Heatherwick Studio has unveiled designs for a new “space observatory” planned for AlUla, Saudi Arabia, aimed at stargazing, tourism and research. The project, referred to as AlUla Manara, is proposed for construction in the desert area near the AlUla UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to the released concept, the facility is designed to take advantage of the region’s night-sky visibility for dark-sky viewing. One source describes the observatory as a visitor and research centre built using a textured-stone approach. Another outlet characterizes the concept as a cluster of stone tubes that face upward toward the sky, forming a distinctive geometry intended to support astronomy and observational use. The design positions the centre as part of a broader effort to enable astrotourism in the area by offering spaces tailored to looking at stars and conducting observational activities. Details on the project’s timeline, capacity, and specific research programs are not included in the provided reports.