How to see the Perseids meteor shower in the UAE
An annual meteor shower, named the Perseid meteor shower, is making an appearance again, as the planet moves through a debris trail left by a former comet.
Typically, you'll be able to see between 60 and 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions between now and the end of August in Dubai skies.
But the absolute peak time to see the Perseids Meteor Shower will be between Tuesday August 12 and Wednesday August 13.
This year's peak will fall under a bright moon with 89 percent illumination on August 12 and 80 percent illumination on August 13. While this will mean a lovely, bright full moon in the skies it will wash out may of the fainter meteors.
The Perseid meteor shower is always worth catching, especially for casual skywatchers.
(Credit: CanvaPro)
And the best bit? You don't need any high-tech equipment to enjoy it (yes, even those binoculars) as it is visible with the naked eye.
You may like: Full line-up of astronomical events in 2025
For the best conditions, you will need to get away from the bright city lights, however and find a nice dark spot to go stargazing.
Dubai Astronomy Group will host a special viewing event at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah on the night of August 12.
The event will include deep-sky telescope observations, educational sessions, expert guidance and a comfortable dark-sky setup to help you make the most of it.
If you can't make that one, then we've rounded up some of the best spots in the country to see the Perseids meteor shower at its best below.
The best spots to watch the Perseid meteor shower in the UAE
Al Quaa Milky Way Spot
A quiet and open spot (away from night pollution) is always a good bet for stargazing. Around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain, is the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot.
If you're planning a visit on your own, you'll need a 4×4 to get there and be adept at desert driving. It has its own location tag on Google Maps (23.604633,54.750256.)
Free. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Abu Dhabi.
Al Qudra Desert
A regular spot for Dubai Astronomy's stargazing events, this desert can be found to the east of Dubai. You can also head here on your own accord and set up camp for a night under the stars.
Shuweihat Island
If you are interested in seeing a place that looks spectacular day or night, then Shuweihat Island is a must.
Around a four-hour drive from Dubai, you'll find salt flats and serenity. A 4×4 car is recommended when visiting.
Free. Shuwaihat Island.
Hatta
Hajar mountain location Hatta, which is just an hour and a half away from the city of Dubai, can be a good spot to see the night sky, but as the spot isn't as deep into the wilderness as some of the others, there may be some light.
In other Dubai news
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Time Out Dubai
2 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
How to see the Perseids meteor shower in the UAE
One of the most popular annual stargazing events is returning later this month, and we're already looking out the binoculars to make the most of it. An annual meteor shower, named the Perseid meteor shower, is making an appearance again, as the planet moves through a debris trail left by a former comet. Typically, you'll be able to see between 60 and 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions between now and the end of August in Dubai skies. But the absolute peak time to see the Perseids Meteor Shower will be between Tuesday August 12 and Wednesday August 13. This year's peak will fall under a bright moon with 89 percent illumination on August 12 and 80 percent illumination on August 13. While this will mean a lovely, bright full moon in the skies it will wash out may of the fainter meteors. The Perseid meteor shower is always worth catching, especially for casual skywatchers. (Credit: CanvaPro) And the best bit? You don't need any high-tech equipment to enjoy it (yes, even those binoculars) as it is visible with the naked eye. You may like: Full line-up of astronomical events in 2025 For the best conditions, you will need to get away from the bright city lights, however and find a nice dark spot to go stargazing. Dubai Astronomy Group will host a special viewing event at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah on the night of August 12. The event will include deep-sky telescope observations, educational sessions, expert guidance and a comfortable dark-sky setup to help you make the most of it. If you can't make that one, then we've rounded up some of the best spots in the country to see the Perseids meteor shower at its best below. The best spots to watch the Perseid meteor shower in the UAE Al Quaa Milky Way Spot A quiet and open spot (away from night pollution) is always a good bet for stargazing. Around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain, is the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot. If you're planning a visit on your own, you'll need a 4×4 to get there and be adept at desert driving. It has its own location tag on Google Maps (23.604633,54.750256.) Free. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Abu Dhabi. Al Qudra Desert A regular spot for Dubai Astronomy's stargazing events, this desert can be found to the east of Dubai. You can also head here on your own accord and set up camp for a night under the stars. Shuweihat Island If you are interested in seeing a place that looks spectacular day or night, then Shuweihat Island is a must. Around a four-hour drive from Dubai, you'll find salt flats and serenity. A 4×4 car is recommended when visiting. Free. Shuwaihat Island. Hatta Hajar mountain location Hatta, which is just an hour and a half away from the city of Dubai, can be a good spot to see the night sky, but as the spot isn't as deep into the wilderness as some of the others, there may be some light. In other Dubai news Dubai announces 4-day work week and reduced hours Check if you're eligible Mark your calendar: Dubai's summer start date is almost here It falls on a later date this year Dubai Metro Blue Line: Here's where the 14 new stations will be located What to expect when the route arrives
