Witness the spectacular ‘Perseids Meteor Shower’ under the pristine skies of Mleiha National Park
Sharjah, UAE; July 29, 2026: Mleiha National Park is inviting astronomy enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers to experience one of the year’s most anticipated celestial events: the Perseids Meteor Shower. Set within the archaeological landscape of Mleiha, part of Sharjah’s UNESCO World Heritage site, this experience takes place in one of the UAE’s most popular stargazing locations. Situated away from city lights, the site is naturally shielded with the surrounding mountains and open desert reducing the impact of light pollution, offering night-sky views that are better than the city and far more immersive.This year’s Perseids promises to be a particularly spectacular display. Under ideal conditions, the meteor shower can produce up to 100 meteors per hour, while Mleiha’s dark desert skies provide a stunning setting to experience this annual celestial spectacle.The Perseids Meteor Shower is one of the most remarkable celestial events of the year, occurring when Earth passes through the debris trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle. Rich and steady from early August through to its peak, it is celebrated for its vivid, colourful meteors, many of which blaze brightly and leave glowing persistent trains in their wake. The shower appears to radiate from a single point near the famous Double Cluster in the constellation Perseus – the mythological Hero for whom this dazzling shower is named.With the peak activity predicted on the evening of 13th August 2026, the astronomy event promises an immersive evening combining expert-led stargazing, desert dining, and guided meteor viewing under the unpolluted desert skies of Mleiha.Highlighting Mleiha National Park’s unique appeal as a hub for astronomy tourism and immersive desert adventures, the event presents a carefully curated programme that offers memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.The evening begins with a selection of astronomy themed activities, telescope observation of planet Venus, followed by a guided astronomy presentation exploring the science of the Perseids meteor shower and the night sky. As the night deepens, guests will enjoy a desert buffet dinner before the Perseids Meteor Shower observation, which runs from 9:00 PM until 1:00 AM. Throughout the evening, experienced astronomy guides are on hand, with scheduled telescope sessions offered at specific times for closer views of selected planets and celestial objects. Guests also contribute to meteor counting for scientific data and take part in educational, fun-filled quizzes, with winners receiving vouchers for Mleiha experiences.To cater to different preferences, Mleiha National Park offers two distinct ticketing tiers. The Premium Experience, priced at AED 300 for adults and AED 250 for children, includes premium seating with low dining tables, priority access to telescope viewing sessions and a dedicated premium buffet menu. The Standard Experience, available at AED 225 for adults and AED 175 for children, provides comfortable designated carpeted seating, access to scheduled telescope viewing, and a standard buffet menu. Both tiers include soft drinks, water, Karak chai, Arabic coffee and access to open parking. The event is designed to be family-friendly, with complimentary entry for children aged four years and below (food not included). The child rate applies to guests aged five to ten years, while those aged eleven and above are subject to the adult rate. Visit the Mleiha Eye Lounge for an unforgettable night of cosmic wonder, where the beauty of the universe meets the tranquility of the Arabian desert.
Event details at a Glance:
For bookings and further information, please visit the Mleiha National Park website www.mleihanationalpark.com or contact the visitor centre at 06 802 1111
