Stargazers in the UAE can catch the Milky Way all summer long

Dubai: As summer begins, UAE residents are in for a celestial treat, the Milky Way Galaxy will be visible in the night sky from May through October, with the best views peaking in July and August.

During this period, skywatchers can catch a glimpse of the galaxy’s radiant core, glowing brightly across the night sky. But to make the most of this natural spectacle, knowing when and where to look is essential.

Where to watch

The key to a breathtaking Milky Way viewing experience is location. According to the Dubai Astronomy Group, the best spot is Al Qua’a in Abu Dhabi. This remote desert area, the closest dark-sky site to the city, offers clear, unobstructed views of the galaxy’s dense, star-filled core.

Visitors can park at the base of a dirt path that leads deeper into the desert. To avoid interference from car lights and dust, it’s best to take a short walk into the sand for an undisturbed stargazing experience.

Sawhkan Dam: This is another place to watch the show. Located at a 45-minute drive from Dubai in Ras Al Khaimah, Wadi Shawhkah features clear skies, rocky valleys, and mountain trails.

Al Qudra Desert: This is another good spot to watch the Milky Way. This serene desert, with its lakes and landscape, is perfect for a peaceful evening of stargazing. For a light pollution-free experience, drive past the Love lake and follow the cycling path into the desert.

Jebel Jais Observation Deck: Located at the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais offers a magical stargazing experience with designated camping areas.

Tala Mareeb Liwa: Known for its remote location and minimal light pollution, Tal Moreen offers an excellent stargazing experience.

When to Go

Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, said that the period from May to August provides the ideal conditions for stargazing, thanks to longer dark nights and especially bright stars.

For the clearest view of the Milky Way, aim for nights with no cloud cover or moonlight. Avoiding light pollution is crucial — try to be at least 35 kilometres away from urban areas. Interestingly, the best time to stargaze is often after a light rain, when the atmosphere is clearer and more stable.

Arrive early so your eyes can adjust to the darkness, and choose a quiet, dark spot free from artificial light. Then simply look up and enjoy the majestic sweep of the Milky Way across the sky.

What is the Milky Way

According to the American Museum of Natural History, the Milky Way is a huge collection of stars, dust and gas. It’s called a spiral galaxy because if you could view it from the top or bottom, it would look like a spinning pinwheel. The Sun is located on one of the spiral arms, about 25,000 light-years away from the Centre of the galaxy. Even if you could travel at the speed of light (300,000 kilometres, or 186,000 miles, per second), it would take you about 25,000 years to reach the middle of the Milky Way