Don't miss the oldest meteor shower lighting up AlUla's night skies
Calling all stargazers
There are nights when the sky feels close enough to touch – and then there are nights when it puts on a show. This week, the cosmos is doing the latter.
For those in AlUla, we recommend cancelling your evening plans.
On Wednesday April 22, the Lyrids, one of the world’s oldest known meteor showers, is set to dazzle above AlUla, turning its famously dark skies into a live show of cosmic fireworks.
Timed perfectly to coincide with International Dark Sky Week, this is your cue to step outside, look up, and soak it all in.
When & where
Taking place at 9pm at Arch Rock, one of AlUla’s most recognisable rock formations located about 90 minutes from the city, AlUla Manara has organised an evening of interactive astronomy-themed trivia and guided sky observations.
The best part? It’s open to the public and free to attend.
Astronomy experts from AlUla’s local community will transport attendees to the great cosmos, combining modern scientific discoveries with age-old Arab stargazing wisdom.
Whether you’re a space enthusiast or just here for the vibes, this is your chance to see the universe come alive. No telescope required.
Why you’ll want to be there
The Lyrids aren’t just any meteor shower; they’re one of the oldest on record, lighting up the sky for more than 2,700 years and first observed as far back as 687 BCE by the Chinese.
Known for their bright, fast streaks, they’re best seen under truly dark skies – and AlUla ranks among the top 5 per cent globally.
This means fewer city lights, more shooting stars.
And while the meteor shower is active from last Thursday April 16 to Saturday April 25, its peak is anticipated on the night of the event (April 22).
So, grab a blanket, bring your friends, and make a night of it. Because moments like this don’t come around often – and the best seat in the house is already waiting for you.
AlUla, home to the GCC’s first internationally certified Dark Sky Park, also ranks as the world’s third-largest Dark Sky Park, with accreditation by DarkSky International spanning four locations: Sharaan National Park, Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve, the AlUla Manara site, and Gharameel Nature Reserve.
Location: Arch Rock, AlUla
Timings: Apr 22, 9pm
Images: Supplied
