Astro tourism and stargazing in Dubai

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According to Skyscanner, one of the big travel trends for 2025 is ‘astro adventures’, and Dubai offers some out-of-this-world experiences. Visitors can go stargazing on a desert safari and in the mountains in Hatta, or attend a session with Dubai Astronomy Group.

Star spotting in Dubai is not just limited to red carpet events, world-class entertainment shows or restaurants led by celebrity chefs – stars of the cosmic variety are also in abundance across the emirate. According to Skyscanner, ‘astro adventures’ is one of the big travel trends for 2025, while Booking.com reported that nocturnal tourism, or ‘noctourism’, is ‘on the up’ with travellers seeking out dark-sky zones with ‘unprecedented enthusiasm’. From stargazing in the desert to astronomy workshops, Dubai offers some out-of-this-world experiences.

BEDOUIN LIFE IN THE DESERT

Bedouins, the nomadic tribes of the Arabian desert, have long used the stars as a natural compass to navigate the vast landscape. Their deep understanding of the night sky has been passed down through generations, enabling them to travel safely and efficiently across the desert. Bedouins relied on specific constellations and bright stars to determine their direction. Some of the most important celestial bodies include:

● The North Star (Polaris): Located at the end of the Little Dipper's handle, the North Star indicates true north. Bedouins would use it to set their course and maintain a consistent direction throughout their journey.

● The ‘Big Dipper’ or the ‘Plough’: Known as ‘the greater camel’ to Bedouins, this constellation was used to locate the North Star. The two outer stars of the Big Dipper’s bowl point directly to Polaris.

● Understanding the stars’ movement: Bedouins were well-versed in the apparent movement of stars across the night sky. They knew that stars rise in the east and set in the west, just like the sun and the moon. This knowledge allowed them to estimate the time of night and adjust their course accordingly.

● Using stars to determine latitude: Bedouins could estimate their latitude by observing the angle of certain stars above the horizon. For example, the North Star’s altitude in degrees is roughly equal to the observer’s latitude. This helped them determine their position in relation to known landmarks and destinations.

● Storytelling and memory aids: Bedouins developed a rich oral tradition of storytelling that incorporated the stars and constellations. These stories served as memory aids, helping them to recall the positions and names of important celestial bodies and their uses in navigation.

BEST DARK SKY AREAS FOR STARGAZING IN DUBAI

Dubai’s desert climate brings clear skies for most of the year, providing optimal conditions for stargazing. The vast, flat desert landscape offers unobstructed views of the night sky, making it an ideal setting for astronomical observations.

● Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: This protected area is one of the best spots for stargazing in the emirate. The open desert provides an unobstructed view of the night sky, and the lack of artificial light ensures optimal visibility. The reserve often hosts guided tours and astronomy events, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned stargazers. Dubai-based Platinum Heritage operates a private night safari and astronomy tour in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, starting from AED2,800 per vehicle.

● Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre: Launched by Dubai Astronomy Group in Mushrif National Park, Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art telescopes and observatory facilities. It offers regular stargazing sessions, workshops, and educational programmes, providing a structured and informative experience. The centre’s knowledgeable staff can help visitors identify constellations and planets, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

● Al Qudra Lakes: One of the most popular stargazing spots in all of the UAE, Al Qudra sits around an hour’s drive from Dubai in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. The lakes and surrounding desert create a peaceful environment, and the minimal light pollution allows for clear views of the stars. It’s also a popular spot for bird watching, picnics and night photography, making it a great place to combine stargazing with other activities.

● Hatta: Located in the Hajar Mountains, Hatta offers a cooler climate and stunning views of the night sky. As Hatta is less urban, meaning less light pollution, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the mountains while searching for the stars, making it a unique and memorable experience.

STARGAZING EXPERIENCES AND TOURS IN DUBAI

● Dubai Astronomy Group: With Dubai Astronomy Group, visitors can explore the night sky and make cosmic discoveries with fellow stargazers. A community who are passionate about astronomy and space, Dubai Astronomy Group opened the state-of-the-art Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre in 2017, in partnership with Dubai Municipality. Located in Mushrif National Park, the centre features a 100-seat theatre that screens astronomy-related documentaries and films. Also on-site is a library, cafe, an ‘Astro Academy’ and the UAE’s largest public observatory. The group has a packed calendar of themed events and workshops, as well as outdoor observations during key astronomical occurrences. Visitors can book local astronomy tours, planetarium shows and telescope observation sessions.

