Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s flagship regenerative tourism destinations, has partnered with DarkSky International to launch the world's first certification program tailored specifically for resort-scale properties.
Marking a global first, Desert Rock and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, both located at The Red Sea destination, have achieved the new DarkSky Approved Resort certification.
The initiative builds upon DarkSky International’s Lodging programme launched in 2023. During initial assessments of RSG properties, the non-profit identified that traditional lodging standards did not account for the broader footprint and complex outdoor lighting requirements of integrated luxury resorts. RSG and DarkSky subsequently co-developed a specialised framework that balances large-scale hospitality operations with strict nocturnal environmental controls.
Beyond mitigating light pollution to maintain natural dark skies, the framework protects vital circadian rhythms for regional wildlife, notably aiding nocturnal species and sea turtle hatchlings that rely on horizon luminosity to reach the ocean.
Commercially, the certification establishes a verified benchmark for high-end astrotourism - a rapidly accelerating segment in the luxury travel market. To secure approval, properties must meet stringent baseline criteria, including verified dark-sky conditions, strict architectural lighting controls, and technical audits conducted by DarkSky International’s lighting specialists.
"Red Sea Global is integrating responsible lighting into every stage of development to protect the ecological integrity of the night environment," said Raed Albasset, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global. "Through our collaboration with DarkSky International, RSG is setting a new benchmark for regenerative tourism, demonstrating that preserving natural darkness not only safeguards biodiversity and ecological processes but also enriches the guest experience."
Ruskin Hartley, CEO and Executive Director of DarkSky International, added: "Red Sea Global's commitment to sustainable, DarkSky-friendly design created an opportunity to evolve our Lodging program. Together, we developed resort-specific lighting best practices that recognize the unique needs of larger hospitality destinations while upholding DarkSky's rigorous standards for protecting the night."
With 15 operational resorts now open across three distinct master developments, RSG confirmed that it will continue rolling out DarkSky compliance across its broader property pipeline as future openings come online.
Desert Rock and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, become the first resorts in the world to earn the new DarkSky Approved Resort certification