Do You Know You Can See The Milky Way In UAE This Summer? Details Inside

Stuck in the city, staring at your phone? Swap that glow for something cosmic. The Milky Way, also known as the Galactic River, is now visible in the UAE, and it’s the best kind of screen-free magic you’ll ever witness. From May through October, the galaxy stretches across the night sky, and in July? Oh, that’s when it shines its brightest self.

Spot The Milky Way Over UAE Skies This Summer

You don’t need to be an astronaut to catch a glimpse. According to Ahmed Hassan, Technical Director and Astrophotographer at Dubai Astronomy Group, the top place for stargazing is Al Qua’a in Abu Dhabi. It’s the closest dark-sky site to the main cities and a stargazer’s dream.

His advice is to drive until the road ends and then follow a dirt path that will lead you to a wide, open space. Just don’t roll up with full-beam headlights blazing. Park smart, step into the sand, and let your eyes do the rest. Dust and light can kill the vibe, don’t let them.

Timing Is Everything (And July Is The Star of the Show)

 

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If you’re wondering when to set your galaxy-gazing schedule, circle your summer. From May to October, the Milky Way puts on its sky-high performance. But July and August? That’s when the galaxy’s core hits peak visibility—thick, rich, and glowing with cosmic drama.

Emirates Astronomical Society’s main man, Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, says summer nights are a stargazer’s jackpot. Look for an arc of stars stretching from northeast to southwest. Focus between Scorpius and Sagittarius, that’s where the core’s putting in overtime.

And whatever you do, escape the light. Drive at least 35 kilometres from city chaos.

No Telescope? No Problem. You’ve Got Options

You don’t need fancy gear, just patience and a patch of dark sky. Ahmed assures us you’ll spot the Milky Way with your own eyes after 20 minutes in complete darkness. But if you want to snap the stars for Instagram (because, why not?), You’ve got a few solid tricks:

• Binoculars can help you catch star clusters and nebulae.
• A camera with a wide-angle lens on a tripod is your best bet for pro-level pics.
• A smartphone with night mode works too, just keep it still and off selfie mode.

Al-Jarwan also swears by new moons and weak crescents. Those nights mean less natural light, more galactic brilliance.

Also Read: What Is Flower Moon? From Date To Spots, All About ThIs Lunar Event

Road Trip Rules: Don’t Wing It

This isn’t your average drive out for shawarma. Stargazing comes with a little prep.

• Travel with friends (and bring two cars, desert logic 101).
• Tell someone your route.
• Carry water, fuel, a first-aid kit, and snacks.
• Use red flashlights, they won’t ruin your night vision.
• Ditch the music and headlights once you’re parked.

Oh, and download a sky map app to find Scorpius. That’s your gateway to the Milky Way.

So, are you ready to meet the galaxy without leaving Earth? The Milky Way’s out there, glowing quietly above the dunes, waiting for someone to look up. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images