Saudi Arabia has introduced the design for AlUla Manara, a major astronomy and science destination planned to strengthen AlUla's position as a global hub for astrotourism, scientific research, and public engagement with the night sky.

The project will be built within AlUla's internationally recognized Dark Sky Park, the world's third-largest, between the Gharameel Nature Reserve and Harrat Uwayrid Reserve. It aims to blend the region's centuries-old astronomical heritage with modern scientific exploration, creating a space dedicated to education, discovery, and innovation.

The architectural concept has been developed by Heatherwick Studio, the internationally acclaimed firm responsible for projects such as Little Island in New York, Azabudai Hills in Tokyo, and Coal Drops Yard in London. The design recently received approval from the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), supporting Saudi Arabia's broader ambitions under Vision 2030 to expand its leadership in scientific research, innovation, astronomy, and sustainable tourism.

Inspired by spiral formations commonly found throughout the universe, including galaxies, planetary rings, and star clusters, the structure also reflects natural patterns seen in fossils, shells, and plant life. Its exterior will feature textured stone cladding that echoes AlUla's sandstone mountains and the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

The building has also been designed with sustainability in mind. Integrated shading systems will help regulate sunlight during the day while preserving the area's exceptional dark skies at night. Operable windows will adapt to changing weather conditions, improving energy efficiency without compromising panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

RCU Vice President of Wildlife and Natural Heritage Naif Al-Malik said the project reflects AlUla's commitment to conservation-led development and environmental sustainability.

He noted that the region's pristine night skies are among its most valuable natural assets and that AlUla Manara will serve as a platform for scientific research, education, and innovation while helping protect this unique celestial environment for future generations.

According to the Royal Commission, the project represents a new approach to connecting people with the night sky by combining cultural heritage, ancient landscapes, and modern astronomy. Officials believe it will strengthen Saudi Arabia's growing role in global space research while establishing AlUla as a leading international astronomy destination.

The initiative builds on AlUla's expanding astrotourism program, which already includes Dark Sky Park certifications, astronomy education initiatives, and an Astrotourism Policy that introduces lighting controls, zoning regulations, and visitor management measures to preserve the area's exceptional viewing conditions.

Heatherwick Studio Executive Partner and Group Leader Stuart Wood said the design seeks to make astronomy more accessible by moving away from the traditional image of remote scientific facilities.

He explained that the visitor centre has been conceived as an immersive environment where guests can experience the wonder of the universe while engaging directly with world-class scientific research and interactive learning.

Rather than functioning solely as an observatory, AlUla Manara will offer visitors, researchers, and astronomy enthusiasts opportunities to participate in hands-on educational experiences and observe scientific discovery in real time.

The facility will include immersive exhibition galleries, a planetarium, a restaurant, and a rooftop observation deck, allowing guests to explore astronomy through both interactive experiences and active research activities.

RCU Chief Tourism Officer Phillip Jones said AlUla's night skies have guided travellers and communities for thousands of years while inspiring stories and shaping the region's cultural identity.

He added that AlUla Manara will connect visitors with this rich heritage while showcasing the future of astronomical exploration. Jones also said the project has the potential to become a defining landmark for AlUla, similar to how Maraya has gained international recognition for its architecture and cultural significance.

He said the development will further diversify AlUla's tourism offering beyond archaeology, heritage, and culture, making the destination increasingly attractive to high-value travellers, astronomy enthusiasts, and scientific researchers from around the world.

Source: ARAB NEWS

Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) has awarded a contract to develop an automated people mover (APM) system for the first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport, creating what is expected to be the world’s largest airport transit system of its kind.

The contract was awarded to a consortium comprising Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), its Dubai-based subsidiary MHI Mobility Engineering Services (MHI-MESC), and Indian engineering group Larsen and Toubro (L&T).

The APM network will extend approximately 50 kilometers and connect nine stations, making it significantly larger than existing airport people-mover systems.

MHI and MHI-MESC will oversee the design, procurement and testing of 165 vehicles, as well as signaling technology and overall system integration. L&T will be responsible for designing, procuring, testing and constructing the remaining subsystems on site.

The project is scheduled for completion in December 2031.

The scale of Dubai’s planned system will surpass existing airport transit networks, including the approximately 8-kilometer Skylink at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and The Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The APM network will connect Al Maktoum International Airport’s terminals and key facilities, helping improve passenger movement, reduce transfer times and support efficient airport operations.

The project forms part of Dubai’s broader plans to develop Al Maktoum International into one of the world’s largest aviation hubs. The airport is targeted to begin operations in 2032 and is ultimately expected to handle up to 260 million passengers annually.

The planned expansion is designed to accommodate growing regional and international air traffic while strengthening Dubai’s position as a major global aviation hub.

