Dubai’s skyline may dazzle during the day, but for stargazing, you’ll want to find a way to escape the city lights. Fortunately, this weekend – June 21 – brings clear skies and perfect conditions to experience the enchanting Milky Way stretching beautifully across the desert sky.
If you’ve never seen the Milky Way before, now is your chance.
How does the Milky Way appear in the sky like that? What is really behind it?
The Milky Way is our amazing galaxy, filled with a dazzling array of stars, planets, dust, gas, and dark matter. When you look up at the night sky on a clear, dark evening, you can witness that stunning, glowing, cloud-like band stretching across the heavens; that’s the Milky Way shining down on us.
A cosmic masterpiece awaits you in the glorious Milky Way! Picture star-forming nebulae, shimmering clusters of stars, and swirling interstellar dust, all coming together along with a supermassive black hole at the very heart of our galaxy. Every time you gaze upon this breathtaking sight, you’re peering into something ancient, vast, and wonderful.
It’s not just a view; it’s a glimpse into the universe we call home.
Why June 21?
The Milky Way is always there, but whether we can see it clearly depends on some resons like; The moon will be at a minimal phase for better visiblity new moon or minimal moonlight. and weather forecasts show clear skies, light pollution the darker the surroundings (like deserts or mountains), the better especially in the UAE’s remote desert regions.
That means perfect visibility for celestial wonders like star clusters, planets, and of course, the Milky Way. and Time of year: Best visible in the Northern Hemisphere from April to October, with June–August being peak months
where should you go?
Al Quaa Abu Dhbai
Al Quaa has become famous for its black skies, unpolluted by the bright lights of urban life. Among many astronomy enthusiasts, it is referred to as “Milky Way Spot,” for which, if you have been there once, you know why. This beautiful celestial show starts right after the sunset.
The night sky will expose stars of constellations, planets, and a striking strip of Milky Way stretched across the top to bottom of the sky, shining like a river of stars. Telescopes are not needed, just bare eyes are enough to observe the cosmic beauty above.
Hatta
It’s just a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai, the Hajar Mountains in Hatta offer a peaceful and elevated escape for night-sky lovers. While not as remote as deep desert sites, Hatta still provides a beautiful mountain setting with relatively low light pollution; perfect for casual stargazing under clear skies.
Jebel Jais Observation Deck
Located in Ras Al Khaimah and just under a 2-hour drive from Dubai, Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE, making it one of the best elevated spots for stargazing. The Jebel Jais Observation Deck sits high in the mountains, offering a clearer view of the night sky than the city.
Thanks to its high altitude and cooler temperatures, you get a darker, crisper sky, ideal for seeing stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way. Although it’s a bit more developed than remote desert locations, the deck is well-designed for visitors, with telescopes, seating areas, and nearby facilities.
It’s a great choice for kids who are curious about space and love scenic nights; offering them a magical stargazing experience they’ll never forget.
Enjoy the Stars Responsibly
As much as we love this magical stargazing experience and want you; our beloved reader, to enjoy it too, here are a few important tips to keep in mind before visiting the Milky Way skies in Abu Dhabi.
Tips
- Bring a Flashlight: Use soft flash light for safety without disturbing others.
- Pick a Quiet Spot: Camp away from the main road to enjoy peace and stargazing.
- Pack Smart: Essentials like water, food, warm clothes, and blankets are a must.
- No Littering: Leave no trace; keep the environment clean.
- Avoid Full Moons: Visit during new moon nights for the best star views.
- Stay Safe: Avoid solo off-roading and ensure visibility to others.
- Respect Fire Safety: Extinguish campfires completely before leaving.
Enjoy a magical weekend under the stars! When you visit, don’t forget to share your experience with us; tag your photos on our social media. We can’t wait to see your stellar moments!
Read More : 7 Underrated Places to Visit in Dubai
