How to see the Perseids meteor shower in Dubai this week
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.
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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, sky mapping workshops educational sessions, expert guidance and a comfortable dark-sky setup to help you make the most of it.
Also including telescope observation, you can book your ticket for as little as Dhs150.
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.
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