A Lighting Strategy for the Middle East’s Largest Dark Sky Park
The recent announcement from DarkSky International confirming the designation of AlNufud Dark Sky Park is a significant milestone for conservation and sustainable tourism – and a moment of celebration for Nulty London, as our team developed the strategic lighting guidelines and lighting management plan for the reserve.
Spanning 13,416 km², AlNufud Dark Sky Park is now the largest in the MENA region and the second largest within the International Dark Sky Places programme. Situated within the AlNufud AlKabir Desert in Saudi Arabia, it is an ecologically diverse landscape, home to wildlife such as the Arabian oryx, sand cat, spiny-tailed lizard and jerboa. Our role was to help safeguard its natural nighttime environment, preserving the clarity of the night sky and protecting the park’s nocturnal ecosystem.
Working closely with the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority, Jacobs and local park rangers, we conducted a comprehensive study of the lighting within the site. This included the visitor centre, permanent settlements and surrounding habitats, informed by detailed analysis and on-the-ground site visits. From this, we developed clear guidelines to promote the responsible use of light and to mitigate against light pollution and ecological disturbances within the boundary of the reserve.
Projects like AlNufud Dark Sky Park remind us that every living thing follows a biological clock influenced by light and darkness. We are proud to have helped safeguard both the night sky and natural habitats of this officially protected site.
Image Caption: The stars and Milky Way in AlNufud Dark Sky Park taken by Mubarak Al Jameeli
