THE UAE ASTRONOMY DIRECTORY

UAE astronomy clubs,
planetariums & resources.

Find astronomy communities, places to visit, telescope services and ways to learn or contribute across the UAE.

Directory guidance updated 4 October 2026. Each listing shows when its official source was checked.

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT STEP

Explore online or plan a visit.

Skydust’s online planetarium runs in your browser. For an in-person show or observing session, explore the venues below.

Find an astronomy resource

Explore local organizations and services, alongside selected international tools you can use from the UAE. Some providers appear more than once because they offer different services.

15 resources to explore

Dubai

Dubai Astronomy Group

Community & membership

Meet other observers through a UAE astronomy community with stargazing events, member meet-ups and educational programmes. A useful starting point for a first group outing or a more regular observing routine.

Start with the membership page and follow its current programmes. Check the meeting location and what each booking includes.

Join · Learn

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Abu Dhabi

International Astronomical Center

Astronomy organization

An Abu Dhabi-based scientific centre with astronomy information, lectures and observing projects. Particularly useful for readers interested in crescent visibility, meteor observations and the connection between calculation and observation.

Browse its educational material and membership information online. Contact the centre about participation in a specific activity.

Join · Learn

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Sharjah

Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub

Planetarium & science outreach

The University of Sharjah’s astronomy hub brings together the Sharjah Planetarium, observatories, research and public outreach. A place to explore astronomy with a family, school group or a deeper scientific interest.

Previously known as SAASST. Ask the hub about current planetarium shows, visit arrangements and public events; research facilities have their own access arrangements.

Visit · Learn

Official source checked · 4 October 2026

Abu Dhabi

Al Sadeem Observatory

Guided observing experience

An observatory in Al Wathba South offering guided astronomy experiences, telescope observing and immersive cosmic visuals. Its programmes provide an introduction to the sky and to imaging with smart telescopes.

Use the official booking link to check the available experience, age suitability and session arrangements. Outdoor observing depends on the sky conditions.

Visit · Learn

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Dubai

Al Thuraya Astronomy Center

Public observing & education

A public astronomy centre in Mushrif Park with guided telescope sessions, learning programmes and activities for schools and families. Useful for trying an observing session before deciding on your own equipment.

Check the current programme and booking arrangements with the centre, including park access and the activities offered for your chosen date.

Visit · Learn

Official source checked · 4 October 2026

Abu Dhabi

Al Sadeem telescope store

Telescopes & accessories

A UAE online store listing Vaonis smart telescopes and compatible accessories, including imaging filters and carrying equipment. Useful if you are exploring an automated approach to photographing deep-sky objects.

Check the exact telescope and accessory compatibility, delivery, demonstration options and UAE warranty arrangements before ordering.

Equipment

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Dubai

DAG telescope advice & servicing

Equipment advice, repair & care

Dubai Astronomy Group lists buying advice, telescope repairs, cleaning and refurbishment, plus options to sell, trade or donate equipment. Useful for choosing a first setup or getting an existing instrument working again.

Services are advertised now; the full online product shop is marked as coming soon. Ask for a diagnosis or quote and confirm support for your particular instrument.

Equipment · Learn

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Online / international

Manufacturer dealer directories

Check a supplier

Use the manufacturers’ own directories when checking where to buy Celestron or Sky-Watcher equipment. They are a useful second check alongside a retailer’s catalogue, particularly when comparing a local purchase with an overseas order.

These are international directories. Confirm who handles UAE warranty work, the full delivered cost and after-sales support for your purchase.

Equipment

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Dubai

DAG astronomy & photography courses

Courses & workshops

A course catalogue covering beginner astronomy, telescope use and Milky Way, planetary and deep-sky photography. Courses vary in format, with in-person, online and combined options listed.

Read the individual course requirements and check dates, equipment needs and what field practice is included before booking.

Learn

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Dubai

Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre

UAE space science

Follow the UAE’s space programme through official mission information, including astronaut, satellite and lunar projects. Useful background for students and visitors who want to connect the night sky with space exploration.

Start with the mission pages online. Enquire separately about any educational programme or visit; the website is not a general admission booking.

Learn

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Across the UAE

UAE meteor observation network

Observation & research

The International Astronomical Center’s camera network, developed with the SETI Institute, records meteors from multiple stations. Its project pages explain how observations can be combined and share research and results.

Explore the network’s findings online. Contact the project for specific collaboration enquiries; camera stations are research facilities.

Learn

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Abu Dhabi / international

Islamic Crescents’ Observation Project

Contribute an observation

An international observing project coordinated by the International Astronomical Center. Compare crescent-visibility information with reports from observers and learn how to submit a carefully documented observation.

Read the project’s reporting instructions and keep the time, location, observing method and result together. Submitted reports are reviewed by the project.

Contribute · Learn

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy

Abu Dhabi lighting policy

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport launched this initiative to reduce light pollution and encourage responsible lighting. It connects protection of the night sky with the environment, public spaces and scientific research.

Read the official introduction. Skydust’s independent guide separates the policy summary from our recommendations and proposed monitoring pilot.

Contribute · Learn

Official source checked · 4 October 2026

Online / international

DarkSky International

Protect the night sky

An international organization offering practical guidance on responsible outdoor lighting, education, advocacy and dark-sky conservation. Its resources can help a household, school or community begin a conversation about unnecessary light.

Start with the lighting guides and participation information, then choose an action for your home, school or community.

Contribute · Learn

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

Online / international

Zooniverse space projects

Science from home

Take part in astronomy research by helping classify images and other scientific data online. The space project catalogue includes opportunities to explore galaxies, stars and Solar System observations from home in the UAE.

Choose an active project and follow its tutorial. You can begin with the supplied data without owning a telescope or travelling to a dark site.

Contribute · Learn

Official source checked · 10 September 2026

A good first step makes the next one easier.

Before buying a telescope

Think about what you want to see or photograph, where you will use it, and how much equipment you can comfortably carry. A guided session can help you understand the difference between an eyepiece view and a processed image.

Ask a supplier about the mount, included accessories, setup advice, spare parts and local servicing. Confirm the exact model, availability and warranty arrangements before paying.

Before booking a night out

Check the venue, start time, age suitability and what equipment is provided. Ask how weather changes affect the session. Course catalogues and event archives do not always mean a place is available on your preferred date.

Use the Skydust night planner to explore darkness and Moon conditions, then check the Tonight forecast and your chosen provider’s latest arrangements.

YOUR OBSERVATIONS MATTER

Help build a clearer picture of UAE skies.

Record a repeatable sky-brightness measurement with its place, time and observing conditions. Shared observations help Skydust compare its estimates with the real sky and identify where the model needs improvement.

You can also help by reducing unnecessary outdoor light, introducing someone to astronomy, or suggesting a useful resource for this directory.

Know a resource we should include?

Send its name, emirate, official website and a short explanation of what it offers. For a correction, include the listing name and the information that needs updating.

Suggest a resource by email → · Report an outdated listing →

This is a growing directory. Listings describe information available on the linked official pages; confirm current availability, bookings and support with the provider. The links on this page contain no affiliate tracking.