Summary
- AlUla Manara will be located about 70 kilometres north of AlUla
- The centre will serve both visitors and researchers
- Its design is inspired by spiral forms found in space
- It will feature a four-metre main telescope and two two-metre telescopes
- No official opening date has been announced yet
A new astrotourism centre, AlUla Manara, is set to open in the desert near AlUla in Saudi Arabia.
The project will operate as both a visitor centre and a research hub, around 70 kilometres north of AlUla, in an area linked to one of the region’s first Dark Sky Parks.
The development matters because it reflects the growing international momentum behind astrotourism, at a time when interest in eclipses, stargazing and experiences away from light pollution continues to rise.
An observatory in the desert
AlUla Manara is designed to combine scientific research with the visitor experience. Its name comes from the Arabic word “manara”, meaning “lighthouse”.
According to the plans, the centre will feature a four-metre main telescope and two additional two-metre telescopes. With these specifications, the complex aims to rank among the world’s major observatories.
The wider development plan also includes on-site accommodation and a dedicated stargazing lodge, allowing visitors to experience the night sky in a more complete way.
A design inspired by space
The building has been designed by Heatherwick Studio and takes inspiration from spiral forms found across the universe, such as galaxies and planetary rings.
The same design language is also linked to patterns seen in nature, including plants, fossils and shells. The goal is for the building to be more than a technical facility, creating a place that brings the public closer to science and the experience of observation.
What AlUla Manara will include
The main visitor centre will include exhibition spaces, a planetarium, a restaurant and an observation terrace. This approach shows that the project is not aimed only at specialists or researchers, but also at travellers interested in the night sky.
AlUla is already known for the archaeological site of Hegra, which is listed by UNESCO. With the new centre, the area is seeking to connect cultural heritage with modern astrotourism.
Access and opening date
No official opening date has been announced yet for AlUla Manara.
There are currently no direct flights from Europe to AlUla International Airport. Travellers can reach the area through domestic flights from Jeddah and Riyadh or via Gulf aviation hubs such as Doha and Dubai.
What we think
AlUla Manara is an interesting example of how astronomy can move from the closed world of research into a more open public experience. If the project is delivered according to the plans presented, it could become one of the most distinctive astrotourism destinations worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
What is AlUla Manara?
It is a new astrotourism and research centre planned near AlUla in Saudi Arabia.
Where will it be located?
It will be located around 70 kilometres north of the city of AlUla, in an area linked to a Dark Sky Park.
Who designed it?
The project has been designed by Heatherwick Studio.
What will it include?
It will include telescopes, exhibition spaces, a planetarium, a restaurant, an observation terrace and visitor accommodation.
Has an opening date been announced?
No, an official opening date has not been announced yet.
