Perseids Meteor Shower 2025: How to see shooting stars from UAE’s highest peak
Dubai Astronomy Group to host special viewing in Ras Al Khaimah
DUBAI: For those who missed the Perseids’ peak earlier this week, the Dubai Astronomy Group is offering one last chance to witness the celestial spectacle from the UAE’s highest point, Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah.
The Perseids remain active until late August, but this special night on Saturday, 16 August, promises a guided and immersive experience under some of the country’s darkest skies.
The event runs from 11pm until 3am and includes educational sessions, telescope viewing, and astrophotography opportunities.
What is the Perseids?
The Perseids occur annually when Earth passes through debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, a 26-km-wide comet that last visited the inner solar system in 1992. As these particles enter the atmosphere at speeds of up to 60 kilometres per second, they burn up, creating streaks of light across the sky. While the radiant point lies in the Perseus constellation, meteors can be seen across the entire night sky. At its brightest, the shower can produce up to 75 meteors an hour.
How will it be viewed?
This year’s display follows its peak on 12–13 August, when a waxing gibbous moon reduced visibility of fainter meteors. Nevertheless, bright fireballs remain visible, especially from dark-sky locations. Jebel Jais offers minimal light pollution and an elevated vantage point for clearer views. The event includes a Perseids-focused talk, a live sky mapping session titled Stories in the Sky, and guided telescope observations.
When and where to join?
The Dubai Astronomy Group’s ticketed event takes place at Jebel Jais on Saturday, 16 August. The programme begins at 11:15pm with an introduction, followed by a Perseids talk, a Q&A session, and telescope observations until 3am. Visitors can try phone photography through telescopes, making it ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Tickets start from Dh150 and can be booked via official website.