Time Out
3 days ago
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Perseid meteor shower 2025: How to see the biggest meteor shower of the year in Montreal
Look up! The Perseids are the best meteor shower of the year and you won't want to miss it. Known for their bright, fast-moving meteors that often leave glowing trails, they can produce 50 to 100 meteors per hour, offering an ideal summer viewing experience. They're also famous for their fireballs—larger, brighter bursts of light from bigger comet particles—that can linger longer than typical meteors and shine brighter. If you thought the meteorite that just landed outside of Montreal was cool, or the pink moon and strawberry moon, you're in for a wonderful surprise. What are the Perseids? Every mid-August, Earth swings near the orbit of comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, where dust particles create the dazzling Perseid meteor shower. The spectacle's intensity shifts yearly, depending on our planet's path through the densest debris and the Moon's brightness. It's one of the most amazing free things you can do in Montreal! You can spot meteorites with the naked eye by their colours, which reveal their composition as they burn—red for oxygen and nitrogen, yellow-gold for iron, mauve for calcium, orange for sodium, and blue-turquoise for magnesium. What is the best time to see the Perseids in Montreal? You can see the Perseid meteor shower from July 17 to August 24, 2025. The peak of visibility in Montreal will be on the night of August 11 to 12, 2025. Tips for viewing the Perseids meteor shower Find a dark location: Get away from city lights as much as possible. Allow your eyes to adjust: It takes about 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Bring a blanket or lawn chair: You'll want to be comfortable while watching. Look away from the radiant: While the meteors appear to come from the constellation Perseus, it's best to look slightly away from it in the sky. Be patient: It can take some time to spot meteors, so be prepared to watch for at least 15-20 minutes. Avoid using your phone: The light from your phone can interfere with your night vision.
Time Out
3 days ago
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Catch the Perseids meteor shower in Singapore this August – here's how to see it
If there's one celestial event worth losing sleep over this year, it's the Perseids meteor shower. Peaking in the early hours between August 12 and 13, this dazzling display is one of the most anticipated astronomical shows of 2025. And yes, you can see it from Singapore if conditions are right. Before you start frantically googling, here's everything you need to know about catching the Perseids in Singapore. What is the Perseids meteor shower? Each year, Earth drifts through a trail of debris left behind over millennia by Comet Swift-Tuttle. As the comet orbits the Sun, it sheds dust and particles along its path. When this cosmic debris collides with Earth's atmosphere, it burns up, creating bright streaks of light across the night sky – that's the meteor shower we see. Occasionally, you might even spot fireballs – these are extra-bright bursts that shine longer and more dramatically than your average shooting star. When will the Perseids meteor shower be visible in Singapore? This galactic spectacle is active from July 17 to August 24, 2025. However, the peak of this event occurs between August 12 and 13. The best times to view the Perseids meteor shower in Singapore are from 3am to 6am, when the skies are darkest and the shower is at its most intense. Can I see the Perseids meteor shower in Singapore with my naked eye? Cross your fingers and hope for clear skies as that's when you'll get the best view of the meteor shower, no special equipment needed. But if the weather doesn't quite play along, you can always bring out a telescope or binoculars to enhance the experience. You'll also want to give your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness so it's best if you avoid looking at your screens and phone. Where is the best place to view the Perseids meteor shower in Singapore? For the best experience, set up your stargazing spot in an open area with unobstructed views and elevated ground. This helps minimise light pollution and gives you a better chance of catching the Perseids meteor shower in Singapore. Try heading to places like the Marina Barrage, East Coast Park or Upper Seletar Reservoir Park if you're looking for a more secluded spot to gaze at the stars. Remember to bring a mat, some snacks, a portable fan and mozzie repellent – it's still Singapore after all.
