Five stars on a clear Dubai night. That’s usually the best we get. But I think it’s time you ditch the city light for one night. Every summer the UAE hides its best kept secret in the depths of one of Abu Dhabi’s most elusive deserts. It’s time to spill the beans, though. ‘Milky Way Season’ at All Quaa desert is finally here. This desert is known for being the darkest spot in the entire country, and you’ll soon find out why it’s called Milky Way season. I have all the details you need to know, so keep reading to find out more.
Before We Reach The Depths Of Summer, Visit These 7 Free Parks & Outdoor Attractions Before Temperatures Rise
When Should You Go?
Milky Way season runs from now up until September, so the timing right now couldn’t be better. The magic hours are between 9pm and 3am. That’s when the galaxy’s core is brightest and most visible. The longer you stay, the higher it climbs in the sky. Basically, you’re in for a long night, but a good one.
The Best Tips For Reaching Without Getting Lost
- Leave around 7pm from Dubai or Sharjah. The drive is two to three hours and you want to arrive before dark
- Fill up your fuel before you leave. There is nothing near this spot. Nothing. Most people also advse to carry a full jerrycan for emergencies.
- Take the E611, E11, or E66 towards Al Ain, then follow the truck roads
- Download offline maps to ‘Al Quaa Milky Way Spot’ before you go. Mobile signal drops off fast in the desert. The nearest known coordinates for this spot are – 23.604633, 54.750256
- A few kilometres before the spot, a gate opens on its own. Drive through slowly, find somewhere away from any city glow, and you’re set. And keep it in mind to be considerate of other stargazers near you.
Do You Need A 4×4?
Nope! Any car can handle this trip. Just stay on the paved road, keep to the centre, and avoid drifting towards the sandy edges. Drive straight, take it slow, and you’ll be completely fine.
Essentials To Pack In Your Car
- Water and snacks. The nearest shop is an ADNOC petrol station about 45 minutes away, so don’t show up empty-handed.
- A jacket. The desert gets surprisingly chilly at night even though its summer.
- A chair or mat to lie back on and stare up at the sky.
- Closed shoes. Camels, spiders, and scorpions are very much part of the desert experience.
- If you’re camping, bring a portable bonfire pit rather than lighting an open fire on the sand.
How Do You Actually Find The ‘Milky Way’?
Download the Stellarium app before you leave home. Once you’re set up, face south to southeast and look for the Scorpius and Sagittarius constellations. Sagittarius is shaped like a little teapot, which makes it surprisingly easy to find. The soft, hazy band of light rising from that direction is your Milky Way. Yes, that wispy cloudy thing is actually our entire galaxy. Wild, right?
How to Get the Best Views
- Plan your visit around a new moon. Moonlight can wash out the sky more than you’d think.
- Check a light pollution map online before you go.
- Once on site, switch to red lights only and dim your car headlights.
- No phone flash, keep noise down, and be mindful of others.
Is It Worth The Drive?
Absolutely. The UAE desert is one of the best natural stargazing spots in the UAE. Dark skies, dry air, minimal light pollution. There’s something about standing in complete silence, watching the Milky Way slowly come into focus above you, that makes you feel very small in the best possible way.
This place is a must for every UAE resident to try at least once, and ‘Milky Way Season’ couldn’t be a better time!
