Where to watch 2025 planetary alignment in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Top free stargazing spots
Best locations to catch the winter celestial show
A cosmic spectacle is gracing the skies above Dubai, offering an exciting opportunity for stargazers to experience a rare planetary alignment. For a limited time, up until the first week of February 2025, planets like Saturn, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter will appear in close proximity in the night sky, creating a spectacular show visible to all.
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply someone keen to enjoy the beauty of the night sky, this planetary parade is an event not to be missed.
While the planets are not actually lining up in space, from our vantage point on Earth, they will form a visually captivating alignment. Understanding the timing, the right locations, and how to make the most of this event can ensure you get a front-row seat to this cosmic show.
Planetary alignment in Dubai
The planetary alignment is visible each evening shortly after sunset until early February. To get the best views, head to locations outside the city where light pollution is minimal.
Dubai offers several stargazing spots where you can enjoy the alignment without the distraction of city lights. Here are some of the top free places to stargaze:
Al Barsha Pond Park
One of Dubai’s accessible spots for casual stargazing, Al Barsha Pond Park is a great place for an evening stroll while enjoying the night sky. The park is quiet and open until 11:30 PM, giving visitors ample time to witness the planetary alignment. While the surrounding city lights do affect the clarity of the view, it is still one of the best places within Dubai to catch the cosmic event.
- Free Entry
- Opening Hours: Sat-Wed 8 AM–11 PM, Thu-Fri 8 AM–11:30 PM
Al Qudra Lakes
For a more immersive stargazing experience, head to Al Qudra Lakes, located on the outskirts of Dubai. Here, away from the city’s urban lights, the sky opens up, providing clear views of the planets. It’s an ideal place for a picnic, and for those who want to grab a bite, Last Exit Al Qudra offers food trucks just a short drive away. With the right conditions, this tranquil desert spot promises an unforgettable celestial show.
- Free Entry
- Open 24 hours
Hatta
Situated in the Hajar Mountains, Hatta offers stunning views of the night sky, especially as you venture further into the mountains where light pollution is minimal. Though it can be a bit more challenging to access, the journey rewards stargazers with a pristine view of the planetary alignment. Camping in Hatta allows you to extend the experience and enjoy the night sky even longer.
- Free Entry
- Location: Hatta, approx. 1.5-2 hours from Dubai
Jebel Ali Beach
Dubai’s beaches provide an excellent vantage point for stargazing. Jebel Ali Beach, with its open views of the sky, makes for an ideal location to watch the planetary parade. The beach is free to access, and visitors can enjoy a peaceful evening by the sea, with the celestial event adding a magical touch to the experience.
- Free Entry
- Open 24 hours
Kite Beach
Another popular beach in Dubai, Kite Beach is open 24 hours and allows visitors to take a midnight stroll under the stars. This location offers a perfect combination of convenience and stunning views. You can enjoy the planetary alignment from the beach or head to one of the nearby restaurants if you prefer to stay close to amenities.
- Free Entry
- Open 24 hours
The Viewing Point
For a unique blend of cityscape and celestial views, head to The Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour. The 70-metre-high walkway offers panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, including the Burj Khalifa, making it a perfect spot for watching the planetary alignment. While it may not be the most remote location for stargazing, it provides a distinctive perspective of the sky over the city.
- Free Entry
- Open 24 hours
Al Quaa Milky Way Spot (Abu Dhabi)
For those willing to travel outside of Dubai, the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot in Abu Dhabi offers some of the clearest skies for stargazing. Located about 90 minutes from the capital, this spot provides breathtaking views of the night sky. Due to its remote location, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to access it, but the reward is a front-row seat to the celestial show.
- Free Entry
- Open 24 hours
What is the Planetary alignment?
Planetary alignment refers to the visual phenomenon where multiple planets in our solar system appear to line up in the night sky. Although the planets are not physically aligned in space, their positions create the illusion of a straight line from Earth’s perspective. The alignment visible in late January and early February 2025 is a special event, as it involves six planets: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The most dramatic part of the alignment occurred on January 25, 2025, though the event will continue through early February.
While it’s not a perfectly straight line, the alignment provides a rare opportunity to see multiple planets with the naked eye, appearing as bright points of light scattered across the sky.
Top tips for stargazers
To make the most of this event, timing and location are crucial. Stargazers should aim to be outside right after sunset, as the planets will be visible just as the sky darkens.
Finding a location with clear skies and minimal light pollution will enhance the experience, and there are several excellent spots around Dubai to enjoy the show.
Use telescopes: Though the planets are visible to the naked eye, telescopes can offer a closer look at the planetary features, such as Saturn’s rings and the reddish hue of Mars.
Stargazing apps: For first-time stargazers, apps like “SkyView Lite” can help identify planets, stars, and constellations in real-time, making the experience even more interactive and educational.
Attend stargazing events: The Dubai Astronomy Group offers special stargazing events, which include telescope viewing, expert talks, and Q&A sessions. These events provide a great way to engage with the cosmic phenomenon and deepen your understanding of the celestial wonders.