Prince Turki bin Mohammed Affirms Saudi Arabia's Role in Global Dark Sky Preservation

   Rafha, December 22, 2025, SPA -- Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz has visited several sites within the reserve, including historical landmarks.
   He toured the dark sky site in the Great Nafud Desert, recently accredited by DarkSky International, an achievement that reflects the Kingdom’s environmental leadership and commitment to protecting rare natural environments while promoting international environmental initiatives.
   He was briefed on the authority’s efforts to reduce light pollution and implement international standards for dark sky management. These measures preserve the site’s astronomical characteristics, support ecosystem sustainability, and position the area as a hub for astrotourism and scientific research.
   The dark sky site in the Great Nafud Desert, within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, is one of the largest certified sites in the region, covering approximately 13,416 square kilometers. It joins more than 250 sites worldwide protected from light pollution, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in dark sky preservation.
   The site's accreditation strengthens the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve’s role as a leading destination for environmental and astronomical tourism. It highlights the integration of natural resource protection with sustainable development, underscores the Kingdom’s global leadership in dark sky preservation, and enhances the reserve’s prominence for astronomical tourism and research.
   -- SPA