Duration 2 days
Difficulty EASY
FROM ...

Discover stargazing at Al Quaa, the UAE’s darkest spot. Enjoy Milky Way views, desert silence, and a magical night under the stars.

Why Visit Al Quaa?

  • Darkest Spot in the UAE: Unmatched Milky Way views, far from light pollution
  • Remote Desert Beauty: Stunning dunes & silence away from city life
  • Unique landscape: Ideal for nature lovers & photographers
  • Easily Accessible: Wild desert feel, without needing a long drive

Why Choose Arabian Wanderers?

  • Off-Road Adventure Included: From roadside to a quiet spot away from crowds
  • All-Inclusive Setup: Tents, toilets, chairs - all ready for you
  • Best BBQ in Town: Grilled dinner under the stars
  • Guided Stargazing: Telescope session with a pro Celestron scope
  • Fun-Loving Guides: Friendly, energetic & experienced
  • Bonfire Games & Social Vibes: Connect with like-minded adventurers
  • Camping: Hassle free arrangements for all of your camping needs
  • Optional Pickup: Available from Dubai or Abu Dhabi for a stress-free trip

  • Meals:
    • The famous best BBQ in town for dinner (mixed grill with meat and chicken, vegan patties, hummus, moutabbal, tabbouleh salad, fattoush salad, bread, and snacks)
    • Breakfast
  • Beverages (Soft drinks, tea, coffee, water)
  • Camp equipment: private tents, mattresses, sleeping bag, Fire pit & wood for bonfire
  • Portable Toilet & Privacy Tent Setup
  • Campfire games
  • Transportation from regular vehicles to the inside of the desert via dunes off-roading with 4x4 vehicles
  • A guided stargazing session with access to a Celestron 12096 NexStar Evolution 8 HD telescope for observing planets and celestial objects.
  • Adventure leaders - fun guides who know the ins and outs of Al Quaa
  • Great people and great fun!

Available Extras: 

  • Transportation by bus from Dubai or Abu Dhabi (Arabian Wanderers' meeting point) to Al Quaa and back (available for an additional AED 200)
  • Glamping tent upgrade, available on overnight departures from 31 October only.
  • Group size: Small group experience - Avg. 12, Max 25.
  • Physical rating: Beginner level - Light physical activities are included.
  • Meeting point & time:
    • If booking our transport:
    • If joining directly in Al Quaa: Meet us at approximately 5:15 PM. For travel-time planning, you can view the approximate area here. Please note that this is not the meeting point. The exact location will be shared privately with confirmed guests before the trip. The meeting point is accessible by any car, with free parking available. From there, you will join one of our 4×4 vehicles to reach the camp, so you do not need your own 4×4.
    • Please consider timings to be slightly adjustable depending on the sunset hour.
  • Restroom Facilities: A portable toilet with a privacy tent will be available.
  • Solo & women friendly: Solo and female travelers are more than welcome; 70% of our participants are usually solo adventurers and women.
  • Pet-friendly: You're welcome to bring your pet on the trip, provided everyone on the tour is comfortable with it. You can confirm this via the WhatsApp group created for all booked participants.
  • Note: Visibility may be affected by weather conditions (e.g., clouds, rain). Event cancellation will only occur in the case of severe weather (heavy rain or very strong winds), not due to clouds or light rain.
  • Mobile Coverage: e& has inconsistent internet and phone coverage. du has inconsistent phone coverage and no internet coverage.
  • Important Note: Bookings cannot be rescheduled within 14 days of the trip.
  • Health and travel insurance: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain one here!
  • Disclaimer: Even though Al Quaa is the best place in the UAE for stargazing, don't expect it to look like the photos online. While you can see more stars than in most other locations and will definitely be amazed, the photos you see online are taken with professional cameras or high-quality phones that capture low light better than the naked eye. From May to October, the Milky Way’s core shines brightest and most dramatically, while in the cooler winter months, its subtler sections still offer breath-taking starry skies.
  • Tipping Information: If you would like to show your appreciation to your guide, you may bring cash in AED for tipping. Most guests tip around 50 AED per person for a great experience, though this is entirely at your discretion.
  • Instagram: Follow us on Instagram for our latest adventures: arabian.wanderers

Good vibes! (& the below)


Clothes:

  • Warm jacket/sweatpants for the camping night
  • Change of clothes

Accessories:

  • Backpack
  • Sleeping pillow (optional)
  • Cap & sunglasses
  • Earplugs (for light sleepers)
  • Headlamp (or you can use your phone's light)

Can't find the dates you're looking for?


Visit our Private Trips page to explore customized options for your group.


You can also call us on +971 52 206 7219 or email info@arabianwanderers.com

View Private Trips

Itinerary

Day 1

Al Quaa aka the “The Milky Way Spot in UAE” - Stargazing, BBQ, Games, & Telescope

1:15 pm: Meeting time for the ones who booked our transport at our Dubai pickup point.

3:15 pm: Meeting time for the ones who booked our transport at our Abu Dhabi pickup point.

