Springtime might not bring us the floral bouquet of meadows and gardens that the rest of the world gets, but skies in Dubai will brighten up with a different kind of April showers this week – the Lyrid Meteor Showers (or casually known as the Lyrids).
As the oldest recorded meteor showers in the world, the Lyrids are scientifically famous for fast, bright flashes and the occasional fireballs streaking across the skies that have consistently delighted humans for the last 2,700 years. Historical documents show Chinese astronomers from 687 BCE describing them as “stars that fell like rain”. Kinda poetic, doesn’t you think?
Insider tips to see the Lyrid meteor showers in UAE
As one of the most consistent and regular meteor showers, the Lyrids dazzle the skies without fail every year in late April, with activity peaking on April 22 and April 23, 2026 this year. The best time to view them in the UAE is the sweet spot after midnight and before dawn, when the sky is at its darkest, recommends the Dubai Astronomy Group.
The best part, though, is, you don’t need telescopes or binoculars to see them and can photograph them easily with a DSLR or mirrorless camera set to the right exposure settings.
Face the northeast and look up directly into the sky, scanning for the meteors. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will automatically adapt and you will begin to see the meteors with your naked eye. Make sure you’re patient and the show will last till dawn – giving you plenty of time to catch a glimpse of the marvel.
The real reason behind this cosmic marvel
Originating from the Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which orbits the sun approximately every 415 years, the Lyrid meteor showers form when the debris from the comet enters Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of around 49 km/s and burns up into blazing darts of light.
As the Lyrids appear to radiate from the harp-shaped constellation Lyra, near the bright star Vega, one of the brightest stars in the northern hemisphere, they get the name “Lyrids.”
And the best part? The Lyrics are famous for their speed and brightness, with as many as 100 meteors seen per hour. That being said, you are sure to see 10-20 meteors per hour during their peak on April 22 – 23.
The best spots to watch the skies light up in UAE
Dark spots like deserts, open fields or elevated mountainous locations away from city lights are perfect to see them. Just find an isolated area, lie back and watch the skies. Make sure you bring along your sleeping bags and a warm cup of hot chocolate and cosy clothes. Get real comfortable!
Abu Dhabi
1. Al Quaa in the Razeen Desert is considered the UAE’s darkest spot. Mixed with its spectacular views of every meteor shower and even the Milky Way, it is perfect for a Lyrid viewing.
2. Liwa Oasis is another spot in the capital that offers clear sightings of celestial events. Located in the vast Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), this desert is untouched by artificial light.
Dubai
3. Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve has minimal light pollution thanks to its protected status, and is a favourite amongst astronomers.
4. Al Qudra Desert is perfect if you want to camp out at night amidst the manmade lakes. It has a wide expanse of open, unlit spaces to view meteor showers.
5. Hatta offers an elevated setting in the Hajar Mountains and low light pollution levels make for a scenic stargazing spot.
6. Al Lehbab Desert’s dunes and vastness are perfect if you want to off-road into the wilderness yet be near the city.
Ras Al Khaimah
7. Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain, provides clear, dark skies because of its high altitude.
What comes next
The next Lyrid meteor showers will be in April 2027, so this is your annual reminder to look up while you can.
In early May come the Eta Aquarids. This upcoming shower is linked to Halley’s Comet and giving skywatchers another chance – if you can’t catch this one.