Best Stargazing Spots in UAE: Mapping the Constellations

“There wouldn’t be a sky full of stars if we were all meant to be wishing on the same one.”
– Frances Clark

If you dream of stars, constellations, and everything magical, the UAE is a must-visit destination for you. Enveloped in a dark blanket dotted with sparkling stars, the skyline transforms into a magical playground at night, offering splendid views from below. You can only see so much online, so visit the best stargazing spots in UAE to admire these scenes that are slowly receding away from the cities.

True peace can only be found when looking above the stars, so hop on cheap flights to Dubai and journey towards tranquillity. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a few falling stars to make a wish on!

Al Quaa Milky Way Spot

Unbeatably, the best stargazing spot in the world, Al Quaa, was previously a hidden destination with no available GPS directions to reach it. However, now it’s one of the most visited stargazing spots in the UAE, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Dubai and a 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi. You can find a camping hub nearby, a great place to set up a tent and get all snug to admire the night sky views.

It’s a favourite among photographers who capture brilliant photos of the Milky Way at this spot. Besides offering the most unobstructed sky view, it’s also quite popular since it’s located away from city crowds. The best time to see Milky Way Abu Dhabi at Al Quaa is between October and March, specifically on less-cloudy nights when no moon is visible in the sky. Secure your Abu Dhabi visa online today to admire the scene of your dreams! You don’t need a telescope at this location.
Address: Al Quaa Desert, Abu Dhabi. Take the road towards Al Ain or arrive at these coordinates: 23.604633, 54.750256.

Wadi Shawka

Star-struck travellers will be equally love-struck by the skyscapes at Wadi Shawka, a short drive from Downtown Dubai! Out of all the stargazing spots Dubai, Wadi Shawka is the best and also a perfect day trekking destination to add to your personalised Dubai tour packages adventures! Arrive early in the day and scout out the best place for stargazing Dubai to catch the best night sky views once the sun sets.

Wadi Shawka is home to clear lakes, which frame the perfect scene for an aesthetic Milky Way reflective photograph for a Stargazing Ras Al Khaimah experience. It’s not as quiet as Al Quaa, but nothing beats the views of the surrounding Jebel Jais Mountains, creating a picturesque background for every image you capture at one of the best stargazing spots in UAE.
Address: 423W+MJV – Dam – Showkah – Ras Al Khaimah – United Arab Emirates.

Also read: Experience Space Like Sunita Williams at the Best Space Museums in the World. 

Al Qudra

One of the best stargazing spots in UAE, Al Qudra, is usually avoided because of the light pollution. A simple trick to get away from the lights is to drive a bit further, beyond the lake, and you’ll discover the quietest and darkest location to catch spectacular night sky views. You can also visit the beautiful Al Qudra Lake, a bright blue colour in the daytime.

Al Qudra is a popular stargazing spot for couples since it is isolated and beautiful enough to set up a camp and enjoy a quiet evening. The best way to get to an isolated spot in the middle of nowhere, away from the city lights, is to ride a bicycle and take the cycle path. It is recommended to carry a telescope if you plan to enjoy the night sky views from here to see a clear view of the planets.

Address:  Near the Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Marmoon, United Arab Emirates.

Hatta

If you’re looking for a more luxurious best stargazing spots in UAE, Hatta is the best destination for your escape! You need not stay in tents, as you can easily secure accommodation at the best hotels in Dubai for an unbeatable, luxurious glamping experience. Star-watchers might have to deal with some light pollution; however, most of the Milky Way is visible in the South, where the light is the least, so it is a great spot.

Hatta lies within a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Dubai, and its gentle peaks are known for biking and mountain climbing escapes, perfect for beginners and pros. It also offers many unique experiences to enjoy during the daytime, including the bustling Hatta Heritage Village, Hatta Dam, the turquoise Hatta Rock Pools, and the Hatta Wadi Hub!

Address: 130km Southeast of Dubai.  

Also read: Top Places on Earth that Look like Outer Space

Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences

Since the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre is temporarily closed, you should visit the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences instead! The Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre houses the most powerful telescope, making it one of the best stargazing spots in UAE. The Sharjah Centre for Astronomy & Space Sciences is a tiny observatory in comparison, housing one telescope from which you can catch a closer glimpse of the planets, stars, and much more.

The centre is well-known for its contribution to information regarding the phases of the moon that help determine exactly when important Islamic events like Eid and Ramadan begin. It’s easy to spot from a distance, decorated with a golden dome at the top for some.
Address: Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Nahyan Road, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.  

Looking for a stargazing spot near me from India? Read: India’s First Astro Village: Benital- A Celestial Heaven for Stargazers

Al Sadeem Astronomy

If you’re looking to learn more about the brilliant stars from a professional, the Al Sadeem Astronomy Centre, set up by businessman Thabet Al Qaissieh, is a must! Located in Abu Dhabi, this informative hub makes astronomy accessible to all as the top of the best stargazing spots in UAE. It is home to three of the most advanced telescopes that stand at an Al Wathba Private Farm, offering unobstructed views of the night sky away from the bustling cities.

While focusing on in-depth research about the universe beyond Earth, Al Sadeem Astronomy Centre also offers Stargazing UAE packages for an informative gazing session. Beginning your cosmic adventure at Al Sadeem Astronomy Centre is a great choice, especially for those visiting with kids, since they regularly organise public outreach programs to share the wonders of the universe with all! The Stargazing UAE price starts from AED 400 per person.

Address: Al Wathbah – U18 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates.

