Astronomy enthusiasts in the UAE can watch the Leonid meteor shower on the nights of November 17 and 18, 2026. The phenomenon occurs as Earth passes through particles left behind by a comet, creating bright streaks of light across the sky.

The Leonid meteor shower is one of November’s major astronomical events and occurs around the same time each year. Astronomical forecasts indicate that about 15 meteors per hour could be visible under ideal conditions, although the number seen in practice may be lower.

How does the Leonid meteor shower form?

A meteor shower occurs when Earth, while orbiting the Sun, passes through dust particles and debris left behind by comets.

The Leonid meteor shower is produced by particles left behind by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Some of these particles are as small as grains of sand. When they enter Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speeds, their interaction with the atmosphere creates luminous streaks across the sky.

Leonid meteors enter Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of about 71 kilometres per second, making the Leonids one of the fastest known meteor showers.

The shower takes its name from the constellation Leo, the Lion, because the meteors appear to observers on Earth to originate from an area within this constellation.

How can the Leonid meteor shower be viewed in the UAE?

The Dubai Astronomy Group is organising a special event in Al Qudra Desert for stargazing enthusiasts.

According to information published on the group’s official website, the Leonid meteor shower observation event will begin at 10pm on Tuesday, November 17, and continue until 2am on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

Astronomy experts will be present at the event, allowing participants not only to watch the meteors but also to learn how the phenomenon forms and how to observe celestial objects.

Professional telescopes will also be available for viewing planets and other celestial objects. Activities including constellation identification and astrophotography will also be offered.

Ticket prices for the meteor shower viewing event in Dubai

According to the Dubai Astronomy Group, tickets cost AED180 for adults and AED150 for children under the age of 13.

Advance registration is required, and capacity is limited.

For more information and registration, visit the Dubai Astronomy Group’s official website at dubaiastronomy.com .

What is the best time to watch the meteor shower?

Astronomy experts say the late-night hours before sunrise are generally among the best times to view the Leonid meteor shower.

In 2026, conditions are expected to improve after the Moon sets, as reduced moonlight will make fainter meteors easier to see against the night sky.

However, the number of visible meteors will depend on factors including the weather, light pollution, sky conditions and the location of the observation site.

A telescope is not required to watch the meteor shower, which can be viewed with the naked eye.

Choosing a location away from city lights with a clear, open horizon will increase the chances of seeing more meteors.

Advice for stargazing enthusiasts

Those planning to attend the Al Qudra Desert observation event are advised to bring warm clothing and blankets, as temperatures in the UAE’s desert areas can fall during the night.

The Dubai Astronomy Group will also provide seating, drinking water and hot beverages for participants.

The Leonid meteor shower is active from November 6 to 30, with the middle of the month offering a good opportunity for observation.

People across the UAE can watch the natural phenomenon by choosing a dark location away from light pollution or register for the Dubai Astronomy Group’s event for an educational stargazing experience in Al Qudra Desert.