Each year, hundreds of thousands of travellers venture to the Arctic Circle in pursuit of the Northern Lights - one of our planet’s most iconic phenomena. It’s an awe-inspiring confluence of natural beauty and chemistry that is a bucket-list item for travellers, and for good reason. But as celestial phenomena like the aurora borealis continue to captivate imaginations, another trend is moving in to take its place in the spotlight – that of astrotourism and noctourism.
In an era when travel has become synonymous with crowds, overrun landmarks, and the endless pursuit of picture-perfect shots destined for social media, many are seeking something that veers more towards the rare, untouched and unique. This shift in priorities has accelerated an interest in astrotourism, taking it from a niche once reserved for astronomers and wilderness enthusiasts, to being embraced by modern travellers seeking to reconnect with the cosmos. AlUla, in north-west Saudi Arabia, is uniquely positioned to lead this movement. In late 2024, AlUla became the first location in the Middle East to be designated an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International, ranking in the top 5% of the world's darkest skies. For the travel industry in the Middle East, this designation marks a powerful differentiator in a competitive global market, and a new offering that can be curated year-round. Unlike the Northern Lights, which are seasonal and unpredictable, the stars above AlUla stand out for being reliably constant, and visible nearly every night of the year. Our low light pollution, geological beauty, and deep cultural history combine to create an experience that is both visually spectacular and rich in storytelling. Guests can trace the ancient paths of Arabic astronomy, discover how early civilisations navigated using the stars, and explore myths passed down through generations. This fusion of science, culture, and wonder opens new pathways for itineraries, appealing to both luxury and experiential travellers. Gharameel, with its towering rock formations and panoramic desert views, offers one of the most striking settings for stargazing anywhere on Earth. Nighttime visits to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, allow guests to explore the Nabataean legacy under a canopy of stars, deepening the emotional and historical impact of the site. These experiences are intimate, curated and unlike anything else in the region. Beyond stargazing, AlUla’s noctourism offering is expanding into luxury wellness, adventure, education and cultural programming. AlUla’s night-time offering includes the annual AlUla Skies Festival, hot-air balloon experiences, pop-up planetariums, stargazing tours, moonlit hikes and guided evening safaris. Visitors can also enjoy yoga under the stars during the AlUla Wellness Festival, as well as astronomy events supported by the homegrown AlUla Astronomy Club, which recently tracked the International Space Station across our skies. And the desert climate? It’s surprisingly ideal in AlUla, which is cooler and less humid than other destinations across the region. Once the sun goes down, temperatures can be relied upon to drop significantly, creating crisp, comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration, even in summer. The quiet of the desert night, paired with the grandeur of the cosmos, fosters a sense of stillness that resonates deeply with today’s luxury traveller. AlUla’s commitment to elevating astrotourism goes beyond its natural assets. As part of the AlUla Moments calendar, the destination hosts events that celebrate the night sky, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. This dedication reflects our broader goals under Saudi Vision 2030, harnessing astrotourism as a driver of long-term growth, youth education and environmental conservation. AlUla is actively leveraging partnerships with global and national institutions such as IUCN, UNESCO, DarkSky and KAUST to support these ambitions. Further amplifying our vision is AlUla’s Preferred Destination Management Company programme, which empowers travel partners to design exceptional, astronomy-themed itineraries tailored to even the most discerning travellers. What really sets AlUla apart is its ability to offer exclusivity and solitude as a counter-balance to the over-tourism that threatens the very experiences people seek. Imagine standing beneath the arching Milky Way at Gharameel, feeling as though you have the entire universe to yourself. Few places on Earth can deliver such moments of profound connection. I believe astrotourism and noctourism are more than passing trends; they are movements that reflect the times we live in, and the deep-seated human need to reconnect with nature and with ourselves. As the Middle East embraces these opportunities, AlUla stands out, offering a glimpse of the stars and a gateway to something far greater: a renewed sense of wonder and belonging. For those ready to look beyond the ordinary and into the infinite, AlUla awaits. * AlMoallim Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing – Royal Commission for AlUla