This Ramadan, the sky offers a gift that requires no telescope, just a clear view of the horizon. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, residents of the UAE will be treated to a rare treat as six planets line up in the night sky for the ‘Parade of the Planets’. While Dubai is famous for its city lights, the real show will take place above the skyscrapers, with the Al Qudra desert providing the ultimate front-row seat to this astronomical event.
What planets can you see?
Venus and Jupiter will star in the show, and are the easiest planets to find because they shine like bright white beacons in the twilight. Mars will be equally easy to spot, standing out with its unique, steady reddish-orange hue that sets it apart from nearby twinkling stars. While these bright planets are visible to the naked eye, the “hidden giants”—Uranus and Neptune—are hidden farther into the solar system. To get a glimpse of these icy distant worlds, experts recommend bringing along a basic pair of binoculars or a small telescope to bring the faintest light into view. Adding to the beauty of the night, the Moon will also be joining the party, perfectly positioned near the alignment and acting as a natural signpost to help you trace the planet’s path across the sky.
Precise timekeeping across the UAE
While planets don’t wait for anyone, there’s a “golden window” to catch them at their clearest. Shortly after the sun sets over the horizon, the parade officially begins.
- Between 6:40pm and 7:30pm.
- As twilight fades, Venus and Jupiter will be the first to “light up” in the sky.
- At 7:10 p.m., the sky will be dark enough to see the fainter planets, but the alignment will still be high enough above the horizon to avoid being obscured by buildings or distant sand dunes.
- At 8:15 p.m., Saturn and Neptune will begin to set in the west, which means the “full procession” will end for the night.
Looking beyond Dubai
You don’t have to be in the Al Qudra desert to enjoy this show. If you’re outside Dubai, here are the top places to watch the Parade of the Planets, which is equally spectacular:
abu dhabi (Al Ain): Head to the base of Jebel Hafeet. This altitude provides a clear view of the eastern horizon, perfect for observing Mars as it rises.- Sharjah: Mleiha Archaeological Center is a designated dark-sky area. They often host dedicated astronomy pop-ups during such events, making professional telescopes available to the public.
Ras al Khaimah : If you can drive there, Jebel Jais is arguably the best spot in the country. At nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, you’re almost above the atmospheric haze that makes the planet look like a sharp diamond.- Fujairah: The Hajar Mountains provide great silhouettes for photographers. Just make sure you find a spot to the west with a clear view and a clear view.
Planetary alignment occurs when the orbits of the planets bring them to the same side of the sun from Earth’s perspective. Although they appear to be lined up in a row, they are actually millions of miles apart in space, a beautiful geometric trick. This particular six-planet cruise is considered rare because of the large number of planets involved and their high visibility from the Northern Hemisphere. For many in the UAE, the event was more than just science; it was a moment of reflection and wonder during a sacred month dedicated to looking up to the sky.
