AlUla celebrates World Space Week with stargazing nights and astronomy experiences through October 8
AlUla’s clear skies have turned into an open-air space for learning and discovery this week, with the launch of World Space Week 2026 activities organized by “Manarat AlUla,” affiliated with the Royal Commission for AlUla. The program runs through October 8 and combines skywatching, astronomical knowledge and stories about the relationship between humans and the stars.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the activities began on Monday evening, October 5, with a skywatching program beneath AlUla’s skies. The subsequent activities include educational, cultural and family experiences, as well as astronomy excursions conducted by specialized and licensed companies and organizations under the supervision of the Manarat AlUla team.
From the stars to the memory of place
The program is not limited to viewing celestial bodies through telescopes. Tuesday’s event explores how ancestors used the stars to identify changes in the seasons and understand their surrounding environment, creating a direct link between astronomy and local heritage. On Wednesday and Thursday, the activities shift to children’s events combining crafts, art and storytelling, in addition to a family skywatching experience.
The accompanying astronomy excursions give visitors the opportunity to view planets, stars and other celestial bodies from different locations in AlUla, making use of the desert environment, expansive horizons and skies that have made the region a renowned destination for nighttime observation experiences.
A tourism experience that goes beyond visiting archaeological sites
The activities reflect a growing trend in AlUla to broaden the tourism experience to include nature, science and culture, alongside the historical and archaeological heritage for which the governorate is known. The Royal Commission for AlUla states on its official platform that the destination’s agenda includes events and experiences throughout the year, including stargazing, outdoor activities, arts and culture.
These activities are part of World Space Week, celebrated annually from October 4 to 10 to raise awareness of space science and technology and their contributions to human life, and to encourage interest in related scientific fields.
AlUla and the skies: a favorable season for stargazing
The timing of the program also carries tourism significance, as the Royal Commission indicates that the period from October through April is among the best times to visit AlUla, thanks to the mild weather and expanded calendar of events. This gives astronomical observation experiences an added dimension for visitors, who can combine historical sites, desert landscapes and nighttime activities.
Break Media News previously covered AlUla’s seventh date season, part of the diverse activity taking place in the governorate during the current season.
Sources
Saudi Press Agency (SPA): Announcement of the World Space Week program in AlUla, October 4, 2026.
Arab News: Coverage of the launch of the activities, October 5, 2026.
Royal Commission for AlUla: Destination and tourism experiences information.
