Saudi Arabia's AlUla Gets Galaxy-Inspired Stargazing Hub

The desert near Saudi Arabia's AlUla is about to become one of the most extraordinary places on Earth to gaze at the stars.

AlUla Manara, a new astrotourism centre opening around 70 kilometers north of the city, combines world-class astronomy research with public access in a building inspired by the cosmos itself. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the structure mirrors the spiraling patterns found in galaxies, planetary rings, and even seashells.

The facility will house three massive telescopes, including a main instrument with a four-meter diameter, making it among the largest observatories anywhere in the world. Two additional two-meter telescopes will support both scientific research and public stargazing programs.

Located within one of the region's first Dark Sky Parks, AlUla Manara (which means "lighthouse" in Arabic) sits in an area already famous for the UNESCO-listed archaeological site Hegra. Now it's becoming a destination for anyone fascinated by what lies above us.

The main visitor centre will feature exhibition spaces, a planetarium, a restaurant, and a rooftop observation deck where guests can experience the night sky in unprecedented clarity. Plans also include on-site accommodation and a dedicated stargazing lodge for overnight visitors.

Why This Inspires

What makes AlUla Manara special isn't just its size or technology. It's the philosophy behind it.

"Space observatories are often remote, sterile places that feel distant from the public," explained Stuart Wood, executive partner at Heatherwick Studio. "We saw an opportunity to dissolve those barriers and create a place where visitors can step inside the wonder of the cosmos."

The timing couldn't be better for astrotourism enthusiasts. Recent years have brought spectacular northern lights shows during the solar maximum and renewed excitement about space exploration through missions like Artemis II. An eclipse across Greenland, Iceland, and Spain is coming this August, with the "eclipse of the century" following in 2027.

AlUla Manara represents a broader vision of making advanced science accessible and inspiring to everyone, not just researchers. The facility will serve as both a serious research hub and a place where anyone can experience the awe of looking deeper into space than most people ever get the chance to see.

While no opening date has been announced, travelers can currently reach AlUla via domestic flights from Jeddah and Riyadh, or through Gulf hubs like Doha and Dubai.

The universe just became a little more accessible.