5:15 pm: Meeting time for the ones joining us with their own transport in Al Quaa meeting point.


We will leave Dubai and head on a beautiful 2-3 hours road trip to Al Quaa, a secluded Abu Dhabi spot that offers out-of-this-world views of the stars and planets.

At camp, we will have the usual best bbq in town, drinks, campfire games, music, and melting marshmallows on the bonfire.

We will then take a night walk to enjoy stargazing at the darkest place in the UAE with stellar views of the galaxy, constellations, planets and shooting starts.

Following the walk, experience a guided stargazing session with access to a Celestron 12096 NexStar Evolution 8 HD telescope, allowing you to observe planets up close.

Back at camp, we will sleep under the clear skies full of stars.

Day 2

Sunrise, Bites, and Back to the City

In the morning, we will take a morning walk and watch the sunrise over the dunes.

We will then return to camp for breakfast.

Once we have finished breakfast and packing, we will leave for Dubai.

1:00 pm: Back to Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Al Quaa, and where do we meet?

Al Quaa is a remote stargazing destination, approximately 1.5 hours from Abu Dhabi and 2.5 hours from Dubai by car. You can view the general area on Google Maps. We’ll send you the exact meeting point once your booking is confirmed.

Is this an evening trip or an overnight camping trip?

We offer evening stargazing trips from around mid-April to mid-October and overnight camping trips from around mid-October to mid-April.

When is the best time to see the Milky Way?

The best time to see the Milky Way is from mid-April to mid-October, on nights with little or no moonlight. During the rest of the year, the starry sky is still spectacular, and the cooler weather makes it a great time to spend the whole night under the stars.

Is seeing the Milky Way or a meteor shower guaranteed?

During Milky Way season, usually from mid-April to mid-October, we schedule our trips on nights with little or no moonlight to maximise the chances of seeing the Milky Way. We also time our meteor shower trips to give you the best possible chance of spotting meteors. However, sightings cannot be guaranteed, as cloud cover, dust storms and other weather conditions can affect visibility.

Will the sky look exactly like the photographs?

Not necessarily. Long-exposure photographs can show more colour and detail than the naked eye. You can enjoy the dark sky and stars without a professional camera, but photographs should not be treated as a promise of exactly what you will see.

What is included in the Al Quaa experience?

The trip includes dinner, drinks, a prepared campsite with toilets, friendly guides, camp activities, a professionally guided astronomy session with telescope viewing, and a 4×4 transfer from the meeting point into the desert.

Overnight trips also include camping equipment and breakfast. Transport from the city and glamping upgrades are available as optional extras.

Do I need a 4×4 or desert-driving experience?

No. You can reach our meeting point in a regular car and park there. Our team takes you into the desert in our 4×4 vehicles, so you do not need to drive through the dunes yourself.

Can I book transport from Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Optional transport is available from the designated Dubai and Abu Dhabi meeting points. Please select the transport option when booking.

What time will I get home after the trip?

Evening stargazing trips finish at Al Quaa between midnight and 1:00 am the following morning. Please allow additional time for the journey home.

For overnight trips, you can expect to arrive home between 10:00 am and noon on the second day, depending on where you live.

Please check your departure’s confirmed timings on our website or with our team, especially if you have work or other commitments afterwards.

Are there toilets at the camp?

Yes, we provide 2 shared portable toilets for every 25 guests, each enclosed in a privacy tent. These are desert camp facilities rather than a permanent bathroom block, and individual tents do not have en-suite bathrooms.

Will I share a tent with strangers?

No, each participant gets a private tent. If you’re joining as a couple and would like to share, let us know when booking and we can provide a larger tent with two mattresses.

What is the difference between camping and glamping?

Glamping is available as an accommodation upgrade on selected overnight trips. You’ll stay in a spacious 5 × 5 m tent with a bed, bed sheets, a quilt, pillows, bedside tables, lighting, a carpet and plenty of room for your luggage.

Our standard camping option includes a two- or three-person Quechua tent with a mattress and a sleeping bag.

Do I need to bring bedding or camping equipment?

Camping equipment is included on our overnight trips. Please check the “What to Bring” section for a list of items you’ll need to pack.

Can I join alone?

Yes, solo travellers are more than welcome! In fact, around 70% of our guests are solo travellers, women, or both.

Can children join?

Yes, we offer both adult-only and family-friendly trips. Children aged 4–11 are welcome to join our family-friendly trips.

Can you cater for vegetarian guests or food allergies?

Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Please let us know your dietary requirements or food allergies when booking so we can accommodate your needs.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your pet, provided all other guests are comfortable with it. We’ll add you to the trip’s WhatsApp group, where we can confirm this with everyone before the trip.

What happens if it is cloudy?

Cloud cover can reduce visibility, but it does not automatically mean the trip will be cancelled. Trips are cancelled in severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms or flooding. Please review the booking terms before making a payment, especially if clear skies are a key factor in your decision to book.

Can I book a private Al Quaa experience?

Yes! Visit our private trips page to explore our private Al Quaa experiences. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us and we’ll arrange a tailor-made trip to suit your needs.