Rare Total Solar Eclipse to Darken Saudi Arabia for Nearly Six Minutes

Saudi Arabia is set to witness one of the most spectacular astronomical events of the 21st century when a rare total solar eclipse crosses large parts of the Kingdom on August 2, 2027.

The eclipse will bring nearly six minutes of total darkness to parts of western and southern Saudi Arabia, making it one of the longest total solar eclipses of the century. The rare event is expected to attract millions of residents, tourists, scientists and astronomy enthusiasts eager to observe the phenomenon.

According to the Saudi Space Agency, the city of Abha could experience almost six minutes of totality, while Jeddah and sections of the western coastline are expected to remain in darkness for around five minutes and 50 seconds. The agency said the eclipse will position Saudi Arabia among the world's best locations for observing and documenting the celestial event, while neighbouring Egypt is expected to experience the eclipse's maximum duration.

Elsewhere across the Kingdom, residents will witness a partial solar eclipse, with some areas expected to see up to 80 per cent of the Sun obscured. The exact timing and extent of the eclipse will vary depending on location.

The Saudi Space Agency urged the public to observe the eclipse safely by using certified eclipse glasses or specialised solar filters, warning against looking directly at the Sun with the naked eye.

Majed Abu Zahra, president of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, said the eclipse's path of totality will begin along the Red Sea coast before passing over dozens of cities and governorates, including Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, Al Baha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran.

During totality, daylight will briefly resemble twilight, temperatures are expected to drop noticeably, and observers will be able to see the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona. Bright stars and planets may also become visible in the darkened sky, creating a rare and unforgettable spectacle.