ALULA — The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) announced plans to launch the AlUla Manara Observatory as a leading global destination in space science and stargazing. Minister of Culture and RCU Governor Prince Badr Bin Abdullah and Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha, signed a cooperation agreement to launch the observatory. This is in line with the directives of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman, who is also chairman of the Board of Directors of RCU. The observatory will be the first destination for scientific discoveries, innovative research and sustainable economic opportunities, and that would transform the governorate into the largest living museum in the world. It will also represent a new window for scientific exploration and innovation. The observatory is tipped to be a new landmark in Saudi Arabia, which is visited by people from all over the world to enjoy an exceptional opportunity to observe the stars, and to watch interesting shows to learn about ancient and modern scientific discoveries. On its part, the Saudi Space Commission, which dedicated its efforts to launch the manara or lighthouse, confirmed that the observatory will enable the local space sector to achieve its quest to promote scientific discoveries, and provide the necessary infrastructure for human resources and research. "The commission's cooperation to launch the observatory is in support of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and its ambition to have a fundamental role in the field, in addition to creating economic value in line with the country's aspirations in research, development and innovation." For its part, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) participates in investing in the technologies of future economies through the AlUla Manara Observatory. It invited the scientific community locally and internationally to the project, and see Saudi Arabia's scientific and research efforts in the space sector, as well as employing the future technologies it provides to achieve sustainable development and raising the local content in the sector. In terms of research and innovation projects related to the project, KACST will support through its in-depth research projects in the field of space, to reflect Saudi Arabia's capabilities in the sector and its leadership at the regional level. The observatory supports making the AlUla region, which is full of charming heritage and natural elements, a leading global destination in innovative and distinguished fields and businesses. These include space science and star observation, which play a major role in transforming the governorate into the largest living museum in the world, combining the city's vibrant heritage with a depth of history, and its promising modern aspirations in various fields. Apart from the archaeological sites and cultural centers of AlUla, the observatory joins a new generation of elements of the knowledge economy, empowering the people of the region in modern scientific and economic aspects, and attracting global investments. The observatory will also help in creating job opportunities in the field of science and tourism, and achieving the commission's goal to transform the province into a leading knowledge destination.
