Breaking news

Nocturnal Tourism: Chasing The Northern Lights Becomes A Growing Trend

The Northern Lights have captivated travelers for centuries, but recent solar activity has made this natural phenomenon more spectacular than ever. NASA reports that this year’s solar cycle has led to the strongest displays of the Northern Lights in 500 years, with the peak continuing into 2025 and 2026. This incredible solar activity is driving a new travel trend—nocturnal tourism, where the night sky is the main attraction.

Key Facts

NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that the Sun’s 11-year cycle had reached its “solar maximum,” leading to an increase in space weather phenomena like solar flares and electromagnetic radiation. These events are responsible for more frequent and intense geomagnetic storms, which in turn cause the stunning Northern Lights displays. According to NASA, this solar peak will last until 2026 and gradually decline by 2030.

This year also saw the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades, contributing to the brightest and most powerful Northern Lights in recent history. These awe-inspiring displays are expected to continue attracting visitors who want to witness them firsthand.

Night Tourism: The New Trend in Travel

Nocturnal tourism, a term inspired by night-themed art, has surged in popularity this year. Booking.com named it as a top travel trend for 2025. Nearly two-thirds of travelers expressed interest in visiting destinations for stargazing, cosmic events, and other night-focused activities. This trend is not just about celestial displays; it also includes other nighttime activities such as city tours, truffle hunting, and moonlit picnics by the sea.

Luxury travel company Wayfairer Travel noted a 25% rise in nocturnal tourism requests, with travelers booking experiences to view the Northern Lights in Norway and Iceland, night diving in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and wildlife safaris in Zambia and Kenya. The company also mentioned an increasing interest in stargazing in Chile’s Atacama Desert and other remote, light-pollution-free locations.

Where to See the Northern Lights in 2025

To fully experience the Northern Lights, clear skies and minimal light pollution are essential. Most of the year, the aurora borealis can be seen in Alaska and northern Canada, but next year offers an ideal time to visit Iceland and Norway. Other top destinations include Lapland in Finland, Tromsø in Norway, Abisko in Sweden, and Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. Europe’s largest stargazing park in Northumberland, England, is another prime location to chase the Northern Lights.

In Search of Darkness

Nocturnal tourism is rapidly growing as travelers seek to witness the natural beauty of the night sky. This pursuit of darkness often leads them to remote and isolated locations to escape light pollution. For the best experience, many travelers choose to stay away from larger groups and opt for accommodations where artificial lights can be minimized. The darkest skies during the new moon provide the best conditions for viewing celestial wonders such as the Northern Lights, the Milky Way, and other cosmic phenomena.

As the trend of nocturnal tourism grows, more travelers are discovering the magic of the night sky. Whether chasing the Northern Lights, stargazing, or experiencing once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events, 2025 is set to be an exciting year for those eager to explore the world after dark.

Forbes Middle East Unveils 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen Of 2025

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 ranking of the region’s top businesswomen, spotlighting influential leaders reshaping industries and driving meaningful transformation. The list was based on business size, individual accomplishments, leadership impact, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Top Spot For Hana Al Rostamani

For the third consecutive year, Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (UAE’s largest bank by assets), claims the top position. In addition to retaining her position in the Forbes Middle East ranking, she was also featured on Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, securing the 60th position globally. Under her leadership, the bank achieved an impressive $3.5 billion in net profits and $334.8 billion in assets in the first nine months of 2024.

Rising Stars In The Top 10

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar of NBK Group and Shaista Asif, cofounder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, take the second and third spots respectively, completing the top three.

The top 10 remains largely unchanged from last year, with Tayba Al Hashemi of ADNOC Offshore, Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, and Suzanne Al Anani of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) making their debut in the top 10. In total, 27 new leaders have joined the list this year.

A Diverse And Powerful Group Of Women

This year’s list features 100 women from 32 sectors and 29 nationalities, underlining the diversity of talent driving the region’s progress. The banking and financial services sector leads with 25 entries, followed by healthcare and technology with nine each, and venture capital with five. Remarkably, 40% of the top 10 women are from the banking and financial services sector. Notably, Shaista Asif (PureHealth Holding) and Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare GCC) are the only non-Arab women in the top 10.

UAE Leads With 46 Leaders

The UAE continues to dominate, with 46 of the women on the list hailing from the country, solidifying its status as a global business hub. Egypt follows with 18 influential women, and Saudi Arabia claims nine entries. Egyptians lead in representation, followed by Emiratis and Lebanese women.

Empowering Women Through Initiatives

Several of the leaders have focused on upskilling and creating opportunities for women. Susana Rodriguez Puerta launched the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women Council, aimed at providing 500 female council members in the UAE with AI skills. Similarly, Lamia Tazi of SOTHEMA collaborated with the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering to provide scholarships to PhD students from low-income backgrounds.

Click here for the full list.

Uri Levine Course

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter