Where to see the Milky Way in the UAE this weekend
Calling all stargazers, here's a summertime treat that you don't want to miss.
The Milky Way is now visible from the UAE, meaning there's no excuse not to catch a glimpse of the galaxy.
Becoming clearer in the night sky from May all the way until October, the spectacle will be bright enough that you won't need a telescope to watch it either.
If you like this: Stargazing in Dubai: Full line-up of astronomical events in 2025
Although you can spot the Milky Way with your own eyes, there's a high chance you'll never spot it in the city.
For the best view, a spokesperson for the Dubai Astronomy Group said that areas have clear skies with low light pollution, and humidity offer the best conditions for viewing. And new moon phases also provide a better view.
The best views can be seen away from the city lights in dark sky locations such as Al Quaa, Al Razeen or parts of the desert around Al Ain.
Wondering where to head for an evening of gazing up at the stars? Check out some of our top picks below.
Best stargazing spots in the UAE
Al Quaa Milky Way Spot
A quiet and open spot (away from night pollution) is always a good bet for stargazing. Around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain, is the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot.
Dubai Astronomy Group will host a Milky Way observation event on Saturday June 21 in Al Quaa Desert, Abu Dhabi. Stargazers will be treated to an evening of astronomy, deep-sky observation and astrophotography.
If you're planning a visit on your own, you'll need a 4×4 to get there and be adept at desert driving. It has its own location tag on Google Maps (23.604633,54.750256.)
Free. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Abu Dhabi.
Al Qudra Desert
A regular spot for Dubai Astronomy's stargazing events, this desert can be found to the east of Dubai. You can also head here on your own accord and set up camp for a night under the stars.
Shuweihat Island
If you are interested in seeing a place that looks spectacular day or night, then Shuweihat Island is a must.
Around a four-hour drive from Dubai, you'll find salt flats and serenity. A 4×4 car is recommended when visiting.
Free. Shuwaihat island.
Hatta
Hajar mountain location Hatta, which is just an hour and a half away from Dubai, can be a good spot to see the night sky, but as the spot isn't as deep into the wilderness as some of the others, there may be some light.
In other Dubai news
Dubai announces 4-day work week and reduced hours
Check if you're eligible
Mark your calendar: Dubai's summer start date is almost here
It falls on a later date this year
Dubai Metro Blue Line: Here's where the 14 new stations will be located
What to expect when the route arrives
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Where to see the Milky Way in the UAE this weekend
Calling all stargazers, here's a summertime treat that you don't want to miss. The Milky Way is now visible from the UAE, meaning there's no excuse not to catch a glimpse of the galaxy. Becoming clearer in the night sky from May all the way until October, the spectacle will be bright enough that you won't need a telescope to watch it either. If you like this: Stargazing in Dubai: Full line-up of astronomical events in 2025 Although you can spot the Milky Way with your own eyes, there's a high chance you'll never spot it in the city. For the best view, a spokesperson for the Dubai Astronomy Group said that areas have clear skies with low light pollution, and humidity offer the best conditions for viewing. And new moon phases also provide a better view. The best views can be seen away from the city lights in dark sky locations such as Al Quaa, Al Razeen or parts of the desert around Al Ain. Wondering where to head for an evening of gazing up at the stars? Check out some of our top picks below. Best stargazing spots in the UAE Al Quaa Milky Way Spot A quiet and open spot (away from night pollution) is always a good bet for stargazing. Around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain, is the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot. Dubai Astronomy Group will host a Milky Way observation event on Saturday June 21 in Al Quaa Desert, Abu Dhabi. Stargazers will be treated to an evening of astronomy, deep-sky observation and astrophotography. If you're planning a visit on your own, you'll need a 4×4 to get there and be adept at desert driving. It has its own location tag on Google Maps (23.604633,54.750256.) Free. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Abu Dhabi. Al Qudra Desert A regular spot for Dubai Astronomy's stargazing events, this desert can be found to the east of Dubai. You can also head here on your own accord and set up camp for a night under the stars. Shuweihat Island If you are interested in seeing a place that looks spectacular day or night, then Shuweihat Island is a must. Around a four-hour drive from Dubai, you'll find salt flats and serenity. A 4×4 car is recommended when visiting. Free. Shuwaihat island. Hatta Hajar mountain location Hatta, which is just an hour and a half away from Dubai, can be a good spot to see the night sky, but as the spot isn't as deep into the wilderness as some of the others, there may be some light. In other Dubai news Dubai announces 4-day work week and reduced hours Check if you're eligible Mark your calendar: Dubai's summer start date is almost here It falls on a later date this year Dubai Metro Blue Line: Here's where the 14 new stations will be located What to expect when the route arrives
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