Science and Technology / 'AlUla Lighthouse Ambassadors for Astrophotography' Program Continues to Support Specialized Talents in Astrophotography

AlUla, 01 Safar 1448 AH corresponding to July 15, 2026 AD (SPA) – The 'AlUla Lighthouse Ambassadors for Astrophotography' program continues its efforts to support specialized national, Arab, and international talents in astrophotography through an integrated system of training programs and specialized workshops aimed at developing participants' skills, enabling them to document the beauty of the night sky, and highlighting the natural and astronomical features that characterize AlUla, thereby enhancing AlUla's position as a leading destination for sustainable astrotourism. In this context, AlUla Lighthouse organized an astrophotography workshop during which participants shared their experiences in capturing the night sky, exchanged technical and knowledge expertise, and discussed best practices for documenting astronomical scenes, contributing to the development of specialized visual works and putting AlUla on the global astrotourism map. The program aims to build a specialized community of sky and star photographers through a series of workshops and training programs that combine theoretical and practical aspects, helping to develop participants' skills and enrich the specialized visual content in astrophotography. The program also provides participants with photography opportunities in selected locations within AlUla, including several nature reserves and limited-access sites, enabling them to document astronomical and natural scenes from rarely accessible locations and granting them field experiences that enrich their expertise in capturing landscapes, skies, and stars. It is the first program of its kind in the Kingdom to support and host specialized ambassadors in astrophotography, aiming to enable them to produce visual works that contribute to promoting astrotourism and highlighting the quality of the night sky and the natural features that distinguish AlUla. The program is based on the status AlUla has established in astrotourism, after several of its sites were recognized as Dark Sky Sites by the DarkSky International organization, reflecting the quality of its night sky and low light pollution levels, providing an ideal environment for astronomical observation and photography, and strengthening AlUla's presence as a global destination for sky enthusiasts and astrophotography enthusiasts. AlUla has a centuries-old connection with sky observation, as its residents and caravans relied on stars for navigation and determining seasons. AlUla Lighthouse continues to develop its educational programs and astronomical experiences, contributing to preparing a generation of specialized photographers and enhancing the region's position as a global destination for astrotourism. // End // 18:52 T.M. 0139