Away from light pollution
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is renowned for its dazzling skyline, modern architecture, and luxurious shopping malls. Still, the Arabian Gulf country also offers a unique opportunity to escape the urban lights and immerse oneself in the wonders of the night sky.
In some regions of the UAE, clear skies, minimal light pollution, and diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for stargazing enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned astronomer equipped with a capable telescope or someone looking to enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars, here are the top five places to stargaze in the UAE.
1. Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Located just outside Dubai City, the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. The reserve is a vast expanse of golden dunes and is one of the best spots in the UAE for stargazing. Its remote location, sufficiently far from the artificial lights of urban areas, ensures that the night sky is essentially free from light pollution, giving visitors a perfect view of the Milky Way, constellations, and even shooting stars.
The Al Marmoom Desert is home to diverse wildlife, creating a unique setting where you can stargaze while listening to the sounds of the desert at night. Some travel and tour companies also offer guided stargazing tours with high-powered telescopes, making it an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
2. Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE, is in the Hajar Mountains in Ras Al Khaimah emirate. It is another incredible stargazing destination. At an altitude of over 1,900 metres, the clear mountain air and lack of nearby cities make it one of the best spots in the UAE to view the stars.
Jebel Jais is renowned for its cool temperatures and picturesque views, which become even more magical as the sun sets and the sky is lit with stars. Visitors can enjoy stargazing from the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck, which features benches and safety rails. For a more immersive experience, consider spending the night at the Jebel Jais Resort, where you can enjoy a starlit dinner in the middle of the mountains.
3. Liwa Desert
The vast expanse of the Liwa Desert, located in the south-western part of the UAE, is another top destination for stargazing. Known for its expansive dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see, Liwa offers one of the clearest night skies in the Middle East region.
The remote location ensures little to no light pollution, and the expansive, uninterrupted view of the sky makes it a stargazer’s dream. Visitors can camp under the stars or stay in luxurious desert resorts, where they can enjoy both comfort and the beauty of the starlit sky. You might even witness the occasional meteor shower or a celestial event, making it an unforgettable experience.
A popular favourite for celestial night shows is the Al Qua’a desert range, also known as the ‘Milky Way spot’, in the vast expanse of Liwa. The best time to visit here is on cloudless new moon nights, when the moon’s brightness is minimised, and the Milky Way galaxy can be seen in a bedazzling manner.
4. Al Qudra Lakes
Al Qudra Lakes, situated within the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, is an artificial oasis with a perfect stargazing setting. This picturesque spot, situated approximately 30 minutes from central Dubai, offers stunning views of the desert, and the clear night sky is ideal for observing constellations and planets.
Visitors to Al Qudra can enjoy a peaceful evening by the lakes, often in the company of local wildlife, including ducks, swans and flamingos.
The relatively quiet surroundings and minimal light pollution make it an ideal location for stargazing enthusiasts who wish to enjoy the stars without leaving the comforts of a nearby city. The serene atmosphere is perfect for those seeking a peaceful night under the stars.
5. Mleiha Archaeological Centre
The Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah emirate offers a unique experience for those interested in combining stargazing with history. Located in the Mleiha Desert, the centre allows visitors to explore ancient archaeological sites, followed by a night of stargazing.
The area’s desert environment, far from the light pollution of major cities, ensures a clear view of the night sky. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre also offers stargazing experiences with professional astronomers, who provide telescopes and detailed explanations of the celestial objects visible during the evening. This blend of history, culture, and astronomy makes Mleiha a fascinating destination for those looking to learn and stargaze in one trip.
Wait for new moon nights
The Optimum time for stargazing is when there is a new moon. A new moon happens when it is positioned directly between Earth and the sun, with its dark side facing Earth. This moon phase can be observed during a solar eclipse when the moon crosses before the sun.
New moons occur roughly once a month, as this is the approximate time it takes for the moon to complete its orbit around Earth. However, the moon’s orbit is slightly tilted to Earth’s orbit around the sun, so it does not always align perfectly to block the sun during every new moon. According to NASA, this is why a solar eclipse does not happen with every new moon.
Do remember
The UAE’s diverse landscapes and clear skies offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in the region. From the sandy dunes of Al Marmoom Desert to the mountain peaks of Jebel Jais, these locations provide an unforgettable experience for stargazing enthusiasts.
Whether seeking a quiet retreat in nature or an educational adventure with an expert guide, the UAE has something for everyone looking to explore the cosmos.
If you venture into some stargazing spots—such as the Liwa Desert—take basic safety precautions when entering off-road terrain, such as sandy tracks or dunes.
As explained by Albert Mahesh, founder of Dubai-based ‘Weekends With Albert’, some of the most ideal stargazing spots in the UAE are best viewed from off-road locations accessible by a capable 4×4 vehicle; ideally, one equipped with 4H/4L gears, with reduced tyre pressure, carrying requisite vehicle recovery gear such as a rated tow rope and soft shackles, and driven by an experienced off-road driver.
Call or WhatsApp Albert Mahes at +971 52 779 4602 for customised stargazing trips in unique desert locations.
Happy stargazing!
Hero image: Several locations across the UAE offer minimal light pollution and diverse landscapes, making it an ideal destination for stargazing enthusiasts. Credit: Kendall Hoopes
