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DarkSky International launches the world’s first DarkSky Approved Resort certification, recognizing Red Sea Global’s Desert Rock and Nujuma as the first certified resorts

Exterior view of a luxury desert villa at dusk with a sweeping curved roof, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and a private illuminated pool. Warm interior lighting spills onto the outdoor terrace, surrounded by sand dunes and sparse desert vegetation beneath a soft twilight sky.
 Credit: Red Sea Global

Tucson, Arizona

DarkSky International is pleased to announce that Desert Rock and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, at The Red Sea were the first locations to earn the new DarkSky Approved Resort certification under the expanded DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort program.

The new certification recognizes resort destinations that protect natural night skies through responsible outdoor lighting, benefiting wildlife while creating exceptional stargazing experiences. Developed in partnership with Red Sea Global (RSG), the regenerative tourism developer, the certification expands DarkSky’s programs to promote responsible astrotourism as this important travel industry continues to grow.

First launched in 2023, the DarkSky Approved Lodging program recognized hospitality destinations that demonstrate responsible outdoor lighting while preserving exceptional night skies. During the review of RSG’s nominated properties, DarkSky International recognized that the existing standards did not fully address the operational needs of large-scale resort destinations. While outdoor lighting at most lodging properties is relatively limited, resorts often require more extensive lighting and infrastructure. In partnership with RSG, DarkSky developed dedicated resort guidelines that establish a consistent framework for responsible outdoor lighting, expanding the program to include the new DarkSky Approved Resort certification.

“Red Sea Global’s commitment to sustainable, DarkSky-friendly design created an opportunity to evolve our Lodging program,” said Ruskin Hartley, CEO & Executive Director, DarkSky International. “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.”

Responsible outdoor lighting minimizes energy use, preserves natural night skies, and protects biodiversity by maintaining the natural light-dark cycle on which wildlife depends. These same principles also create exceptional opportunities for stargazing and immersive astrotourism experiences, demonstrating how environmental stewardship and unforgettable guest experiences can go hand in hand.

“Red Sea Global is integrating responsible lighting into every stage of development to protect the ecological integrity of the night environment. 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 through world-class and authentic connections with nature,” said Raed Albasset, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer, Red Sea Global.

About DarkSky International

DarkSky’s mission is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our dark sky heritage through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.

About the DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resorts Program

Founded in 2023 and expanded to include the Resort certification in 2026, the DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort Program recognizes accommodations that demonstrate excellence in responsible outdoor lighting while offering guests unforgettable experiences beneath naturally dark skies.

About Red Sea Global

Red Sea Global (RSG) is a vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This includes the luxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which began welcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which welcomed its first guests in 2026.

A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat, opened in 2024. RSG was also entrusted with development works at AlWajh International Airport, focused on upgrading the terminal and infrastructure.

RSG is a PIF company and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy. Across its growing portfolio of destinations, subsidiaries, and businesses, RSG seeks to lead the world toward a more sustainable future, showing how responsible development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment.

Media Contacts

James Brigagliano
DarkSky International
Lighting Program Manager
[email protected]