In the most special places light is curated with darkness, hand in hand to ensure an environment is respected. The Chedi Hegra, the only hotel situated within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of those rare destinations. Surrounded by monumental red rock formations and enveloped by infinite star-filled skies, this landmark project from The Royal Commission of AlUla is designed to immerse guests in nature while offering refined luxury.
We collaborated with Dar Al Handasah, Giò Forma, Voltaire Lighting Design and Black Engineering to illuminate this extraordinary property. Guided by Giò Forma and Voltaire’s original lighting concept, we translated the vision into reality and delivered a scheme that is respectful, atmospheric and in harmony with its surroundings.
The architectural language, crafted by Dar Al Handasah, saw the hotel’s mud-toned structures embedded seamlessly into the landscape. Our lighting followed the same philosophy of integration. Across exterior areas, we used a warm colour temperature of 2700K to cast a gentle golden hue, complementing the desert terrain while creating a sense of welcome. Each intervention was carefully considered, with low-glare fittings shielded and directed downward to minimise light spill and preserve the clarity of the night sky.
Protecting this sky was central to the project. As the hotel is set to become a destination for astro-tourism, achieving DarkSky certification shaped every design decision. Pathways, roads and stargazing areas were lit at levels darker than industry standards, while a DALI control system enables dimming to the absolute minimum during evening hours. In this way, our lighting does not compete with the stars; it frames them.
The guest experience is enhanced through atmosphere as much as function. Pathways glow softly to guide visitors, architectural details are gently accentuated to add warmth and character, and outdoor dining and lounge spaces are cocooned in golden pools of light. The scheme avoids spectacle in favour of restraint, ensuring the natural drama of AlUla remains the star of the show.
For us, The Chedi Hegra represents lighting design at its most meaningful: when it enhances without intruding, shapes atmosphere without distraction, and respects heritage while creating unforgettable experiences.
Client:
The Royal Commission of AlUla
Dar Al-Handasah
Credits
Project team:
Giò Forma
Voltaire Lighting Design
Nulty
Black Engineering
Photography:
Gerry O’Leary
