UAE skies to light up with Perseid meteor shower on August 12, best viewing spots revealed

Dubai Astronomy Group hosts event for Perseid meteor shower at Jebel Jais

Last updated: August 12, 2025 | 13:09

Surabhi Vasundharadevi, Social Media Reporter

2 MIN READ

The Perseids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Swift–Tuttle.

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Dubai: The annual Perseid meteor shower is back, offering stargazers across the UAE a celestial treat tonight, August 12. Although a bright moon may obscure some of the fainter meteors, the shower is still expected to be a magical experience for those who look to the night sky.

Also Read: Perseid meteor shower returns 2025: Up to 75 shooting stars

The Perseids, one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year, are caused by Earth passing through a trail of debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle. The best time to catch the shower is during its absolute peak, which this year falls between Tuesday, August 12, and Wednesday, August 13.

For those in the UAE, the best way to enjoy the spectacle is to find a spot away from city lights. The Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting a special viewing event at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the highest peak in the country. The ticketed event offers a curated experience for astronomy enthusiasts.

Event program at Jebel Jais:

11:15 PM – Event introduction
11:45 PM – Talk: Perseids meteor shower
12:30 AM – Sky mapping session (stories in the sky)
01:00 AM – Q & A session
01:30 AM – Telescope observation

If you prefer to go on a solo stargazing adventure, there are several other recommended locations in the UAE known for their dark skies, including:

Al Quaa Milky Way spot: A quiet, open area about 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi.
Al Qudra desert: A regular spot for stargazing events, located about an hour and a half drive from Abu Dhabi.
Hatta (Hajar mountains): Situated about two-and-a-half hours from Abu Dhabi, this mountain location offers a good spot to view the night sky.

Surabhi VasundharadeviSocial Media Reporter

Surabhi is a social media reporter with almost a decade of experience in the field of journalism. She’s all about trending stories, while being a full-on car and bike enthusiast. If it’s got wheels or horsepower, Surabhi is interested. She also enjoys writing about cool tech and tasty food—basically, anything that makes life more exciting. Whether she’s exploring new recipes, or spotting the next big online trend, Surabhi is all about creating content that’s fun to read, easy to share, and always on point with what’s hot right now. Have a story to share with her? Reach out to Surabhi on svasundharadevi@gulfnews.com