Alright, stargazers, night owls, and cosmic dreamers — this one’s for you. If your idea of a stellar night involves a blanket, some snacks, and a sky full of stars (no, not the Instagram kind), then hold onto your telescopes — or don’t, because you actually won’t need one. That’s right — the Milky Way is making a dazzling appearance across the UAE skies, and it’s visible to the naked eye. Yep, your actual eyeballs can soak in the galaxy. No fancy space gear required.
From May to October, the galaxy’s been slowly sliding into prime view, painting the sky with swirls of cosmic wonder. But here’s the catch — city lights are total buzzkills for stargazing. Dubai Marina’s glitz is fabulous for brunch, but not so much for spotting nebulae.
So, if you’re ready to trade skyscrapers for star clusters, we’ve got your ultimate Milky Way viewing list right here.
Al Quaa Milky Way Spot – The Real Galaxy Central
Think of Al Quaa as the VIP section of the UAE’s night sky club. Tucked between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, this is the place to witness the Milky Way in all its glory. No noise. No lights. Just you, the stars, and the occasional desert fox who’s probably wondering why you brought marshmallows.
Hot Tip: The Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting a Milky Way observation event on Saturday, June 21, right here. Expect guided astronomy sessions, deep-sky viewing, and even astrophotography tips. Bring a tripod, and you might just snag a galaxy for your feed.
Open 24/7 (the sky doesn’t close).
Free, but you’ll need a 4×4 and a sense of adventure.
Location: Al Quaa Desert, Abu Dhabi
Al Qudra Desert – The Stargazer’s Backyard
Just east of Dubai, Al Qudra is the go-to for casual cosmic chills. A regular haunt for astronomy buffs, it’s close enough for a spontaneous night drive but remote enough to give you decent darkness.
Pitch a tent, light a (controlled) fire, and soak up those interstellar vibes. Bonus: you might hear owls. Or maybe it’s just your friend snoring.
Free, and you can go solo or join a stargazing group.
Location: Al Qudra Desert, Dubai
Shuweihat Island – Stars, Serenity & Salt Flats
Warning: visiting Shuweihat Island might just ruin all your other nature trips. This remote beauty is Instagrammable by day and magical by night. Four hours from Dubai and totally worth the trek (bring a 4×4 and maybe an audiobook).
It’s one of those rare places where you can dip your toes in the Arabian Gulf and then lay back and count constellations. If you’re into “main character moments,” this is the setting.
Free. Nature’s flexing and not charging a dirham.
Location: Shuweihat Island, Abu Dhabi
Hatta – Stars with a Side of Mountains
Want stars and a backdrop of the dramatic Hajar mountains? Hatta’s got you. It’s not as remote as the others, so expect a bit of light pollution, but the views? Still 10/10. Plus, you can combine your starry escape with a hike, a kayak, or a stay at one of those bougie glamping sites.
Perfect for those who like their stargazing with a side of soft beds and hot showers.
Free entry, depending on how fancy you go.
Location: Hatta, Dubai
Pro Tips for Galaxy-Gazers:
- Timing is everything: Aim for new moon phases — when the sky is darkest.
- Humidity = boo. Dry, clear nights are best for those sparkly views.
- Apps help. Use stargazing apps like SkyView or Stellarium to know what you’re looking at (and to impress your date).
- Pack like a pro: Blankets, water, snacks, bug spray, and a sense of wonder.
So go on — ditch the malls and scrolls for stars and soul. The universe is putting on a free show, and all you’ve got to do is show up, look up, and marvel.
