AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – –: This April, AlUla Skies Festival returns to the ancient oasis city with a captivating array of experiences that elevate stargazing to a new level, showcasing AlUla’s pristine dark skies and its deep historical connection to the stars. As home to two of the first locations in the middle east accredited as Dark Sky Parks by DarkSky International – Gharameel and AlUla Manara – AlUla offers an unmatched setting for celestial exploration. From the dramatic cliffs of Sharaan National Park to the luxurious tranquility of Our Habitas AlUla and the romantic seclusion of The Chedi Hegra, visitors are invited to witness the wonders of the universe like never before.
Stargazing at Sharaan National Park: A Celestial Journey Through Time
Nestled within the majestic Sharaan National Park, stargazing here becomes an immersive journey through both time and space. With its vast desert landscapes and striking mountain formations, Sharaan offers one of the most picturesque backdrops for night sky observation. During the AlUla Skies Festival, this iconic location transforms into a natural amphitheater of stars, where guests can reconnect with ancient traditions and feel the enduring presence of AlUla’s ancestors who once navigated these lands by the constellations above.
Our Habitas AlUla: Tranquility Under the Stars
For guests seeking a more private and elevated stargazing experience, Our Habitas AlUla offers just that. This eco-luxury resort, nestled within the serene Ashar Valley, integrates seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Guests can book intimate stargazing sessions available throughout the year that include telescope access, guided storytelling, and atmospheric desert ambiance. Whether reclining on a private terrace or gathering around a fire pit, visitors are invited to lose themselves in the silence and splendor of the cosmos.
The Chedi Hegra: Romance Under the Stars – The Al Mokhtasar Experience
At The Chedi Hegra, romance takes center stage with the exclusive Al Mokhtasar Experience. Couples can indulge in a secluded, candlelit dinner set against AlUla’s timeless desert scenery, with soft lighting, elegant décor, and a curated menu adding to the enchantment. The experience includes cozy stargazing with plush blankets and telescopes, perfect for a serene night under the stars. For a more communal atmosphere, themed group dinners featuring traditional Bedouin feasts like “Madfoon” will bring guests together for live entertainment, interactive storytelling, and skyward wonder.
In addition to the above, Visitors can visit Gharameel for a rare view of the milky way, free from light pollution. Millions of stars, visible without telescopes, are framed by Gharameel’s mesmerising rock formations. On full moon nights, visitors will take a short walk to admire the surrounding landscape before setting up camp to view the night sky. On darker nights, the tour will solely focus on stars and constellations. All tours include a grilled dinner, which will be prepared for visitors around the campfire.
AlUla is set to welcome the return of the AlUla Skies Festival, taking place from 18 to 27 April 2025 as part of the AlUla Moments Calendar. This immersive celebration honors the deep relationship between humanity and the cosmos, spotlighting AlUla’s role as a global hub for astrotourism. At the heart of the festival lies AlUla Manara, a visionary new observatory dedicated to astronomy and space science. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, high-tech telescopes, and educational workshops that blend ancient stargazing wisdom with cutting-edge scientific discovery.
From hot air balloon flights and tethered rides over iconic landscapes to dazzling Balloon Glow Shows, celestial dining, and music under the stars, the AlUla Skies Festival promises an unforgettable fusion of culture, adventure, and cosmic exploration.
