For millennia, the Arabian Peninsula has been defined by its deserts—vast, silent landscapes that served as both a crucible of human civilization and an awe-inspiring observatory. Today, as urban sprawl brightens the night sky across the globe, one location in the United Arab Emirates remains a sanctuary for the celestial arts: Mleiha National Park in Sharjah.
Mleiha is not merely a place to look up; it is a portal to the cosmos and to the deep history of humanity. A protected archaeological and natural reserve, Mleiha is part of the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Faya Palaeolandscape, which holds evidence of human occupation dating back over 210,000 years. Imagine standing where ancient peoples once stood, gazing at the same skies, now armed with the latest astronomical technology. This unique blend of heritage and high-tech observation is precisely what establishes Mleiha as a world-class destination for celestial tourism.
In the Middle East, a region experiencing rapid, intense development, the commodity of true darkness is increasingly rare. Light pollution from major metropolises like Dubai can spill across hundreds of kilometers, washing out the faintest stars.
Mleiha National Park, however, is a remarkable exception. Located approximately an hour’s drive from Dubai, its protected 34.2-square-kilometer expanse ensures minimal light intrusion. The result is an environment with near-zero light pollution—a pristine, desert sky that is among the clearest in the Arabian Peninsula.
This unspoiled environment means one can begin exploring the night sky even with the unaided eye. The celestial panorama stretches across the horizon with a clarity rarely experienced outside of remote observatories. This superior visibility is the foundation upon which Mleiha’s growing reputation as a global stargazing hub is built.
A crown jewel of Mleiha’s annual astronomical calendar is the Geminids Meteor Shower. Peaking on the night of 13th December 2025, the event promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Unlike many meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminids come from an asteroid, 3200 Phaethon, which results in bright, intensely colored meteors.
In 2025, predictions suggest the shower could produce up to 100 bright meteors per hour. Crucially, Mleiha’s remote location ensures that this awe-inspiring event occurs under optimal conditions. Minimal moonlight interference is forecast for the peak night, guaranteeing an uninterrupted view of the "shooting stars" streaking across the velvet blackness.
Mleiha has transformed the simple act of stargazing into a complete, curated cultural experience. The special Geminids Meteor Shower Experience, hosted at the Mleiha Panoramic Lounge, is designed to cater to both seasoned astronomy enthusiasts and curious first-time observers.
Your evening includes:
Gourmet Buffet Dinner - A specially curated menu enjoyed under the stars, blending traditional Arabian hospitality with a breathtaking outdoor setting.
Comfortable Setup - Stargazing is made luxurious with comfortable setups featuring carpets and cushions, allowing guests to relax while gazing at the zenith.
World-Class Infrastructure - Access to an array of computerized, high-resolution telescopes (8 in total!), ensuring exceptional detail and clarity when observing celestial objects.
Expert Guidance - The experience is led by Mleiha's resident astronomers and expert guides, providing guided telescope observation of the moon and visible planets.
Educational Immersion - An expert-led presentation on the science behind the Geminids, engaging interactive sessions on comets, and a fun astronomy quiz make the night both educational and entertaining.
This dedication to comprehensive visitor experience—blending education, comfort, and state-of-the-art equipment—is what elevates Mleiha beyond a mere viewing spot into a premier celestial tourism destination.
Mleiha’s commitment to astronomy is year-round. While the Geminids provide a spectacular focal point, the park runs a regular stargazing program, capitalizing on various astronomical events like lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions, and other meteor showers. The park’s focus on "Mobile Stargazing" positions it as a leading spot for adventure and experiential tourism in the region.
The core of the experience lies in its infrastructure. The facility is equipped with an array of powerful, high-resolution telescopes. These instruments, managed by expert guides, allow visitors to observe nebulas, star clusters, galaxies, and planetary details in stunning clarity that an amateur setup simply cannot match.
However, the technology is balanced with the region's renowned traditional hospitality. Stargazing at Mleiha is an immersion in the tranquility of the desert, echoing the practices of ancient Arabian navigators and astronomers who relied on the stars to chart their course across the land and sea. This juxtaposition of ancient history and modern science provides a powerful, authentic experience that resonates deeply with the contemporary traveler seeking meaningful cultural engagement.
The increasing global interest in Mleiha is part of a broader trend. According to reports from organizations like the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), cultural tourism now accounts for a significant portion of all global travel. Modern travelers are actively seeking unique, authentic, and awe-inspiring experiences that connect them to a place's history and natural environment.
Celestial tourism, or astro-tourism, perfectly fits this niche. It offers an opportunity for reflection, learning, and connection with the universe, away from the noise and distraction of modern life.
Mleiha’s status as part of the Faya Paleolandscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds an extraordinary layer of depth to the stargazing experience. The ongoing archeological and anthropological research into Mleiha shows that these deserts have been inhabited for 210,000 years of recorded human history. It is a reminder that the stars above Mleiha today are the same ones that illuminated the lives of the earliest human ancestors who walked this land.
Newly inaugurated in 2025 under the auspices of Princess and archaeologist Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Mleiha National Park has been carefully developed to preserve its archaeological integrity while maximizing its potential as a global tourism draw. The blending of historical preservation with a forward-looking vision for experiential tourism is a model for sustainable development.
Mleiha National Park is easily accessible, located just an hour's drive from the major hubs of Dubai and Sharjah, yet it feels a world away. For travelers interested in experiencing the Geminids or any of Mleiha’s specialized viewing programs, advance booking is essential, especially for major astronomical events.
The experience at Mleiha is more than just observing; it is participating in a shared human tradition that spans millennia. It is about understanding the cosmos, reconnecting with nature, and appreciating the silence and clarity of one of the Arabian Desert’s most protected and historic landscapes.
In a world where darkness is a diminishing resource, Mleiha stands out as a brilliant beacon—a must-visit destination where history meets the heavens. It offers a rare chance to witness the Geminids Meteor Shower and the eternal majesty of the night sky in a truly unforgettable setting, reaffirming its place as a world-class spot for astronomy and celestial tourism.
About the author:
Marcy Clark is a San Francisco-based tour guide and media professional who has led retreats and experiences in Capri, Ischia, Rome, Seychelles, Miami, New York and LA, and who has secured coverage in outlets including the New York Times, Vanity Fair, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveller and Afar.
