The winter sky in the UAE often brings a sense of excitement, especially for residents who love spending cool evenings outdoors. This year, one event is already catching attention: the Geminids meteor shower at Mleiha National Park. The annual spectacle returns on December 13, 2025, giving visitors a chance to watch some of the brightest meteors of the year under Sharjah’s quiet desert sky.
For anyone who has been planning a winter escape from the usual city glow, this experience offers something different—an uninterrupted view of the night sky, guided telescope sessions, and a relaxed desert setup designed for families, groups, and solo visitors.
A Desert Known for Its Dark Skies
Mleiha National Park is already one of Sharjah’s most popular outdoor spots. Many Dubai and Northern Emirates residents often visit the area for hikes, archaeological trails, and winter camps. But the desert’s true charm appears at night, when the sky turns darker than most places in the UAE.
This natural setting makes Mleiha a favourite for astronomy events. With the Geminids expected to produce nearly 100 meteors per hour around midnight, visitors can expect slow, bright streaks that stay visible for a few seconds. Since there’s minimal light pollution and almost no moonlight that night, the viewing conditions look promising.
The team at Mleiha has also set up high-powered, computerised telescopes to help guests spot Saturn, Jupiter, and a few deep-sky objects. For many families, this becomes their first time seeing planets so clearly, making it more than just a meteor-watching night.
Guided Stargazing with a Local Touch
What makes the event stand out is the structured programme led by experts who know the desert sky well. According to the park’s management team, the aim is to create a calm and informative experience—not something rushed or too technical.
Visitors can ask questions, learn how to identify constellations, or simply enjoy the view with guidance from trained astronomers. This interaction adds a local, human element that many Dubai residents appreciate, especially when travelling with children or curious beginners.
The team also explains how the Geminids originate, where to look for the radiant point, and why this particular meteor shower is known for its brightness. These small insights make the experience feel more personal and memorable.
An Evening Planned Around the Sky
The event follows a structured schedule that still feels relaxed. Guests arrive at 6 pm, just as the desert cools down and the sky begins to darken. Carpets, cushions, and a dedicated seating setup make the space comfortable for long hours outdoors.
The first telescope session starts at 6:15 pm, focusing on Saturn. Its rings are usually the highlight for visitors seeing the planet through a telescope for the first time.
From 7 pm to 8 pm, guests gather for an introductory talk about the Geminids—what makes them special, when to expect the brightest streaks, and where to focus their attention once the meteor activity picks up.
Dinner is served between 8 pm and 9 pm, giving visitors time to enjoy a curated buffet without missing any major sky events. The setting feels quiet and warm, especially with the slight winter breeze that usually rolls over Sharjah’s desert in December.
At 9 pm, Jupiter becomes the star of the next telescope session. Its visible bands and moons always draw attention, especially among younger visitors.
Once the guided session ends at 9:30 pm, the rest of the night is dedicated to meteor viewing. From 9:30 pm to 1 am, guests can relax on their mats and watch the sky at their own pace.
This slow, open-ended schedule makes the event feel less like a formal tour and more like a peaceful night under the stars.
Overnight Experience for the Dedicated Stargazers
For those who want a longer night outdoors, Mleiha offers an overnight camping experience. This package extends the stay until 8 am on Sunday, with a light breakfast served at 7 am.
Visitors can continue observing the sky after the guided programme ends at 1 am. The desert becomes quieter, temperatures drop slightly, and the visibility improves as dawn approaches. Many guests say this window—between 1 am and 5 am—is when the sky feels the cleanest.
Families, long-time stargazers, and visitors who enjoy desert camping often pick this option. It blends astronomy with the charm of a slow, peaceful night in Sharjah’s natural landscape.
Ticket Options and Family-Friendly Prices
The park offers two ticket categories:
Standard Experience
- 6pm to 1am
- Dh290 for adults
- Dh230 for children
Overnight Camping Experience
- 6pm to 8am
- Dh590 for adults
- Dh460 for children
- Kids up to five years enter free
- Ages five to 10 get child pricing
- Ages 11 and up are charged adult rates
Families visiting from Dubai often find Mleiha’s pricing more accessible compared to other winter activities. The experience combines astronomy, dining, and desert leisure into one package, making it suitable for a calm weekend plan.
Mleiha’s Growing Reputation as a Stargazing Hub
Beyond this event, the park hosts regular stargazing nights and astronomy workshops. It also runs a Mobile Stargazing programme that travels to schools, private venues, and partner locations. This consistency has helped Mleiha grow into one of the most trusted astronomy centres in the region.
These events also tie into Sharjah’s wider eco-tourism plans. Many residents revisit the desert during winter for archaeology, hiking trails, and nighttime experiences.
The Geminids meteor shower remains one of the most reliable sky events each year. With Mleiha’s open desert, expert guidance, and comfortable setup, the experience becomes more than just watching meteors—it becomes a quiet, memorable winter night away from the usual city pace.
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