AlNufud Dark Sky Park is Saudi Arabia’s new after-dark attraction for stargazers.
The newly designated AlNufud Dark Sky Park spans 13,416 square kilometres in Hail Province, making it the largest Dark Sky Park in the Middle East and North Africa.
Saudi Arabia is now home to AlNufud Dark Sky Park, a vast new protected area recognised by DarkSky International as an International Dark Sky Park. Set within the AlNufud AlKabir Desert in Hail Province, the designation covers 13,416 square kilometres, making it the largest Dark Sky Park in the Middle East and North Africa.
What is a Dark Sky Park?
DarkSky’s International Dark Sky Places programme is a voluntary certification that recognises parks and protected areas committed to protecting naturally dark skies through responsible lighting policies and public education. These parks follow strict international lighting standards set by DarkSky International, an organisation dedicated to protecting the night sky from light pollution.
Artificial light doesn’t just block our view of the stars; it also disrupts wildlife, harms human health, wastes energy, and even contributes to climate change. Dark Sky Parks help preserve natural nighttime environments while giving people a chance to reconnect with the universe above them.
What can you do at AlNufud Dark Sky Park?
The park boasts some of the clearest and darkest skies in the region. This is a place where the Milky Way shines brightly, constellations are easy to spot, and stars feel closer than ever. The desert itself is rich in culture and history, deeply connected to Bedouin traditions and cherished by travellers for camping, exploration, and reflection.
There’s plenty for you to do at AlNufud Dark Sky Park. You can go stargazing, join astronomy events hosted during the winter season, camp overnight to experience the desert after dark, and visit the newly opened Dark Sky Park Visitor Centre, which features compliant lighting and educational displays about astronomy and light pollution. The park is open for nighttime visits through organised tours or independent camping, and independent campers can easily obtain a permit online, making it accessible for adventurers and sky lovers alike.
AlNufud AlKabir is also home to desert wildlife like the Arabian Oryx, Sand Cat, Spiny-tailed Lizard, Jerboa, and predators such as the Arabian Wolf and Ruppell’s Fox. These species rely on natural darkness to hunt, migrate, and survive.
Why this matters
AlNufud Dark Sky Park joins more than 250 DarkSky-certified places worldwide, putting Saudi Arabia on the global map for night-sky conservation. It isn’t just a place to watch pretty stars. By committing to DarkSky standards, the Kingdom is protecting both its wildlife and its natural heritage, while also opening the door to astro-tourism.
So if you’re a seasoned astronomer, looking for something new to do in Saudi Arabia or just someone who loves lying under the stars, this new natural attraction is one for your bucket list.
GO: Visit https://darksky.org for more information.