The Perseids meteor shower will be visible in the UAE and around the world next week, providing stargazers with a stunning celestial event during its peak in August—perfect for a stargazing date.
While the showers have been active since mid-July, they will reach their peak on August 12 and 13, when Earth passes through the densest part of the debris trail left by the comet Swift-Tuttle, resulting in the highest meteor activity. Up to 100 meteors per hour are expected to streak across the sky, entering Earth’s atmosphere at such high speeds that they create bright, explosive flashes of light resembling fireballs.
“The Perseids are one of the most spectacular annual meteor showers, known for their bright meteors and frequent fireballs,” said Khadijah Ahmad, operations manager at the Dubai Astronomy Group. “For the best experience, find a dark spot away from city lights and give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Lay down and look up—no equipment needed,” she advised.
In the UAE, the celestial show will be visible, but residents should be mindful of the heat and humidity. The Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting a viewing event on August 12 at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the highest point in the Emirates, where the weather is expected to be more pleasant. The event will run from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., with tickets priced at Dh200 for adults and Dh175 for children under 13. The meteor shower will be visible to the naked eye, and telescopes will be provided to observe Jupiter, Saturn, and other deep sky objects.
