The ADR Guide: Catching the Perseids meteor shower in Abu Dhabi this August

One of the best meteor showers of the year is about to light up the night sky. The Perseids are set to peak overnight on 12 - 13 August, and this year, a New Moon means darker skies and better conditions for spotting meteors. 

A meteor shower happens when Earth passes through a trail of dust and debris left behind by a comet or asteroid. As those tiny particles enter our atmosphere at high speed, they burn up and create the bright streaks of light we see across the night sky.

The Perseids come from debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, with Earth passing through this trail every year.

Fancy heading out on your own, or would you rather join a guided group with the experts? Here's everything you need to know before you go. 

Head out on your own

Al Khatim Desert and Al Quaa in Abu Dhabi, are both open to everyone, so if you'd rather skip the crowds and do your own thing, you can drive out and set up a spot to watch the sky with your family or favourite stargazing crew.

The Perseids are visible to the naked eye, so you don’t need a telescope. Find a dark spot away from city lights, get comfortable and give your eyes around 15-20 minutes to adjust. Then, look up and wait for the meteors to appear. 

If you're heading into the desert independently, always come prepared. As you're on your own out there, pack plenty of water, especially with the weather still hot this time of year. Carry some snacks, a torch, and let someone know your plans. 

Join a guided night instead

If you prefer to leave the logistics to someone else, Dubai Astronomy Group is running guided stargazing nights out at Al Khatim Desert, Abu Dhabi from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am, with a talk about the Perseids and what else you can spot in the night sky this year. 

There’ll also be telescope time to check out the planets at midnight, a sky-mapping session to help you find your way around the stars, and a Q&A with the astronomers before the meteor shower reaches its peak at around 1:30 am. 

Seating, water, snacks and drinks are provided, so you won’t need to pack supplies for the evening. Just wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the desert. 

As for getting there, a standard car is enough, so you won’t need a 4x4. Taxis and public transport don’t reach the venue, so you’ll need to drive yourself or arrange transport in advance. Give yourself around two hours from the city, plus a little extra once you've parked, since there's a short shuttle from the car park to the viewing spot.

The 12 August guided night has already sold out, so Dubai Astronomy Group has added a bonus night on 15 - 16 August if you missed out on booking the first time round. 

Whichever way you're watching, pop 12 - 13 August in your calendar for the meteor shower itself (or 15 - 16 August if you're booking the guided night) and bring along whoever you’d want next to you under the stars. Keep an eye on the weather too, as cloud, haze and humidity can affect visibility on the night. 

When: Overnight, 12 - 13 August 2026 (peak night) or 15 - 16 August 2026 for the guided event

Where: Al Khatim Desert or Al Quaa, Abu Dhabi 

Price: Free to watch independently, or from AED 160 for the guided event 

Time: Best viewing from 11:00 pm, peaking around 1:30 am 

More info on the guided tour here