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AlUla’s Stars… A Light Returning

In AlUla, the night sky is more than a striking view, it is part of the place’s soul, a quiet presence that shapes its character. A clear, uninterrupted expanse that binds earth and sky, it is the source of AlUla’s beauty and the serenity that sets it apart. When artificial lights recede, the night sky reveals itself in its fullest brilliance, uncovering a natural depth that speaks to the enduring connection between people and their land, and to the respect they hold for the delicate balance of life around them. Protecting AlUla’s night sky is, in essence, protecting its identity: a rare environmental legacy where beauty and sustainability meet in one extraordinary landscape.

Why Is AlUla’s Sky Different?

AlUla’s night sky is defined by an exceptional clarity, among the purest anywhere in the world.
 Its stillness, distance from excessive artificial lighting, and varied landscapes create a night scene that is considered one of the most beautiful visible to the naked eye.

This clarity is no coincidence; it is the result of sustained awareness and ongoing efforts to protect the sky and reduce light pollution.
 Through pioneering initiatives led by the Royal Commission for AlUla, the region is working to maintain its environmental balance in line with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, positioning AlUla as a national model for sustainability and the protection of its natural landscape.

Implementation Plan for External Lighting Requirements in AlUla

This plan outlines the phased rollout of external lighting requirements across AlUla to ensure full compliance with the Technical Guide for External Lighting.

Phase One: Primary Masterplan Area

Phase One: Primary Masterplan Area

The first phase covers:
 Tharbah – Hegra – Shallal – AlAtheeb – AlMu’tadil– Qa‘ AlHajj


Restricted Lighting Hours

Low-density areas:

  • Start: 10:00 p.m.
  • Full shutdown
  • End: One hour before sunrise

Moderate urban areas (commercial and residential):

  • Start: 12:00 a.m.
  • Full shutdown
  • End: One hour before sunrise


Implementation Start Date: 1 January 2026

Implementation Duration End Date: 31 March 2026

Phase Two: Central and Southern AlUla

Phase Two: Central and Southern AlUla

Coverage includes:
 Central AlUla (AlSukhayrat – AlMahash)


Restricted Lighting Hours

Low-density areas:

  • 10:00 p.m. – Full shutdown – One hour before sunrise

Moderate urban areas:

  • 12:00 a.m. – Full shutdown – One hour before sunrise

High-density central urban areas and zones with nighttime activity:

  • 12:00 a.m. – Full shutdown or dimming by at least 40% – One hour before sunrise


Implementation Start Date: 1 August 2026

Implementation Duration End Date: 31 October 2026

Phase Three

Phase Three

Coverage includes:
 Mughayra and Fadla


Restricted Lighting Hours

Agricultural and low-density areas:

  • 10:00 p.m. – Full shutdown – One hour before sunrise

Moderate urban areas:

  • 12:00 a.m. – Full shutdown – One hour before sunrise

High-density central urban areas with nighttime activity:

  • 12:00 a.m. – Full shutdown or dimming by 40% – One hour before sunrise


Implementation Start Date: 1 March 2027

Implementation Duration End Date: 30 April 2027

Phase Four

Phase Four

Coverage includes:
 All remaining non-residential areas of AlUla, including undeveloped agricultural areas, desert areas, wildlife habitats, and heritage sites.


Restricted Lighting Hours

  • 10:00 p.m. – Full shutdown – One hour before sunrise


Implementation Start Date: 1 December 2027

Implementation Duration End Date: 29 February 2028

Frequently Asked Questions

Implementation and Scope

The requirements will be implemented in phases. Each phase will be announced with clearly defined geographic boundaries, along with a grace period of at least 30 days before enforcement begins.

Residents can check the zoning map published by the Royal Commission for AlUla or contact the call centre to confirm their area classification.

Product Availability and Pricing

Yes. Availability is expected to increase progressively as demand grows.

Prices may vary based on product quality. The Ministry of Commerce will oversee the market to ensure fair and transparent pricing practices.

No formal supplier list will be released. The key requirement is that the product meets approved specifications, regardless of the supplier.

Violations and Compliance

Those subject to the regulation will receive a grace period of at least 30 days to correct their lighting conditions once implementation begins in their area. If a violation is detected, an additional 14-day grace period will be granted before a fine is issued.

Notifications will be sent via SMS, along with on-site notices posted through the inspection platform. These notices will include a link to the regulation.

The fine for a violation is SAR 3,000, and it will be doubled if the issue is not resolved after the warning period.

The property owner is the legally accountable party for complying with the regulation.

Technical Inquiries

These concepts will be simplified and clarified through awareness campaigns and user-friendly guidance materials.

There are currently no financial support programmes associated with the regulation.

Yes, within specific exceptions outlined in the regulation. All conditions in the technical guide must still be fully met.

Yes, depending on the zone and building type. Each area has defined shutdown times and permitted lighting modes.

Monitoring and Enforcement

The Inspection, Monitoring, and Compliance Department in Cities is responsible for conducting inspections and applying regulatory actions.

Inspections generally take place during evening and nighttime hours, when lighting is actively in use.

There is no fixed timeline for review; however, community feedback may be considered in future updates.

Light-measurement equipment and inspection data are used to determine each site’s level of compliance.

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AlUla’s Sky — A Promise That Never Fades

AlUla’s sky holds meaning in its vastness and balance in its calm. By protecting this open expanse, we safeguard the spirit of the place and preserve its lasting connection to the land and its people. This ensures that AlUla’s sky remains as it has always been: clear, uninterrupted, and revealing a beauty that becomes visible when the night is still.