Nafud Desert Gains Dark Sky Status in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Nafud Desert has been officially accredited by DarkSky International as a Dark Sky Place, within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. The designation adds the site to a global list of more than 250 certified locations recognised for protecting natural night skies from light pollution.

According to the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, the accredited area lies east of the Hail–Al Jawf road and spans approximately 13,416 square kilometres, making it one of the largest Dark Sky Sites in the region. The area is also described as among the least light-polluted locations in the Kingdom, meeting DarkSky International’s standards through extensive scientific assessment.

The accreditation followed detailed field studies, precise astronomical observations, advanced night-time analysis, and the application of engineering measures to manage artificial lighting and limit light pollution sources. The authority said the process reflects long-term efforts to preserve the desert’s natural night environment while ensuring ecological sustainability.

The designation is intended to protect the Nafud Desert’s night landscapes and position the site as a model for natural sky preservation. It also supports broader objectives related to astronomical tourism, scientific research, and environmental experimentation, offering researchers and visitors opportunities to observe celestial phenomena under low-light conditions.
As part of its development plans, the reserve has introduced visitor infrastructure in the area, including The Leaf camp, located close to the dark sky zone.