Saudi Arabia to build world's largest dark sky reserve for stargazing

In a bid to modernise Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman is rapidly transforming the country’s landscape, The National News reported.

From launching futuristic projects such as Neom, to holding its first-ever swimsuit fashion show, the kingdom has come a long way.

Now the country has unveiled plans to build the world’s largest dark sky reserves under its ambitious regenerative tourism destination project called the Red Sea Global.

Situated on the North-west side of the kingdom, the 28,000 square kilometres coastal region is surrounded by sand dunes and pristine waters.

It is the one of the least light polluted areas in the country.

Associate Director of lights at the red Sea Global, Andres Bates said, "People don't realise 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.

According to data from the World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, more than 80% of the world’s population live in places where the night sky can’t truly be seen due to light pollution.