Top 8 places to catch rare Cold Supermoon over Dubai
Events planned across the city for the final celestial event of 2025
DUBAI – The final full moon of the year will rise over Dubai this week, offering residents a rare chance to witness the 2025 Cold Supermoon.
Visible on Friday (December 5), the phenomenon marks the last full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, making it a notable celestial moment for stargazers and sky-watchers across the UAE. With clear desert skies expected, the city is preparing for a night of vivid lunar views, alongside special events organised to help residents make the most of the spectacle.
As the Moon becomes the final supermoon of the year, astronomy groups and outdoor destinations across Dubai are gearing up to welcome visitors. Whether watching from a park, beach, mountain road or desert escape, residents will have a wide range of options to witness the Cold Moon in all its brightness.
What is Cold Moon?
The Cold Moon has roots stretching back centuries. Historically known as the Yule Moon, it would appear during the Yule Festival, a three-day winter solstice celebration. Over time, the name shifted to the Cold Moon, reflecting the long and cold nights it traditionally accompanied in the Northern Hemisphere. Although Dubai does not experience those temperatures, the Moon’s appearance on Friday December 5 remains just as striking, giving residents the rare opportunity to observe the last full moon of 2025 in clear conditions.
How to experience it?
Meydan Racecourse: Several events have been organised to highlight the occasion. The Dubai Astronomy Group will host a dedicated Supermoon viewing at the Paddock Garden at Meydan Racecourse on Friday December 5. Visitors can watch the final Supermoon of the year while enjoying a night of live horse-racing. Tickets are Dh75 and available through the official website.
For those seeking a wellness-focused experience, a full moon yoga and sound healing session will take place in the desert with Platinum Heritage. Participants will travel through the dunes in vintage Land Rovers before taking part in a guided class under the Cold Moon, followed by a traditional camp dinner and a stargazing session. The experience is priced at Dh395 and can be booked at uae.platinum-heritage.com.
Al Barsha Pond Park: Open until 11.30pm, Al Barsha Pond Park offers wide lawns, walking paths and open spaces suitable for moonlit viewing. Despite the presence of some floodlights, the sky remains clear enough for visitors to enjoy the full moon in comfort. Entry is free.
Al Qudra Lakes: For those with a 4×4 vehicle, Al Qudra Lakes is a popular night-sky destination situated far from the city’s high-rise clusters. With low light pollution and wide horizons, the lakes provide uninterrupted views of the Supermoon. Barbecue areas are available, and Last Exit Al Qudra is a nine-minute drive away for visitors seeking food trucks. The site is open 24 hours.
Hatta: Located less than two hours from Dubai, Hatta sits within the Hajar Mountains, where light pollution reduces significantly further from the main roads. The elevated terrain offers a natural vantage point for those wishing to observe the sky. Several camping spots in the area remain popular with night-time visitors.
Jebel Ali Beach: This free public beach offers uninterrupted coastal views, making it suitable for watching the Cold Moon rise above the horizon. Visitors can take picnic baskets or remain in their vehicles, as parking areas are available nearby. The beach is accessible 24 hours a day.
Kite Beach: One of Dubai’s busiest beaches remains open at night, giving residents a chance to walk along the shoreline under the Cold Moon. Numerous beachside restaurants operate until midnight, offering convenient dining options for visitors staying out late.
The Viewing Point, Dubai Creek Harbour: This 70-metre walkway provides panoramic views of Dubai Creek, Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa. While it is not a picnic site, the promenade below features seating areas and dining options. The site is open 24 hours.
Al Quaa Milky Way Spot (Abu Dhabi): Located around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain, the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot is known for its exceptionally low light pollution. Accessible only by 4×4, the site is popular with regional stargazers seeking expansive views of the night sky. The location tag (23.604633,54.750256) helps visitors navigate. Entry is free and the area is open around the clock.