Cosmic Glow – A Mountain Trails & Tales Event in Al Ain

A spell-binding mix of astronomy, art and heritage takes centre stage this autumn at the spectacular setting of Jebel Hafit Desert Park in Al Ain. According to information compiled by FEW.ae editor, the event titled Cosmic Glow: A Mountain Trails & Tales Event in Al Ain invites participants to explore cosmic wonder beneath the clear desert sky, in an immersive outdoor experience like no other.

Venue and Setting

The event takes place at Jebel Hafit Desert Park, part of the foothills of Jebel Hafeet — a landmark mountain near Al Ain that stands at around 1,249 m in elevation. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage-recognised site (as part of the “Cultural Sites of Al Ain”) and has a rich archaeological and natural heritage.
Within the park, the event uses the grounds of the Pura Eco Retreat, Jebel Hafit Desert Park, an eco-glamping resort which offers luxury tents, safari lodges and domes with views of the foothills. The location offers access to ancient tombs, nature trails, and sweeping desert-mountain vistas, giving the event both a backdrop of heritage and of the cosmos.

Event Timing & Technical Details

The Cosmic Glow event runs from Saturday 25 October to Saturday 8 November 2025. While earlier versions took place on selected dates in April/May 2025 (for example 19 & 26 April and 3 May) with evening sessions starting at 7:00pm or 6:30pm, the 2025 autumn series is framed as part of the “Mountain Trails & Tales” programme. According to the ticket page, sessions will be evening-only and guests are encouraged to arrive in the early evening to make the most of the twilight moving into star-dark skies.

In terms of weather and climate: October in Al Ain typically sees daytime highs around 36°C, with lows at night around 22-23°C; humidity may still be high and skies mostly clear. At the elevation of Jebel Hafit the temperature may be a little lower and winds lighter; forecasts show wind speeds of approximately 4–11 mph with gusts up to ~17 mph in the area.
Technical logistics for reaching the venue are described thus: by car, visitors are advised to head southeast on Malaqit Street, proceed via Zayed Bin Sultan Street and follow the final roundabout exit to reach the destination. GPS navigation is recommended. Public transport options include bus route 907 (Mezyyad) to Zayed Bin Sultan St / Rafiah Mosque bus stop, with a short walk from there. abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net Taxi or ride-hailing is also feasible. Parking and vehicular access are available, though the terrain is outdoor and desert-based so guests should dress appropriately for the night.

Programme Highlights & Hosts

At its heart, the event is a multi-sensory outdoor adventure blending stargazing, creative workshops, music, archaeology and food. According to the organisers, attendees will take part in professionally guided astronomy sessions (with telescopes), astrophotography tutorials, stories of Arab astronomical heritage, glow-in-the-dark painting workshops, custom merchandise creation (silk-screening), neon drumming circles and live DJ sets, and even ancient tomb archaeology night tours.
Specifically:

• Guests can explore constellations, planets and deep-sky objects such as the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy and Hercules cluster via high-powered telescopes operated by experts from the International Astronomy Center and Al Sadeem Observatory.
• The creative element includes glow-in-the-dark painting guided by instructors, and a screen-printing workshop by Hail Atelier, enabling participants to produce their own cosmic-themed T-shirts or tote bags.
• According to the ticket page, food and drinks are included in the ticket, curated by Cucina del Sul for the BBQ/open-fire station.
• The archaeology night tour is led by an Emirati cultural specialist, guiding visitors through ancient tombs and ruins under the moon-lit sky.
• Neon fashion is encouraged: UV-reactive bracelets are provided and attendees are invited to show up in neon colours and glowing accessories so that under black-light the crowd becomes a moving galaxy of colour.

Ticket details: Adult tickets start from AED 157.50 (early-bird), with child (under 12) and family packages available. Regular adult price is approximately AED 210 + VAT.

Accommodation partner: Guests are invited to “Spend the night with us” — the Pura Eco Retreat offers glamping or campsite options. A hotel partner is also available—by adding a hotel voucher at checkout, guests can stay at the official partner hotel (for example the Ayla Bawadi Hotel) in Al Ain.

Why This Event Matters

Cosmic Glow invites families, stargazers and creative explorers to connect with nature and heritage in a setting rarely used for such combined experiences. The fusion of ancient archaeology (the beehive tombs and mountain trails around Jebel Hafit), modern astronomy and art workshops creates a layered experience: visitors don’t simply attend a show—they participate in a narrative that connects earth, sky and human history. According to information compiled by FEW.ae editor, this format supports both educational and recreational aims—children learn about Arab astronomical heritage, while adults can enjoy immersive stargazing and creative play in the desert night.

The setting outside of Dubai, yet accessible from major cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, means this is an opportunity to step away from urban lights, use the telescopes, and truly appreciate the stars. The host location of Pura Eco Retreat emphasises eco-conscious and nature-immersive stays, and the venue’s supporting infrastructure (luxury tents, safari lodges) means the night doesn’t have to end when the event does.

Practical Tips for Attendees

• Dress in layers: though October evenings in Al Ain typically remain warm (~22–23 °C at night) the desert night may feel cool, especially under clear sky and mountain breeze.
• Bring comfortable footwear: the terrain is desert/mountain-side, and some excursions (night archaeology tour) may involve walking across uneven ground.
• Arrive early: given the drive or public transport involved from Dubai/Abu Dhabi, it’s wise to allow extra time.
• Use GPS or a reliable ride-hail app: the venue instructions recommend GPS navigation.
• Expect outdoor conditions: although the event is designed for outdoor night experience and likely proceeds in mild weather, wind speeds of up to ~17 mph could occur.
• Photography gear: For aficionados of astrophotography, bringing a camera with tripod will enhance the experience during guided sessions.
• Neon/neutrals combo: Since the event encourages glow-in-the-dark accessories and neon fashion under black-light, wearing UV-reactive or neon accents will allow you to engage more fully in the visual experience.
• Overnight stay option: If you wish to extend the experience, consider booking a stay at Pura Eco Retreat or partner hotel; check for glamping or “stay under the stars” options.

By combining starry sky spectacle, heritage trails and creative workshops, the event offers a compelling reason to venture beyond the city lights and into Al Ain’s mountain-desert landscape. If you’re seeking something different this season, Cosmic Glow may be the kind of immersive night out that blends discovery and relaxation in one.