Source: Khaleej Times

Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to improve the efficiency, security and smooth operation of airport and cargo activities.

The commitment was made during a SAHCO delegation’s visit to AC Adamu, the newly appointed Commander of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.

The visit focused on building on the existing relationship between SAHCO and the NCS through stronger communication, closer coordination and enhanced operational cooperation, particularly in the handling and movement of cargo.

Representing SAHCO Managing Director and CEO Adenike Aboderin, General Manager of Cargo Services Donald Adekunle welcomed the new CIU commander and pledged the company’s continued support for a professional and productive partnership with the Customs Service.

Adekunle said closer cooperation between the two organizations would help strengthen airport operations and improve coordination among key aviation stakeholders and government agencies.

He also emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in facilitating efficient cargo movement, reinforcing security procedures and enhancing service delivery across Nigeria’s airports.

The renewed cooperation comes as aviation and government agencies continue to focus on improving cargo-handling processes and maintaining secure and efficient airport operations.

Source: ZAWYA

SHARJAH, UAE: Sharjah Airport has achieved Level 3 Airport Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), marking another milestone in its efforts to strengthen passenger services.

The airport first received Level 1 accreditation in 2022 before advancing to Level 2 in 2023 after establishing and implementing a customer experience strategy across its departments. It renewed its Level 2 status in 2025 and progressed to Level 3 in 2026.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said the latest accreditation reflected the airport’s focus on passenger satisfaction and its broader strategy to provide an integrated travel experience centered on quality and service excellence.

He said the achievement also supports Sharjah’s ambitions as a destination for travel, tourism and business.

According to Al Midfa, reaching Level 3 demonstrates the airport’s ability to collect and analyse passenger feedback and work with airport partners to turn that information into practical service improvements.

The accreditation assessment examined how the airport gathers and applies passenger feedback, coordinates with service providers and maintains a seamless passenger experience from arrival through departure.

As part of its progress toward Level 3, Sharjah Airport strengthened its customer feedback systems to better identify passenger expectations, pinpoint areas requiring improvement and respond more quickly to concerns.

The airport also increased coordination with airlines, ground-handling companies and other stakeholders to promote consistent service standards throughout the passenger journey.

Passenger satisfaction reports are now regularly distributed among airport departments, allowing teams to identify successful practices as well as areas requiring further attention. Employees across the airport community are also involved in improving passenger services, reinforcing shared responsibility for the overall travel experience.

ACI established its Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme to help airports assess and enhance passenger experience. The programme provides tools and expertise to help airports manage passenger journeys, develop improvement plans and identify opportunities to raise service quality.

Source: QCAA

DOHA, Qatar: Hamad International Airport (HIA) has reaffirmed its readiness to provide a smooth and comfortable arrival experience as passenger numbers increase in Doha following the summer holiday season.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the airport said it expects higher inbound traffic this August as students and families return ahead of the new academic year.

HIA has issued a series of guidelines designed to make arrival procedures easier and improve passenger convenience. Airport staff will remain available around the clock to assist travelers and their families, it said.

The guidance covers several aspects of the arrival process, including procedures for families traveling with young children and arrangements for meeting arriving passengers.

It also provides information on transportation options from the airport, including ride-hailing services, taxis, buses and the Doha Metro. Guidance on car rentals and baggage collection is also included.

The airport said the measures are intended to help passengers navigate the arrival process efficiently during the expected increase in traffic.

With August marking a key period for post-holiday travel, HIA is emphasizing operational preparedness and passenger support as more travelers return to Doha.

Source: QNA

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah handled approximately 28.55 million passengers on 169,900 flights between the beginning of 2026 and the end of July, according to an airport performance report.

The airport also processed 33.6 million bags during the seven-month period, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The performance report was reviewed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz during a meeting attended by Jeddah Airports Company CEO Mazen Johar.

The airport recorded its highest daily passenger traffic on January 17, when around 195,300 passengers passed through its facilities.

During the 1447 AH Umrah season, King Abdulaziz International Airport served approximately 6.16 million passengers on 36,400 flights and handled 7.2 million bags. More than 10,000 employees from various agencies were deployed at the airport during the season.

The report also highlighted the airport’s role during the 1447 AH Hajj season. More than 1.67 million pilgrims traveled through the airport during the arrival and departure phases, with more than 9,600 flights operated and approximately 2.76 million bags handled.

Ground transportation also played a significant role in moving pilgrims during Hajj. Buses carried around 821,700 pilgrims across 22,855 trips, while the Haramain High Speed Railway transported approximately 48,200 pilgrims on 207 trips.

The figures underscore the airport’s importance as a major gateway for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj, as well as its role in handling growing passenger demand throughout the year.

Source: TradeArabia