Residents of the United Arab Emirates are preparing for the upcoming Perseid meteor shower, which promises spectacular views of the celestial phenomenon over the Emirates' territories. Thanks to the vast deserts, dunes will be an ideal place to observe this natural show.
This year, the peak activity of the Perseids is on August 12–13, coinciding with the new moon. This ensures clear skies for residents with minimal interference from moonlight. The Perseid meteor shower is known for bright, fast meteors and rare fireballs—these are exceptionally bright meteors that can be brighter than Venus and are sometimes accompanied by sound.
For those who want to watch the meteors but do not know how to prepare or what to bring, various venues are organizing events for astronomy enthusiasts and beginners.
What is included in the event
In Al Khatim desert in Abu Dhabi, observation of a planetary telescope, a sky mapping session, and a Q&A session with experts are planned. Meteor observation will last until three o'clock in the morning. Organizers also provide mats for sitting, water, hot drinks, and snacks. The ticket price is 180 dirhams, and the child ticket costs 160 dirhams. An additional ticket for transportation costs 110 dirhams.
At Mleiha National Park in Sharjah, at the Mleiha Eye Lounge, the event will take place on August 13th from 6:30 PM to 1:00 AM. The cost includes an astronomy tour, a desert buffet dinner, scheduled telescope sessions, and continuous meteor observation. Non-alcoholic beverages, water, Karak tea, and Arabic coffee will also be served. The standard adult ticket is 225 dirhams, and the child ticket is 175 dirhams; premium tickets are sold out.
At Al Quaa location, the darkest spot in the UAE, dates available are August 13th, August 14th, September 5th, September 12th, October 3rd, and October 10th. Availability for August dates is limited. Here, a grilled barbecue dinner, camping equipment including a bonfire, and a stargazing tour with telescope access and guides knowledgeable about Al Quaa are offered. The price for an adult is 450 dirhams, for a child is 350 dirhams, and the bus transportation service from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Al Quaa and back costs 200 dirhams.
Important Information
Regarding logistics, the nearest gas station is 25 minutes away. It is recommended to use a four-wheel-drive vehicle (4x4), although a standard car can also reach the destination. The parking area is located approximately 1 km from the event venue, and a shuttle service will be available.
If visiting Al Quaa, transport will be provided from regular cars to the interior of the desert using SUVs. A portable toilet with a private tent will be available. For complete information on visiting Al Quaa, it is recommended to read the report from Khaleej Times.
According to DAG recommendations, to maximize the experience of observing the Perseids, several points should be considered. A telescope or binoculars are not required to view the Perseids; they can be seen with the naked eye. Patience is crucial: phones must be turned off, and all screens avoided to allow eyes to adapt to the darkness for 20–30 minutes.
Deserts are ideal viewing spots, but precautions must be taken. If traveling alone (without an event organizer), groups should move together and carry sufficient supplies, including hydration and adequate lighting, depending on the expected duration of stay. Depending on the desert, permits may be required for extended camping, so information should be clarified with the relevant emirate authority.
For photography, it is recommended to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera for full manual control over settings such as ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Autofocus must be disabled, and focus should be manually set on a bright star, planet, or infinity for the best clarity. It is recommended to set the aperture to f/2.8 or lower, use an exposure of 15 to 30 seconds, and set ISO to 1600 or higher.


