AlUla Announces Commissioning of Two LaserSETI Astronomical Observation Stations at Project’s First Site in Asia
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced the successful installation and commissioning of two stations belonging to the global LaserSETI project at AlUla Manara, as part of its efforts to develop an integrated ecosystem for scientific research and astronomical discovery. The milestone strengthens Saudi Arabia’s presence within international scientific observation networks by leveraging AlUla’s natural assets and expanding research partnerships, in line with AlUla’s vision and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
LaserSETI is an international astronomical observation network that uses specialized stations to continuously monitor the night sky for transient optical phenomena. These are distinctive, rare flashes or changes in light that may be associated with cosmic events or unusual astronomical objects, as well as potential laser signals that require further scientific investigation and analysis. The technology generates observational data that can be compared across multiple locations, enabling researchers to study phenomena that may be difficult to observe from a single site.
The deployment of this technology at AlUla Manara draws on the quality of AlUla’s dark skies and its geographical location, adding a new observation area to the global LaserSETI network. With the two stations operational, AlUla has become the project's first and only site in Asia and its fifth operational observatory worldwide, joining existing sites in California, Hawaii, Arizona and Puerto Rico. AlUla’s participation extends the network’s geographical coverage into a previously unrepresented region, creating further opportunities to collect and compare observation data across different sites.
Both stations are now fully operational, having successfully completed their initial commissioning phase on August 19, 2026. They continuously collect astronomical observation data, which is contributed to the global LaserSETI network for analysis and comparison with observations from other sites. AlUla Manara is also working with the project team to customize data outputs and extract relevant observations to support scientific studies and future research into transient optical phenomena.
The milestone builds on the cooperation agreement announced by RCU and the SETI Institute on August 8, 2024, which included support for the development of AlUla Manara Observatory and the installation of LaserSETI observation equipment. The commissioning of the two stations demonstrates the partnership’s progression from agreement and planning to operational delivery, and highlights the contribution of international scientific partnerships to developing astronomical research and observation capabilities in AlUla.
The project reinforces RCU’s efforts to protect AlUla’s dark skies as one of its natural assets, while leveraging them to support astronomical research and knowledge exchange. It also aligns with the broader development of AlUla Manara as a center for research, discovery and knowledge-based experiences by contributing to tourism diversification and sustainable development through the integration of environmental conservation, science, technology and future opportunities for astrotourism.
AlUla Manara is located north of AlUla, in a location characterized by dark skies and low levels of light pollution, providing favorable conditions for astronomical observation.
The next phase will focus on analyzing the data collected by the system and developing further opportunities for scientific research and international partnerships. These efforts will also help demonstrate the suitability of AlUla’s dark skies for astronomical observation and strengthen AlUla Manara’s wider astronomy program.
