Rare Planetary Parade Over Dubai During Ramadan 2026
Rare planetary alignment event in Dubai combines stargazing, Ramadan traditions and astronomical expertise.
This Ramadan, skywatchers in Dubai will have a rare chance to witness a spectacular planetary parade as six planets align over Al Qudra Desert on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The special stargazing event, organized by Al Thuraya Astronomy Center, is expected to be one of the most talked-about astronomical highlights of the year, drawing families, enthusiasts and curious observers eager to experience the celestial display.
A planetary parade occurs when several planets in the Solar System appear to line up in a sweeping arc across the sky as seen from Earth. Because planets orbit the Sun along a similar flat plane known as the ecliptic, they occasionally reach positions that create the illusion of a cosmic alignment. While alignments of two or three planets are relatively common, seeing six planets at once is considered a rare astronomical event.
On the night of February 21, observers will be able to spot Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune stretched across the evening sky. Venus will shine as the brightest object visible to the naked eye, while Jupiter and Mars will also be easy to identify. Saturn, which will set early in the evening, must be viewed shortly after Iftar to catch a glimpse of its rings. Uranus and Neptune, typically invisible without equipment, will be observable through high-powered telescopes available at the site.
The Ramadan astronomy event begins at 6 pm with an introductory session, followed by an Iftar and prayer break at 6.20 pm. Saturn observation is scheduled to start at 6.45 pm, making early arrival important for attendees hoping to see the planet before it dips below the horizon.
As the evening progresses, expert talks will explore the relationship between Ramadan, moon sighting and the science behind the Islamic lunar calendar, followed by a dedicated session explaining how and why planetary alignments occur. After a Q&A segment, telescopes will turn toward the Moon, Uranus and Jupiter, before opening for deep-sky observations of nebulae and star clusters from 9.30 pm. Visitors will also be able to try phone photography through telescopes to capture images of the night sky.
With limited capacity and strong interest expected, organizers say the event is designed for astronomy enthusiasts, families and anyone seeking a unique Ramadan evening outdoors. The planetary parade viewing will run from 6 pm to 10 pm at Al Qudra Desert, with advance booking required through the astronomy center’s official website.