skies and astronomy in the area. AlNufud Dark Sky Park will help grow the number of certifications in Saudi Arabia and encourage tourists and residents alike. DarkSky hopes that the certification will lead to bigger and greater opportunities within the wider ITBA area.”
Set within AlNufud AlKabir Desert, one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic and breathtaking desert landscapes, the newly designated Dark Sky Park boasts some of the clearest and darkest night skies in the region. AlNufud AlKabir, rich in cultural heritage and steeped in deep Bedouin traditions, has long captured the imagination of travelers. It remains one of the Gulf Region’s most beloved destinations for camping, desert exploration, and stargazing. Its vast dunes, serene silence, and brilliant night skies combine to create an unparalleled setting for both adventure and astronomical discovery.
The AlNufud Desert is well known for its resilient flora and fauna—such as the Oryx, Sand Cat, Spiny-tailed Lizard, and Jerboa—which are uniquely adapted to the harsh yet strikingly beautiful red-sand landscape. Preserving the natural darkness of this setting is essential, as artificial light disrupts the delicate balance these species rely on. By minimizing light pollution, the area’s nocturnal rhythms, migratory patterns, and overall ecological integrity can be better protected.
The designation comes after extensive environmental assessments, specialized light-pollution studies, and the implementation of a Lighting Management Plan aligned with DarkSky International standards. Through collaboration with local communities, researchers, and tourism partners, ITBA is developing environmental awareness and ensuring the park stands as a regional model for responsible outdoor lighting and night sky conservation.
Adding a cultural dimension to this milestone, Hamad AlRemali, one of the reserve’s rangers from the local community, shared a poem celebrating the beauty of the night sky:
“Polaris, Canopus, and the Pleiades stars and the Milky Way…
Guidance for the traveler and solace for wandering souls
And whoever contemplates God’s creation, his mind marvels a thousand times
At how he adorned the cheek of the (Dark Sky) with light…”
Reflecting the same appreciation for the Reserve’s natural heritage, Mohammed AlShaalan, ITBA CEO, emphasized the importance of protecting the night skies, saying:
“ITBA truly believes that reducing light pollution is essential for maintaining the Reserve’s ecological integrity and enhancing its natural beauty. As such, ITBA is fully dedicated to protecting the designated Dark Sky zone”.
ITBA recently opened its Dark Sky Park Visitor Center, equipped with fully compliant lighting installations and designed to introduce visitors to the wonders of the night sky. The center will host a series of astronomy and stargazing events throughout the winter season, inviting the public to experience AlNufud’s skies.
Source: https://darksky.org/news/saudi-arabia-announces-new-dark-sky-park-in-the-mena-region/
