Watch Saturn at its brightest this Sunday from Mleiha National Park in Sharjah.
Dubai: Stargazers across the UAE will have the chance to see Saturn at its brightest this Sunday, October 4, as Mleiha National Park in Sharjah hosts a guided viewing event to mark Saturn Opposition — one of the best opportunities of the year to observe the ringed planet.
The five-hour event will take place at the Mleiha Eye at Mleiha Camping Site and is open to astronomy enthusiasts, families and anyone interested in exploring the night sky.
Visitors will be able to observe Saturn through telescopes, hear from astronomy experts and enjoy the clear, dark desert skies for which the area is known.
What is Saturn Opposition?
Saturn Opposition occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and Saturn, placing the ringed planet directly opposite the Sun from Earth’s perspective.
During this alignment, Saturn appears brighter and is easier to observe than at other times of the year.
The annual event provides an ideal opportunity to view Saturn’s distinctive rings and some of its moons through a telescope, offering visitors a closer look at one of the most recognisable planets in the solar system.
Mleiha National Park said the guided session is designed to make astronomy more accessible while increasing awareness of planetary science and the importance of preserving dark skies.
With experts on hand to explain what visitors are observing, the event will give guests of all ages an opportunity to better understand Saturn and the celestial events unfolding above them.
What’s included
The evening will begin with a presentation explaining Saturn Opposition, followed by guided telescope sessions offering views of Saturn and other visible celestial objects. Guests can also enjoy stargazing from a panoramic lounge overlooking the Mleiha landscape.
The experience includes a designated seating area, scheduled telescope viewing sessions, soft drinks and water, karak chai, Arabic coffee and complimentary parking. Attendance is limited to a smaller group to ensure visitors have sufficient time to use the telescopes.
Dinner is available as an optional add-on when booking, while guests are also permitted to bring their own food. Transportation to and from the park is not included.
Tickets
- Adults aged 11 and above: From Dh208
- Children aged 5 to 10: From Dh156
- Children aged 4 and under: Free, with food charged separately
Good to know
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing suitable for an evening outdoors in the desert and to arrive on time to avoid missing any of the scheduled activities.
Photography is permitted, although guests are asked to be considerate of others during telescope viewing sessions.
The event is weather-dependent and could be rescheduled or cancelled if conditions are unsuitable for stargazing.
Getting there
Mleiha Archaeological Centre is located in Sharjah’s central region, approximately an hour’s drive from Dubai.
Parking is available on site. As public transport options to the area are limited, travelling by car or taxi is the most convenient way to reach the venue.