Shuweihat Island

Besides the gorgeous blue waters and rocky cliffs of Shuweihat Island that make it an incredibly popular tourist destination, it is also well-known as one of the best stargazing spots in UAE! It is the closest to Al Ruwais Town, and you can easily get here by driving along the 4×4 highways to get closer to the waterfront to admire the silent river of stars above. Getting here would require some off-roading.

Its orange sandstone cliffs and white sand beaches only enhance the beauty of the scenery at sunset, when the Milky Way is enveloped in brilliant shades of colour. You should also ensure that you’re not camping on private property at Shuweihat Island.

Address: Near the Saudi Arabia border in the western region of Abu Dhabi.

Jebel Hafit Desert Park

If the tallest peak in Abu Dhabi is not one of the best stargazing spots in UAE, then what is? Jebel Hafit is a grand pedestal rising above the surrounding peaks, which, even though it is miles away from the stars, makes you feel like you can reach for them easily. Leave behind the light pollution of the city and the fog below as you admire the sea of stars in HD from the cliff’s peak.  

Glamping is trending currently, especially when trying to catch the stars, and the Jebel Hafit Desert Park offers exactly that! The camping in luxury experience at Pura Eco Glamping Resort is what makes the Jebel Hafit Desert Park worth driving to, as it is quite far away from the cities (two hours from Abu Dhabi and two and a half hours from Dubai). The bubble-shaped tents here have a clear ceiling, offering a direct night sky view with some extra privacy.

Address: Jabal Hafeet – Al Thimaid – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates.

5-Star UAE Resorts with Stargazing Packages

Combining stargazing with luxury is one of the best romantic activities to enjoy when celebrating any special occasion. It also offers a gala time for all kids who enjoy marvelling at the stars above. The UAE is home to some of the best resorts, providing stargazing packages that guarantee the best escape! Some of these include:

• Moon Retreat: A collection of bubble hotels standing in a circular formation in the Mleiha Desert is the perfect site to enjoy an extravagant barbecue dinner while admiring the sky lit up with stars.
• Al Faya Retreat: Perfect for star gazing Sharjah, the Retreat is a delight during the daytime with its open-air swimming pool and saltwater spa. You can easily lounge in the pool and admire the starry sky at night or enjoy the view from the skylight.
• Al Badayer Retreat: With spectacular views of the rolling dunes and all kinds of rooms to choose from, including villas and more budget-friendly rooms, the Al Badayer Retreat is a must. You can admire the stars away from the loud city and also adventure out to the ghost town, a 15-minute drive away, during your stay. They also have indoor and outdoor pools and spas to beat the summer heat.
• The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al-Khaimah: You can enjoy nature and luxury at this resort, located in the middle of the wild Al Wadi Nature Reserve! From delicious meals to the most gorgeous landscapes, the resort has it all. You can admire the stars from a rainforest-like setting or choose the dune views instead.

All you need to get started on this experience is to choose between the multiple types of Dubai Visas available online. Grab a 14 Days Dubai Visa, 30 Days Dubai Visa, or 60 Days Dubai Visa for a tourism adventure unlike ever seen before. You should ensure you secure the best hotels in Dubai in advance to avoid missing out on your visa application, as accommodation and flight bookings are not a requirement.

Also read: 2-Year Dubai Work Visa Update: Who is Eligible & How to Access? 

Tips for the Best Stargazing UAE

Here are some tips for new stargazers to enjoy the best experience when visiting the best stargazing spots in UAE!

• The best months to catch the most unclouded skies for stargazing fall between April and September.
• Always plan a stargazing escape when there is no moon in the sky to catch the brightest starry view.
• You can capture the best pictures only if you have a manually adjustable, good-quality camera. Use a slow shutter speed and set it to high ISO.
• Always carry a blanket or shawl to keep warm in case the temperature drops, as deserts can get cold.
• You must arrive 30 minutes before to let your eyes adapt to the darkness. Avoid using bright light, and use red light instead.
• Take help from stargazing apps to locate planets, constellations, and much more for a more fulfilling sky-watching experience.

So, when are you planning your next Dubai stargazing tour in the UAE? Now that you know some of the best stargazing spots in UAE, grab your loved ones who are as excited by the starry sparkles and get going!

FAQs – Best Stargazing Spots in UAE

Where can you stargaze in the UAE?
Some of the best places to stargaze in the UAE include Al Quaa, Shweihat Island, Jebel Hafit Desert Resort, and Hatta. Al Quaa is one of the darkest stargazing spots and is preferred for its unobstructed terrain, offering brilliant night sky views.

Is Dubai good for stargazing?
Yes, the Dubai deserts are perfect for stargazing since they are at a reasonable distance from all light pollutants and their proximity to the equator. The desert is full of gentle dunes that form the perfect resting grounds for stargazing.

When can you see the Milky Way in the UAE?
Between November to March is the best time to catch the Milky Way in all its glory in the UAE.

Which location is the best for stargazing?
Al Quaa in the UAE is the best location for stargazing because of its large distance from light pollutants, which makes it one of the darkest spots here.

What stars can you see in the UAE night sky?
The most prominent stars visible in summer in the UAE night sky are Scorpius, Lyra, and Sagittarius. You can also enjoy a captivating Milky Way view and the cluster of Alpha Centauri stars in the sky.

Is telescope allowed in UAE?
Yes, telescopes are allowed in the UAE.

How much does it cost to go to Al Quaa Milky Way spot?
It costs AED 400 to go to the Al Quaa Milky Way spot.

Also Read:

• A Guide to Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah.
• Cool Activities to Do in Dubai in Summer
• Watch the Last Dubai Fountain Show Before it Closes for Renovation.

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