RIYADH: Set beneath some of the clearest and darkest skies on Earth, AlUla has unveiled the design of AlUla Manara, a landmark destination for astronomy, scientific discovery and astrotourism that will transform how visitors experience the cosmos.
Located within the world’s third-largest Dark Sky Park and situated between Gharameel Nature Reserve and Harrat Uwayrid Reserve, AlUla Manara will connect the area’s rich celestial heritage with the future of scientific exploration, creating a destination for discovery, learning and inspiration.
Designed by Heatherwick Studio — the globally renowned architecture and design practice behind landmark projects including Little Island in New York, Azabudai Hills in Tokyo and Coal Drops Yard in London — AlUla Manara’s distinctive form draws inspiration from spiraling geometries observed throughout the universe, from galaxies and planetary rings to collections of stars and gas, alongside similar patterns found in plants, fossils and shells.
Concept images of AlUla Manara’s design inspired by the spiralling forms of galaxies and planetary rings. (Supplied)
The design was recently approved by the directors of the Royal Commission for AlUla as part of the Kingdom’s wider ambitions to strengthen its position in astronomy, scientific research, innovation and sustainable destination development under Saudi Vision 2030.
