Unique Experiences Under the Starry Sky of Dubai for an Unparalleled Celestial Tourism

• A total lunar eclipse in September light up Dubai’s summer, confirming the city as the ideal destination for Astrotourism, offering unique experiences under the stars all year round.

National, 4th September 2025 – Famous for its futuristic architecture, long coastal beaches, unforgettable experiences, and year-round sunshine, Dubai reveals its most surprising side at night. Less than an hour’s drive from the vibrant city centre, the desert opens like a vast natural theatre, where the setting sun rises the curtain on a starry sky rich with millennia-old stories. Here, the ancient traditions of the Bedouins—who for centuries used the stars to navigate the dunes—blend with unique experiences dedicated to travellers and night sky enthusiasts.

The Astrotourism calendar highlights an unmissable celestial events above the Emirate. On September 7, the sky will offer a total lunar eclipse, during which the moon will turn red for about 90 minutes. Enthusiasts can participate in public events organized by the Dubai Astronomy Group at the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre for guided and immersive observations.

For those unable to attend these extraordinary natural spectacles, there are still numerous stargazing experiences available throughout the year. Here are the top five selected to create unforgettable memories under Dubai’s night sky:

1. Night Safari and Dinner Among the Dunes
   Relive the millennia-old Bedouin tradition with the exclusive Private Night Safari and Astronomy Tour by Platinum Heritage. The adventure begins after sunset in a vintage 1950s Land Rover and continues with a nocturnal ecological walk led by an environmental guide who explains the desert's wildlife. The evening culminates at a charming camp in the heart of the Royal Desert Grounds, where guests can relax and enjoy a three-course traditional Emirati dinner under the stars. The night concludes with an engaging astronomy session, where an expert guides guests through the constellations, shares Bedouin legends, and explains how the stars were historically used for navigation, with telescopes providing a close-up view of the stars and moon.
2. Dubai Astronomy Group: The Heartbeat of Astronomy in the City
   For those dreaming of exploring the sky through the eyes of real astronomers, the Dubai Astronomy Group is a must-visit. Founded by a passionate community of astronomy enthusiasts and scientists, the group inaugurated the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre in 2017. Located in the green surroundings of Mushrif National Park, it houses the UAE’s largest public observatory. Here, astronomy comes to life through immersive experiences: a 100-seat theatre screens space documentaries and films, a specialized library and the “Astro Academy” promote science education, and guided telescope sessions allow visitors to observe planets, constellations, and celestial phenomena. The event calendar is diverse, from outdoor observations during eclipses and meteor showers to themed workshops for adults and children, offering every visitor a chance to explore the mysteries of the universe within a passionate community.
3. A Dream Stay Under the Desert Stars
   In the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, far from the city’s hustle, lies The Nest by Sonara - a luxury oasis nestled in golden dunes, where the silence of the desert meets the elegance of exclusive glamping. The stay becomes a sensory, intimate, and unique experience. The luxury suites and “nests” are designed to harmonize with the landscape, featuring organic dune-inspired architecture, sophisticated furnishings, and private outdoor spaces for stargazing. Beyond marveling at the desert night, guests can participate in the Sky Safari—guided stargazing with professional telescopes and astral storytelling under the stars.
4. The Best Spots in Dubai for Stargazing
   Dubai offers a variety of spectacular locations for night sky observation, thanks to its favorable climate and desert landscapes that provide wide, light-pollution-free views. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, only 40 minutes from Dubai city, is one of the best areas, with vast sandy expanses and complete absence of artificial lights. Al Qudra Lakes in the Al Marmoom Desert is also popular among enthusiasts: its dark skies and desert silence make it perfect for evening observations, night photography, or quiet contemplation. For those seeking a mountain escape, Hatta offers cooler weather and clear skies, ideal for starry nights immersed in nature.
5. Glamping Among Mountains and Constellations
   For a truly out-of-the-box experience, Hatta Dome Park is perfect for sleeping under the stars surrounded by the tranquility of the Hajar Mountains. The glamping resort features elegant transparent domes, creating the illusion of touching the sky. Away from city lights, Hatta is popular with travelers and local sports enthusiasts alike, offering clear skies ideal for observing constellations and planets. During the day, guests can explore the Hatta Wadi Hub—offering activities like mountain biking, ziplining, and climbing—or relax with a kayaking excursion at Hatta Dam, an artificial lake nestled among the mountains. In the evening, the vast night sky and silence create a unique atmosphere for contemplation or a romantic night under the stars.