Saudi Arabia’s AlUla has announced plans for AlUla Manara, a major astronomy-focused attraction that is set to become one of the world’s largest observatories, broadening the destination’s appeal beyond its established heritage and adventure tourism offerings.
The project will feature a four-metre primary telescope alongside two additional two-metre telescopes, placing the facility among the largest observatories globally. Plans also include a visitor centre, observation decks, research facilities, exhibitions and interactive experiences aimed at making astronomy more accessible to the public.
Located more than 70 kilometres north of AlUla, between the Harrat Uwayrid Reserve and Gharameel, the site was chosen for its exceptionally dark skies and low levels of light pollution. To further protect night-sky visibility, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) intends to introduce outdoor lighting regulations across the destination, supporting year-round stargazing activities.
Named after the Arabic word for “lighthouse”, AlUla Manara is being developed in partnership with the Saudi Space Agency, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and the US-based SETI Institute. The observatory’s design draws inspiration from AlUla’s historical connection to celestial navigation and will incorporate locally sourced sandstone to blend with the surrounding landscape.
AlUla Manara
The announcement comes amid growing interest in astro-tourism. According to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions report, 62% of travellers expressed interest in visiting dark-sky destinations and participating in noctourism experiences such as stargazing.
AlUla Manara will join a growing portfolio of attractions in AlUla, which is home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as luxury hospitality properties including Banyan Tree AlUla, Our Habitas AlUla and Dar Tantora The House Hotel.
Elsewhere in the kingdom, tourism developments continue to expand with the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City, the first Six Flags theme park outside North America, and Aquarabia, the country’s largest water park. Additional projects under development include the Dragon Ball theme park and Mercedes-AMG World of Performance at Qiddiya City.
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