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

Air travel across Italy was disrupted on Friday after a technical fault affected the country’s air traffic control systems, resulting in flight delays and cancellations.

Air traffic control provider ENAV said it had introduced temporary restrictions on air traffic capacity after detecting overnight anomalies in the data transmission network supporting air traffic services nationwide.

Authorities said the disruption was not caused by sabotage and confirmed that the technical issue had been resolved later in the day.

Data from aviation analytics company Cirium showed that 192 flights had been cancelled by around 1000 GMT. At the same time, only about 31% of departures from Italian airports were leaving on schedule.

The situation was particularly challenging at the country’s major airports. On-time departures stood at approximately 25% at Milan Malpensa Airport and 28% at Rome Fiumicino Airport.

ENAV announced at around 1325 GMT that it had restored full operational capacity, bringing the technical disruption to an end.

Source: Reuters

Saudi telecom operator STC Group is offering free, unlimited calls to and from Saudi Arabia for customers roaming overseas, helping travellers maintain contact with their families amid continuing flight disruptions.

Announced on X, the initiative runs from October 12 to October 19. STC said the offer was intended to support customers facing difficulties staying connected with loved ones during an uncertain period.

“We understand how difficult it can be to be away from family, particularly during times like these,” the company told Arab News.

STC added that free, unlimited calling would make it easier for customers outside the Kingdom to communicate with relatives and provide reassurance during the disruption.

The initiative comes as flights to and from Riyadh face interruptions following a recent attack on King Khalid International Airport.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation announced on X that the airport’s operational suspension had been extended to allow safety inspections of its facilities to be completed. The authority did not provide a timeline for the resumption of flights.

Traveller Welcomes Initiative but Calls for Free Internet

Hisham Al-Ghasim, a Saudi citizen whose return journey from Bangkok to Riyadh was disrupted, welcomed STC’s offer but said free internet access would have been more practical.

His existing mobile package already covered calls, while internet connectivity was important for arranging alternative travel, making bookings and accessing essential applications.

He told Arab News that providing unrestricted internet access instead of free calls would have been more useful because many everyday communications and travel arrangements depend on online services.

Al-Ghasim had completed a business trip to Bangkok and was waiting for a taxi when he received a notification that his return flight had been delayed.

He said he was informed that his departure had been postponed by three days. Although he had been following developments, he had not expected his flight booking to be cancelled.

His original itinerary involved an Emirates flight via Dubai to Riyadh. He subsequently arranged to end his journey in the United Arab Emirates instead.

After reaching Dubai, Al-Ghasim contacted the Saudi Consulate General, which offered assistance with returning to the Kingdom by road through organised group transport.

Saudi Missions Assist Stranded Citizens

Saudi embassies and consulates have also been helping citizens affected by flight cancellations associated with regional security developments.

Their support includes arranging emergency accommodation and helping travellers identify alternative routes to return home as aviation disruptions continue.

Source: Arab News

flydubai has cancelled all flights to Riyadh until October 14, the airline confirmed in a statement.

A spokesperson said the carrier is monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities and will notify passengers of any changes to flight schedules through its official communication channels.

Passengers affected by the cancellations have been advised to visit the Manage Booking section on the airline’s website, flydubai.com, to review available refund or rebooking options.

Customers who purchased tickets through travel agents should contact their agents directly for assistance.

The airline apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and said it would continue to provide updates through its official channels.

Source: Emirates247

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended services to Riyadh and Dammam, issuing a travel alert for passengers travelling to the two Saudi Arabian destinations.

The Qatari airline said it was monitoring developments in Saudi Arabia in coordination with the relevant authorities. In response to the evolving situation, the carrier halted flights to both cities until further notice.

Passengers have been urged to verify their flight status through the airline’s official website or mobile application before travelling.

Qatar Airways said the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority. The airline added that customers affected by the suspensions would be contacted directly, with additional updates published on its website as more information becomes available.

Source: QNA

Several UAE airlines have cancelled flights to Saudi Arabia, disrupting services to Riyadh and Dammam between October 10 and October 14, according to airline announcements and published flight schedules.

Flydubai confirmed that its flights between Dubai and Riyadh would remain cancelled through October 14. The airline said it was monitoring developments in coordination with the relevant authorities and would communicate further schedule changes through its official channels.

Passengers affected by the cancellations have been advised to visit the Manage Booking section on flydubai’s website to review available refund and rebooking options. Customers who purchased tickets through travel agents should contact their respective agents for assistance. The airline also apologised for the inconvenience caused by the changes.

Etihad Airways has cancelled selected flights between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh for the period from October 10 to October 12.

Emirates has also recorded cancellations on several services between Dubai and Riyadh on October 11 and 12. Disruptions extended to flights connecting Dubai with Dammam on October 11.

For October 12, Emirates' published schedules listed flights EK823 and EK821 between Dubai and Dammam as cancelled, while flight EK827 remained scheduled to operate.

The cancellations reflect schedule adjustments by multiple UAE carriers serving Saudi Arabia during the affected period.

Airlines have advised passengers to monitor official communication channels for the latest flight information and to contact their carriers or travel agents to discuss available options if their journeys have been affected.

Source: Emirates247