In a sweeping effort to modernize Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman is spearheading a transformative initiative that promises to revolutionize the country’s tourism landscape. According to a report by The National News, the kingdom is set to establish the world’s largest dark sky reserves as part of its ambitious Red Sea Global project.
The Red Sea Global initiative aims to create a regenerative tourism destination, showcasing the natural beauty of Saudi Arabia’s coastal regions. Spanning an impressive 28,000 square kilometers along the North-western coast, this pristine coastal area is surrounded by undulating sand dunes and crystal-clear waters, offering visitors a sanctuary away from the bustle of urban life.
One of the project’s focal points is combating light pollution, which obscures the view of stars in many parts of the world. Andres Bates, the Associate Director of lights at Red Sea Global, emphasized the significance of preserving dark skies, stating, “People don’t realize how many stars you can see when you are in a very dark environment. The idea of people being able to come to this destination and reconnect with the stars is beautiful, and something most don’t get to see in everyday life.”
Currently, the world’s largest dark sky reserve is the Greater Bend in Texas, but Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans aim to surpass this milestone, providing a haven for stargazers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The move comes at a time when light pollution is increasingly encroaching upon natural landscapes worldwide. Data from the World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness reveals that over 80% of the global population resides in areas where the night sky’s true brilliance is obscured by artificial light.
Saudi Arabia’s initiative not only showcases its commitment to sustainable tourism but also underscores its determination to preserve and celebrate the natural wonders of the kingdom for generations to come. As the Red Sea Global project unfolds, it promises to be a beacon of hope for conservation efforts worldwide, offering a glimpse of a future where humans and nature coexist harmoniously under the vast expanse of the starlit sky.
