Red Sea Global, a regenerative tourism developer, has partnered with DarkSky International to launch the world’s first DarkSky Resort certification, recognizing resorts that protect natural night skies through responsible outdoor lighting. This certification benefits wildlife while creating exceptional stargazing experiences for guests.
The first resorts to earn this certification are Desert Rock and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, at The Red Sea. These resorts have implemented responsible outdoor lighting, a key aspect of regenerative development, to minimize artificial light at night and preserve natural night skies.
By reducing energy consumption and maintaining the natural light-dark cycle, DarkSky principles protect biodiversity, particularly for nocturnal and light-sensitive species like sea turtle hatchlings. This approach also creates opportunities for stargazing and immersive astrotourism experiences.
Responsible outdoor lighting is a cornerstone of regenerative development, and Red Sea Global is integrating it into every stage of development to protect the ecological integrity of the night environment.
Raed Albasset, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global, stated that the company is setting a new benchmark for regenerative tourism by preserving natural darkness, which not only safeguards biodiversity but also enriches the guest experience.
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The new certification builds on the DarkSky Approved Lodging program, launched by DarkSky International in 2023. During the review of Red Sea Global’s nominated resorts, DarkSky International recognized the need for dedicated resort guidelines, establishing a consistent framework and best practices for certification.
The DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort program helps travelers identify destinations that offer exceptional night skies while meeting rigorous environmental standards. Both certifications require exceptional dark skies, considerate outdoor lighting, and a rigorous review by DarkSky’s lighting team.
Ruskin Hartley, CEO & Executive Director of DarkSky International, noted that Red Sea Global’s commitment to sustainable design created an opportunity to evolve the Lodging program and develop resort-specific lighting best practices.
They will continue expanding DarkSky compliance across their portfolio, supporting additional resorts in achieving certification as new properties open. Red Sea Global currently has 15 resorts open across three destinations.
