Saudi Arabia's AlUla joins global search for alien signals as LaserSETI expands to Asia

Two detectors installed at AlUla Manara observatory, adding Asian coverage to the network

By LineZotpaper

Published23 October 2026

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Two LaserSETI detectors installed at Saudi Arabia's AlUla Manara observatory have begun scanning the sky for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence, marking the first Asian site in a growing global network designed to spot brief laser pulses from distant civilizations.

The SETI Institute announced that two LaserSETI units at AlUla, in northwestern Saudi Arabia, were installed on August 19, 2026, and are now fully operational. The site is the fifth in the LaserSETI network, joining observatories in California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Arizona.

Unlike traditional SETI efforts that target specific stars or use large radio dishes, LaserSETI monitors the entire sky continuously for short, transient optical flashes that could come from alien laser beacons. The detectors use commercially available lenses and cameras, with a grating that separates starlight, which produces a full spectrum, from laser light, which appears at a specific wavelength. Most detected flashes are expected to be natural cosmic events, but the network's goal is to catch a signal that cannot be explained by natural phenomena.

“AlUla gives LaserSETI an important new geographic vantage point and connects this remarkable astronomical site to a growing global network,” said Dr. Franck Marchis, Senior Planetary Astronomer and Director of Citizen Science at the SETI Institute. “This is exactly what LaserSETI needs: instruments distributed around the world, observing continuously and together.”

Eliot Gillum, Director of LaserSETI at the SETI Institute, designed and built the units. “Adding AlUla extends the network into an entirely new geographic region,” he said. “Every new location improves our ability to monitor the sky continuously and to compare observations of unusual events from different parts of the world.”

Naif Al Malik, AlUla Manara Executive Program Head, said the commissioning marks an important milestone in the collaboration with the SETI Institute. “By connecting AlUla's exceptional dark skies to a global observation network, we are creating new opportunities for scientific research, international collaboration and knowledge exchange, while strengthening AlUla's growing role in astronomy and scientific discovery,” he said.

The LaserSETI detectors sit on a remote plateau about 74 kilometers north of AlUla, which is itself around 380 kilometers from the holy city of Medina. AlUla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a designated Dark Sky Park, is being developed as Saudi Arabia's first major astronomical observatory. Plans include a 4-meter telescope and a pair of 2-meter telescopes.

The expansion is part of a broader shift in Saudi Arabia, which has historically been a closed, conservative society with its wealth based on oil. In recent decades the kingdom has hosted international events and invested in science, including founding King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in 2009.

Each LaserSETI detector includes a computer that analyzes data in real time, eliminating the need for expensive storage and enabling immediate alerts. Only the transmission grating and stainless steel enclosure are custom-made; other components are commercially available or 3D-printed, keeping costs down.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The addition of an Asian site gives the LaserSETI network near-continuous sky coverage, significantly increasing the chance of catching rare transient signals, whether natural or artificial.
Saudi Arabia's investment in astronomy and its first major observatory signals a broader commitment to scientific research and international collaboration, especially in a region not traditionally associated with such efforts.
If a genuine extraterrestrial laser signal were detected, it would be a transformative discovery for science and culture, and Saudi Arabia would be a key player in that achievement.

Background

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) has relied on radio telescopes like the Allen Telescope Array and space observatories like Hubble. Optical SETI, which looks for laser pulses, has grown in recent years. LaserSETI, under development since 2024, differs from previous efforts by monitoring the entire sky continuously rather than targeting specific stars. The network uses simple, cost-effective detectors that are easy to replicate and deploy. AlUla, already a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Dark Sky Park, is being transformed into a major astronomical hub, with larger telescopes planned. Saudi Arabia has been diversifying its scientific infrastructure, notably through KAUST, though historically science has not been a national priority.

Key Perspectives

SETI Institute: The expansion improves the network's ability to monitor the sky continuously and compare unusual events from different locations. Geographic diversity is essential for distinguishing real signals from local interference.

Saudi Arabia (AlUla Manara project): The installation is seen as a milestone in building scientific capability and international partnerships. Officials highlight the opportunity for research, knowledge exchange, and strengthening AlUla's role in astronomy.

Astronomers and the public: While most LaserSETI detections will be natural phenomena, flashes of light from cosmic events, the possibility of discovering an artificial laser source, however remote, drives continued investment. The real-time data analysis allows rapid follow-up by other observatories.

What to Watch

First results from the AlUla detectors, including any unusual transient events that warrant follow-up.
Progress on the planned 4-meter and two 2-meter telescopes at AlUla, which could support SETI and other astronomy.
Expansion of the LaserSETI network to additional sites in other geographic regions, further closing coverage gaps.

Sources

Saudi Arabia Joins the Search for Alien Civilizations · Universe Today

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 8 supported.

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SupportedAlUla is the first Asian site in the LaserSETI network.Universe Today: “AlUla, in Saudi Arabia's northwestern region, is the fifth LaserSETI site, and the first one in Asia.”
SupportedTwo AlUla detectors have begun scanning the sky for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence.Universe Today: ““Two years ago, we announced our intention to bring LaserSETI to AlUla. Today, the instruments are installed, commissioned and observing the sky,” said Dr. Franck Marchis”
SupportedLaserSETI monitors the entire sky continuously for brief optical flashes that could come from alien civilizations.Universe Today: “It can watch the entire sky continuously, catching rare transient events. ... the hope is, it will one day detect a laser originating from another ETI.”
SupportedThe AlUla detectors were installed on August 19, 2026, and are fully operational.Universe Today: “The pair of detectors in AlUla were installed August 19, 2026 and are now fully operational.”
Partly supportedThe SETI Institute announced that the detectors were installed and operational.Universe Today: ““Two years ago, we announced our intention to bring LaserSETI to AlUla. Today, the instruments are installed, commissioned and observing the sky,” said Dr. Franck Marchis”
SupportedThe network's other sites are in California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Arizona.Universe Today: “The others are in California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Arizona.”
Partly supportedUnlike traditional SETI efforts, LaserSETI differs because they target specific stars or use large radio dishes.Universe Today: “Most of SETI's other efforts are slower, or target specific targets in the sky.”
SupportedDr. Franck Marchis said AlUla provides a new geographic vantage point and connects the site to a growing global network.Universe Today: ““AlUla gives LaserSETI an important new geographic vantage point and connects this remarkable astronomical site to a growing global network.” - Dr. Franck Marchis, SETI.”
SupportedEliot Gillum said AlUla extends the network into a new geographic region and each new location improves continuous monitoring and comparison of observations.Universe Today: ““Adding AlUla extends the network into an entirely new geographic region. Every new location improves our ability to monitor the sky continuously and to compare observations of unusual events from different parts of the world.””
SupportedNaif Al Malik said the AlUla commissioning marks an important milestone and creates opportunities for research, collaboration and knowledge exchange.Universe Today: ““The commissioning of LaserSETI at AlUla Manara marks an important milestone in our collaboration with SETI Institute, translating our shared ambition into scientific capability on the ground,” said Naif Al Malik, AlUla Manara Executive Program Head.”
Partly supportedSaudi Arabia has hosted international events in recent decades.Universe Today: “It's sought to host international sporting and cultural events.”