Red Sea Global unveils first Dark Sky resort certification

Red Sea Global, the Saudi Arabian developer of regenerative tourism destinations, has partnered with DarkSky International to launch the world’s first resort certification that protects natural night skies. The DarkSky Approved Resort program sets standards for responsible outdoor lighting, aiming to reduce light pollution, safeguard wildlife such as sea‑turtle hatchlings that rely on the night sky for navigation, and enhance stargazing experiences.

Desert Rock and Nujuma, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve at The Red Sea, are the inaugural resorts to receive the certification. Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer Raed Albasset said the initiative integrates responsible lighting at every development stage, creating a new benchmark for sustainable tourism. The programme builds on DarkSky’s Approved Lodging scheme launched in 2023, adding resort‑specific guidelines to address the extensive lighting needs of larger hospitality sites. As demand for astrotourism grows, the certification helps travelers identify destinations that preserve natural darkness while meeting rigorous environmental standards.