If you’ve been looking for an excuse to step away from city lights and breathe in some desert air, here it is. The Leonids meteor shower is back, and this month, Dubai’s night sky will put on one of its most beautiful natural performances of the year.
On the nights of November 17 and 18, 2025, residents across the UAE will be able to spot bright streaks darting across the sky as Earth passes through trails of dust left behind by Comet Tempel-Tuttle. And the best part? You don’t need any special gear; just a dark spot, a comfy mat, and a bit of patience.
What’s the Hype About?
The Leonids are one of those meteor showers that always manage to steal the show. Every year, they return around mid-November, lighting up the night with 10 to 15 meteors per hour at their peak. When conditions are clear, they’re fast, bright, and often leave long, glowing trails that make you gasp before you even realize it.
For Dubai, the timing couldn’t be better. With the cooler weather setting in, this is the perfect reason to plan a late-night desert escape, think Al Qudra, Lahbab Desert, or the Al Marmoom Reserve. These spots are far enough from the city’s glow to give you a front-row seat to the night sky.
If you’d rather not go it alone, the Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting a guided viewing event at Al Qudra Desert. Expect telescopes, star maps, and a sky full of wonder, a beautiful blend of science and serenity.
You should not miss it
Let’s be honest, life in Dubai moves fast. Between the traffic, skyscrapers, and weekend brunches, it’s easy to forget there’s a vast universe above us. The Leonids offer a gentle reminder to slow down and look up.
Picture this: you’re sitting on the sand, a cup of hot karak in hand, surrounded by friends or family, with nothing but the stars above. Every few minutes, a meteor zips across the sky, and the whole desert gasps in unison. It’s not just a pretty sight, it’s one of those rare Dubai moments that feels truly magical.
Fun fact: the Leonids have been known to surprise stargazers with “meteor storms.” Back in 1966, thousands of meteors per minute lit up the sky; it was described as “raining stars.” While that’s not expected this year, the Leonids still promise a show worth staying up for.
When and Where to Watch in Dubai
Here’s the good news — you don’t have to travel far to enjoy it.
- Peak Dates: November 17 and 18, 2025
- Best Viewing Time: After midnight until dawn (when the sky is darkest and the Leo constellation is high overhead)
- Best Spots in and around Dubai:
- Al Qudra Desert – Popular and easy to reach; you’ll find many fellow stargazers here.
- Lahbab Desert – For those who prefer a quieter, more secluded view.
- Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve – Perfect for those who like their stars with a side of nature.
- Hatta Mountains – A little drive away, but the clean air and clear skies make it worth it.
And if you’re planning to turn this stargazing night into a full desert escape, check out our round-up of the best camping and glamping spots in Dubai to make the most of your winter weekend.
Pro tip: Avoid city lights as much as possible. Give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and resist checking your phone (the screen glare makes it harder to see meteors). Bring a blanket, some snacks, and maybe even a speaker for soft music; it’s all part of the experience.
Astronomers’ view
According to local astronomy experts, this year’s Leonids will be extra special thanks to a moonless night, giving Dubai the perfect dark canvas for meteor spotting. The Dubai Astronomy Group says the conditions are “ideal for viewing,” and their upcoming event aims to make stargazing accessible for everyone — whether you’re a casual skywatcher or a budding astrophotographer.
Over the years, DAG’s stargazing sessions have turned into mini desert festivals, where families, photographers, and sky lovers gather under the stars, sharing stories, snacks, and telescope views. It’s a community-driven way to connect science with everyday life.
A Different Kind of Dubai Night
Dubai is known for lights, but for one night, the real show won’t be at Burj Khalifa or Downtown Dubai. It’ll be above the desert dunes. The Leonids remind residents and visitors alike that there’s more to the city than shopping and skyscrapers — it’s also a place to reconnect with the natural world.
Desert resorts and adventure companies often plan “stargazing nights” around such events, combining the meteor shower with outdoor dinners, astronomy talks, and local hospitality. It’s the kind of experience that blends tradition, science, and quiet wonder, something that feels uniquely Dubai.
This November, Dubai’s night sky is the place to be. Whether you’re an astronomy buff or just love a good desert escape, the Leonids meteor shower is one of those events you’ll remember long after it’s over.
So grab your blanket, make a playlist, and head out into the dunes. Look up, make a wish on a shooting star, and let the desert remind you that even in a city that never sleeps, there are moments of pure stillness waiting to be found.
Read More:
- UAE Executes First Government Transaction Using the Digital Dirham – Social Kandura
- Meats & Mountains Returns to Jebel Hafit Desert Park This Winter – Social Kandura
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