The UAE’s last widely watched meteor shower of 2025 is the Ursids, and it peaks in local time from late Sunday, December 21, 2025 into early Monday, December 22, 2025. The best viewing window usually starts around 11:00 PM and improves after 1:00 AM. Because the Ursids stay smaller than the Geminids, you should prioritise darker skies over convenience. In practice, your “venue” becomes any safe, open desert edge far from streetlights.
Ursids timing and sky expectations
You can watch on Sunday night, December 21, 2025, then continue into Monday, December 22, 2025 before dawn, because the activity often builds later. Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adapt to darkness. Although you might only see around 5 to 10 meteors per hour, darker conditions make each streak more noticeable. Also, you will spot more meteors by looking broadly northward, rather than staring at one point.
Dubai Al Qudra and Al Marmoom desert edges
For Dubai, the Al Qudra and Al Marmoom area is a practical choice, because it sits close enough for a late-night drive home. Parking capacity is limited on winter weekends, so arrive before 9:00 PM if you can. Still, move away from busy picnic clusters, because headlights quickly ruin night vision (family-friendly, suitable for couples, suitable for solo). Additionally, keep your car on firm tracks, since damp sand can trap low-clearance vehicles after showers.
Sharjah Mleiha stargazing sessions
If you want a guided experience with a managed setup, Mleiha in Sharjah runs organised stargazing nights around the archaeological landscape. Reservation required. Prices commonly start approximately from AED 120 for a child and AED 150 for an adult for shared sessions, while premium desert packages can rise to approximately AED 390 for a child and AED 550 for an adult when they include meals and overnight elements (family-friendly, suitable for couples). You can usually book through PLATINUMLIST for standard stargazing tickets, so you avoid last-minute surprises.
Abu Dhabi Al Quaa dark-sky drive option
If you value darkness more than comfort, many stargazers drive toward Al Quaa for a deeper-sky feel away from city glow. Do not rely on nearby services, because the area feels remote once you arrive. Therefore, leave with a full tank, water, and a clear return plan, especially after midnight (best for couples, suitable for confident solo drivers). Also, pick a spot where other cars will not sweep you with headlights.
Abu Dhabi Al Sadeem Observatory visit
If you prefer a controlled venue rather than open desert, Al Sadeem Astronomy in Al Wathbah offers observatory visits during winter evenings. Call ahead to confirm the start time and availability before you drive. Their winter schedule typically begins from 7:00 PM onwards, and you can contact Head Office +971 2 642 6007 or Observatory +971 5 638 51439, Al Wathbah, Al-Wathba South, Abu Dhabi (family-friendly, suitable for couples). Pricing often starts around approximately AED 300 per person, and you book directly with the venue.
Ras Al Khaimah Jebel Jais colder vantage points
For a cooler, higher-altitude night, Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais road viewpoints can feel more comfortable for long stargazing sessions. Temperatures can drop quickly after midnight, so bring a proper warm layer. However, weekend traffic can build near popular viewpoints, so you should arrive earlier and avoid risky roadside stops (suitable for couples, suitable for solo, family-friendly with close supervision). Moreover, drive gently on the bends, because tired drivers cause more trouble than the weather.
Liwa desert for deeper darkness
For a more adventurous Abu Dhabi option, the Liwa desert edges can deliver darker skies than city-adjacent spots, especially if you stay away from lit resorts. This option suits experienced desert drivers, so plan conservatively. Because the drive is longer, you should leave earlier, then schedule a rest break before returning in the early hours (best for couples, suitable for solo with strong preparation). Also, avoid pushing into soft sand if you do not have the right vehicle.
Weekend weather checks for Friday to Sunday
Friday, December 19, 2025 looks mostly stable across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah with hazy sun, while Ras Al Khaimah may see brief showers. Saturday, December 20, 2025 brings the main risk, with scattered showers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and light rain in Ras Al Khaimah, so soft ground and muddy shoulders can appear. Meanwhile, Sharjah looks calmer on Saturday with partly sunny conditions, although winds can still carry haze. Sunday, December 21, 2025 looks sunny across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, so it lines up well with the peak night.
Traffic, parking, and what to pack
If you drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, leave before evening congestion, and also plan your return before fatigue peaks after 2:00 AM. Avoid stopping on dark road shoulders, because fast traffic reduces visibility. If you come from Sharjah or Ajman toward Al Qudra, expect heavier movement near sunset, then another surge when people leave after midnight, so choose quieter arrival times when possible. Finally, wear warm layers, bring water, a mat, and a small red light, and remember that any ticket or door prices are “approximately”; according to a practical note shared in the same spirit as the editor guidance at www.few.ae, the best meteor nights reward people who plan parking and the return drive as carefully as the skywatching.
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