August 8 to 15 will be the best week of the year for stargazing

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to escape the city lights, this is it.

From August 8 to 15, the Perseids meteor shower will reach its most active phase, making it one of the best celestial events of the year. During the peak, skywatchers could see between 10 and more than 50 shooting stars per hour, depending on viewing conditions.

Even better? The meteor shower coincides with very little moonlight, meaning darker skies and a much better chance of spotting meteors streaking across the night sky.

August is also widely regarded as one of the best months for astrophotography in the UAE, thanks to the clear summer skies, according to local adventure group Arabian Wanderers.

Where to go stargazing in the UAE

The key to seeing the Perseids is getting as far away from city lights as possible. Luckily, the UAE has plenty of dark sky locations perfect for an evening under the stars.

Our guide to the best stargazing spots in the UAE includes mountain viewpoints, desert escapes and peaceful locations where you can enjoy the night sky away from the bright lights of the city.

Whether you’re planning a late-night road trip or a weekend camping adventure, now is the perfect time to go.

Want to join a guided stargazing experience?

If you’d rather have an expert point out planets, there are several groups that regularly host guided astronomy experiences.

Some of the most popular include:

  • Arabian Wanderers, which hosts overnight desert camping and stargazing adventures.
  • Dubai Astronomy Group, which regularly organises public stargazing events, telescope viewings and astronomy workshops throughout the year.

Keep an eye on their social channels and websites for any Perseids meteor shower events announced for August.

Also read: Your guide to every stargazing event in Dubai in 2026

Top tips for seeing the Perseids

  • Head to a location away from city lights.
  • Arrive after sunset and give your eyes around 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
  • Lie back and look up, you don’t need a telescope to see the meteors.
  • Be patient. Meteors appear randomly, so the longer you stay, the more you’re likely to see.
  • If you’re taking photos, bring a tripod and use a long exposure setting.