The Kingdom’s renewed focus on astronomy and cultural tourism is helping preserve centuries-old knowledge while creating modern opportunities for exploration.

Within living memory, desert travelers and sailors depended on star patterns to navigate Arabia’s wide landscapes.

Today, that heritage is being revived as stargazing becomes central to the Kingdom’s cultural revival and its ambition to offer world-class tourism experiences rooted in science, nature, and history.

The region once inspired great astronomical innovation during the Golden Age of Islam, when scholars mapped the heavens and named many stars still recognized worldwide.

Arabic-origin terms such as azimuth, nadir, Aldebaran, and Altair reflect this enduring legacy and illustrate the deep historical bond between Arabia and the night sky.

In northwestern Saudi Arabia, this ancient fascination is being brought back to life through the development of AlUla Manara, an upcoming landmark designed to blend celestial heritage with cutting-edge science.

Planned near the archaeological wonders of Hegra, it will provide a gateway where visitors can explore astronomical research, interactive exhibits, high-tech telescopes, and atmospheric stargazing zones.

The facility is envisioned as a space where the mysteries of the universe unfold in a setting shaped by desert silence and sweeping rock formations.

With immersive workshops and sky observation platforms, AlUla Manara aims to transform stargazing into a cultural and educational journey.

AlUla’s natural conditions already make it a coveted destination for astrotourism, with its surrounding reserves recently designated as an International Dark Sky Park.

This recognition highlights the region’s exceptional clarity, environmental protection measures, and long-term conservation efforts to safeguard naturally dark skies.

Covering more than 2,300 sq. km, these skies allow travelers to witness stars as vividly as ancient caravans once did, free from modern light pollution.

Visitors experience panoramas where the Milky Way stretches across the horizon and constellations glow with remarkable intensity.

The expansion of astrotourism has also strengthened appreciation for land-based heritage, from Nabataean archaeological sites to towering sandstone formations.

These landscapes create a dual experience where Earth’s history and cosmic views complement each other in harmonious balance.

Tourists are already arriving for guided night outings where Bedouin storytelling blends with astronomy lessons under the desert sky.

These experiences celebrate cultural traditions while introducing newcomers to celestial navigation and desert folklore.

Saudi astronomer Nawal Al-Anazi, a pioneer in the field, has expressed excitement about the merging of astronomy and tourism.

She notes that the Kingdom’s deserts offer some of the clearest skies in the world, ideal for both telescopic observation and naked-eye stargazing.

Her passion for the stars began in childhood desert trips, where learning constellations was part of family outings.

Today she encourages new stargazers to travel at least 100 kilometers away from cities to escape light pollution and fully enjoy the celestial view.

Winter months from October to March provide the best stargazing conditions due to cooler temperatures and clear air.

Mobile apps such as Stellarium or Skyview help visitors identify stars, planets, and passing satellites as they explore the heavens.

As AlUla Manara develops, excitement continues to grow around Saudi Arabia’s role as a rising destination for cultural astronomy.

The Kingdom’s combination of natural beauty, historical heritage, and scientific innovation is creating a new global hub for sky enthusiasts.

Developed in collaboration with Saudi Aramco and the King Salman Center for Disability Research, the facility represents Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to improving travel experiences for all.

Located within the airport’s departure terminal, the sensory room provides a calming and carefully controlled environment that helps reduce sensory overload for travelers.

The space is equipped with adjustable lighting, sound, color, and tactile elements, all tailored to meet individual needs. It serves both children and adults, ensuring that travelers of all ages can find comfort and stability before boarding their flights.

The facility is operated by a multidisciplinary team trained in behavioral and sensory support, reflecting a thoughtful approach that goes beyond infrastructure to prioritize emotional and psychological well-being.

The initiative builds on the success of a similar sensory room launched at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport in 2021, which has received wide praise from families and accessibility advocates.

At the inauguration ceremony, Prince Sultan bin Salman — a long-time advocate for disability inclusion — praised the project as a symbol of compassion and collaboration. “This sensory room represents a model of partnership that reflects Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian values,” he said. “The Kingdom continues to invest in programs that empower individuals and ensure they enjoy equal access to public spaces.”

Prince Sultan also announced that a similar facility will soon open at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, signaling a nationwide push toward creating more inclusive travel infrastructure.

Parents who attended the event expressed heartfelt gratitude. Rana Al-Qahtani, mother of a child with autism, described the initiative as life-changing. “For the first time, I can travel with my son without fearing sensory overload,” she said. “This space gives families like ours peace of mind.”

Another parent, Faisal Al-Mutairi, said the new room “sends a message that our children belong everywhere.” He added: “Seeing this at an international airport makes us feel truly seen and respected.”

The initiative was equally praised by corporate partners. Nabil Al-Jama’, executive vice president for Human Resources and Corporate Services at Saudi Aramco, said: “Aramco is proud to support initiatives that foster inclusion and social harmony. These sensory rooms remind us that accessibility and empathy must guide development.”

From the airport’s perspective, Dammam Airports Co. CEO Mohammed Al-Hassani emphasized that inclusivity lies at the heart of the company’s mission.

“The sensory room reflects our long-term commitment to ensuring comfort, dignity, and equality in travel,” he said. “This initiative aligns with Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program, which seeks to enhance accessibility in public facilities across the Kingdom.”

Kholoud Al-Shaya, adviser to Prince Sultan and director of the project, explained that the decision to expand the initiative came after overwhelmingly positive feedback from families using the Riyadh facility.

“The emotional and behavioral improvements we witnessed over the past four years prove that inclusive design is not optional — it’s essential,” she said.

Beyond the sensory room, Dammam Airports Co. has announced SR500 million ($133 million) worth of new development contracts and three strategic agreements with civil-society organizations to promote sustainability, recycling, and the training and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

These agreements further reinforce the company’s role in advancing the broader Vision 2030 goals of community engagement, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

The opening of the sensory room at Dammam airport marks a turning point in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward inclusive travel. It not only demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to accessibility but also serves as a model for other international airports to follow.

By blending innovation with compassion, and policy with purpose, Saudi Arabia is redefining what it means to travel with dignity — one inclusive step at a time.