Stargazers Seek Solace in UAE's Al Quaa Desert Amid Light Pollution

Volunteers from the Dubai Astronomy Group lead excursions to Al Quaa Desert, one of the UAE's dark spots, to view stars and the Milky Way, escaping urban light pollution. The initiative helps residents reconnect with the night sky, reminiscent of how Bedouins once navigated deserts.

In the fast-developing United Arab Emirates, where skyscrapers and bright lights dominate the skyline, citizens are losing sight of the stars that once guided Bedouins across desert dunes. The Dubai Astronomy Group is addressing this issue by taking stargazers to Al Quaa Desert, a locale largely untouched by light pollution.

During a recent outing, participants gazed upon the Milky Way, guided by astronomy group general manager Sheeraz Awan. The desert, located about 100 kilometers southeast of Abu Dhabi, offers a rare glimpse of the night sky, which city residents can no longer see due to intense artificial lighting from landmarks like Dubai's Burj Khalifa.

While Abu Dhabi plans a 'Dark Sky Policy' to tackle light pollution, volunteers reveal the natural beauty of the starry sky, helping people appreciate its timeless wonder. As they observed with telescopes and mobile phones, enthusiasts shared a moment of celestial connection akin to ancestral practices.