TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Abu Dhabi offers a variety of destinations for adventurers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone looking to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere. For those visiting in the summer, there’s a chance to witness the stunning Milky Way.
From May to October, the Milky Way will be visible in the skies above Abu Dhabi, with the best views peaking in July and August 2025. The key to experiencing this celestial phenomenon lies in finding the right location.
Best Locations to See the Milky Way in Abu Dhabi
According to the Dubai Astronomy Group, the top spot to observe the Milky Way is in Al Qua'a, Abu Dhabi. This remote desert area, located closest to the city's dark sky zones, provides an unobstructed view of the galaxy's dense core, filled with bright stars.
Ahmed Hassan, Technical Director and Astrophotographer for the Dubai Astronomy Group, notes that Al Qua'a has one of the darkest skies in the UAE, earning the area the nickname "Milky Way Eclipse" as reported by Travel and Leisure Asia.
To make the most of your Milky Way experience in Al Qua'a, it’s important to follow a few tips.
First, park your vehicle at the designated base on the dirt road leading to the desert. Then, to minimize light pollution and avoid dust disturbances, continue the journey on foot to a viewing spot.
For the clearest view of the Milky Way, plan your visit during the new moon or a very thin crescent moon phase, as the moonlight can diminish visibility. It takes about 20 minutes for the eyes to adjust to complete darkness, so be patient for the best experience.
The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, so a telescope is not necessary at first. However, using one can enhance the experience by revealing clusters of stars and nebulae within the galactic band.
Modern smartphones with night mode can also capture stunning photos of the Milky Way. Feel free to experiment with different lighting settings for the best shot.
Other Places to See the Milky Way in Abu Dhabi
In addition to Al Qua'a, any location at least 35 kilometers from the bright city lights can also serve as a great spot to view the Milky Way. Look for areas with minimal artificial lighting for the best experience.
Other notable locations for Milky Way sightings in the UAE include Sawhkan Dam, which is reachable by driving from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, and Wadi Shawhkah, known for its bright skies, rocky valleys, and mountain trails.
The peaceful Al Qudra desert, with its natural landscape and lake, also offers an excellent place to witness the Milky Way. For a light-pollution-free experience, drive past Love Lake and take the bike trail into the desert.
Another prime location is the Jebel Jais Observation Deck, located at the highest peak in the UAE. The deck offers a magical stargazing experience, complete with designated camping areas.
For a more secluded option, Tala Mareeb Liwa, known for its minimal light pollution, provides an extraordinary stargazing opportunity.