● Platinum Heritage: Dubai-based Platinum Heritage offers a private night safari and astronomy tour in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (from AED2,800 per vehicle). Visitors can get the chance to see nocturnal wildlife active at night before heading to a private Royal Reserve for a dining experience in a traditional Bedouin camp. Arrival at the camp comes with a greeting from the falconry team, followed by an astronomy session under the stars where an in-house astronomer will share folklore Bedouin tales that have been passed down through generations. The expert guide will also point out constellations using a laser and explain how the Bedouins would use these constellations for navigation. Guests will also have a chance to experience an up-close look at the constellations and moon using a Celestron telescope.

● OceanAir: Visitors can book an evening heritage safari and Bedouin experience (from AED694) in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve with OceanAir. The adventure starts with a desert safari in a classic Mercedes Benz G-class, where you will cruise through the sandy dunes of Al Marmoom Oasis, followed by a visit to a Bedouin village where a six-course Emirati dinner is served. As the sun sets and the lights dim, get ready for a mesmerising stargazing session where you’ll learn how the Bedouins used stars for navigation. OceanAir also has an evening camel caravan, bedouin dinner with Al Marmoom Oasis experience which concludes with the camp lights being turned off and where visitors can relax and enjoy the calm desert ambiance and get engaged in stargazing.

WHEN TO GO STARGAZING IN DUBAI

Depending on the time of year, visitors can observe planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Mars or the moon and bright stars such as Sirius from the Dubai desert. With a telescope, deep-sky objects such as nebulae, star clusters and galaxies are also visible. For visitors who wish to witness a meteor shower, the best are in January (Quadrantids), August (Perseids) and December (Geminids). At any one of these incredible events, you may be lucky enough to witness up to 100 to 120 meteors per hour in their peak.

LUNAR EVENTS IN 2025

● Perseid meteor shower: One of the most spectacular annual celestial events, the Perseid meteor shower, will be active from 17 July to 24 August 2025. Visitors in Dubai can witness this natural fireworks display by heading to dark, open areas away from city lights, such as the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or Al Qudra Lakes. The peak viewing nights are 12-13 August, when up to 100 meteors per hour can be seen. To enhance your experience, arrive after midnight when the sky is darkest, and allow your eyes to adjust for about 20 minutes. Lie back, look towards the constellation Perseus, and enjoy the show. The Dubai Astronomy Group often hosts viewing events, providing telescopes and expert guidance.

● Total lunar eclipse: On 7 September 2025, a total lunar eclipse will grace the night skies, offering a spectacular celestial event for visitors in Dubai. This phenomenon, where the Earth’s shadow completely covers the moon, will be visible in the emirate. To catch the great view, head to the Dubai Astronomy Group’s observatory in Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre or Al Qudra Lakes. The total lunar eclipse will take place in the skies of Dubai at around 9.30pm, with totality turning the moon red for around 90 minutes.

EXPERTS LIFEHACKS

● What’s special about stargazing in Dubai?: The Dubai desert is the most ideal place for stargazing. You can see almost 85% to 90% of the night sky from the desert, thanks to its closeness to the equator and distance from the city lights. Looking at the night sky here gives a fascinating insight into the lives of Bedouins who relied on the stars in the past, and there are experiences you can book that will reveal the stories of this intriguing heritage.

● When is the best time to come to Dubai for stargazing? Winter nights are the best for stargazing and astronomy because of the clear skies and cooler weather. Times when the moon is in its crescent or gibbous phase are ideal. Using a star chart or stargazing app can help you locate stars more easily if you’re not on a guided tour or don’t have an experienced astronomer with you.

● What other tips do you have for visitors keen to experience Dubai’s night skies? I recommend downloading stargazing apps like Star Walk to identify stars and constellations, and bring a tripod for photography if you’re interested in taking pictures of the night sky. Also, wrap up warm – it gets cold in the desert in winter.

For more information about things to see and do in Dubai, please visit: www.visitdubai.com

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