Perseid meteor shower 2025: Where to watch the most stunning celestial spectacle in UAE
Dubai Astronomy is hosting a viewing event on Jebel Jais, UAE’s highest peak
DUBAI: Stargazers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are in for a celestial show this month as the Perseid meteor shower returns to light up the night skies.
Known as one of the most dazzling annual astronomical events, the Perseids are active until 23 August, with peak viewing expected during the night of 12th August (Tuesday) into the early hours of 13th August (Wednesday).
Caused by Earth passing through debris from the 26-km-wide comet Swift-Tuttle, the shower typically produces up to 75 visible meteors per hour at its peak, travelling at speeds of around 60 kilometres per second. While the radiant appears near the Perseus constellation in the northern sky, the meteors can streak across any part of the sky.
However, this year’s peak will coincide with a nearly full Sturgeon Moon, glowing at approximately 84% brightness on 12 August. The resulting lunar light pollution is expected to reduce the visibility of fainter meteors by up to 75%. Still, the brighter fireballs may be visible, especially from locations with minimal artificial lighting.
Where to watch?
For the best view of the meteor shower in the UAE, astronomy enthusiasts are advised to head away from city lights and seek out dark-sky locations. One of the most anticipated gatherings will be held at the country’s highest peak.
Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
The Dubai Astronomy Group will host a ticketed stargazing event on Jebel Jais, offering an immersive night-time experience. Running on the night of 12 August, the programme includes telescope observations, a sky mapping session, expert talks and a dedicated Q&A, all under minimal light pollution. Tickets start from Dh150.
Event schedule:
- 11:15 PM – Event introduction
- 11:45 PM – Talk on the Perseids
- 12:30 AM – Sky mapping workshop
- 01:00 AM – Q&A with astronomy experts
- 01:30 AM – Guided telescope observation
What about solo trips?
Those preferring to explore on their own can choose from several popular stargazing sites across the UAE:
Al Quaa Milky Way Spot (Abu Dhabi)
Approximately 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain, this desert site is renowned for its low light pollution. The location is open 24/7 and accessible via Google Maps at coordinates 23.604633, 54.750256. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended due to sandy terrain.
Al Qudra Desert (Dubai)
A favourite for many stargazing events, Al Qudra offers convenient access from Dubai. Visitors can bring their own equipment or simply enjoy the view with the naked eye. It's advisable to arrive early to find a good spot and allow eyes to adjust to the dark.
Hatta (Dubai)
Located about an hour and a half from central Dubai, Hatta’s mountainous landscape provides an elevated perspective of the night sky. While not as remote as other sites, it still offers better visibility than within the city.
Shuweihat Island (Abu Dhabi)
For those seeking a more dramatic landscape, Shuweihat Island near Abu Dhabi offers unique salt flats and complete seclusion. Reaching the site takes around four hours from Dubai, and a 4×4 is recommended.
When are the best viewing windows?
Although the peak nights fall on 12 and 13 August, the nearly full moon is expected to wash out most faint meteors. For darker skies, alternative windows are ideal:
- 24 July (new moon) – Excellent visibility but lower meteor count
- 16–26 August – Waning moon improves darkness, though meteor frequency declines
The best viewing time each night remains between midnight and dawn, when the meteor radiant rises higher in the sky. Viewers are encouraged to arrive early, bring water and snacks, and allow 20–30 minutes for their eyes to fully adjust to the dark.
While no equipment is necessary to enjoy the shower, avoiding phone lights and bright screens will enhance the overall experience.