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.
In AlUla, every light carries an impact. When lighting is used thoughtfully, nature regains its quiet rhythm, and nighttime life returns to the balanced pattern it was created to follow.
Nocturnal birds, foxes, and small creatures rely on natural darkness as a safe space where they can move, breed, and flourish. By preserving the clarity of the night sky, we protect this delicate, interconnected ecosystem that defines AlUla’s environment and gives it its distinctive character.
As unnecessary lights recede, the stars glow once more, revealing a nightscape that becomes part of the place’s identity and spirit. In AlUla, this clarity holds both environmental and aesthetic value, a legacy the Royal Commission for AlUla is committed to protecting for future generations.
Night in AlUla is a realm of calm and comfort. In natural darkness, people experience visual and emotional ease, feeling a deeper connection to the landscape around them.
A clear sky enriches quality of life, offering residents and visitors a profound sense of tranquillity and a harmonious bond with place and history.
Responsible lighting reduces waste, conserves energy, and lowers emissions that contribute to climate change. With less excessive lighting, air quality improves, supporting AlUla’s wider efforts to mitigate environmental impacts and build a more sustainable future.
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
The first phase covers:
Tharbah – Hegra – Shallal – AlAtheeb – AlMu’tadil– Qa‘ AlHajj
Restricted Lighting Hours
Low-density areas:
Moderate urban areas (commercial and residential):
Implementation Start Date: 1 January 2026
Implementation Duration End Date: 31 March 2026
Phase Two: Central and Southern AlUla
Coverage includes:
Central AlUla (AlSukhayrat – AlMahash)
Restricted Lighting Hours
Low-density areas:
Moderate urban areas:
High-density central urban areas and zones with nighttime activity:
Implementation Start Date: 1 August 2026
Implementation Duration End Date: 31 October 2026
Phase Three
Coverage includes:
Mughayra and Fadla
Restricted Lighting Hours
Agricultural and low-density areas:
Moderate urban areas:
High-density central urban areas with nighttime activity:
Implementation Start Date: 1 March 2027
Implementation Duration End Date: 30 April 2027
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
Implementation Start Date: 1 December 2027
Implementation Duration End Date: 29 February 2028
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Didn't find an answer? Please get in touch with us, and we'll be happy to assist you.
Contact UsAlUla’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.
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