Two notable sky events are scheduled to take place in the UAE this September. A total lunar eclipse on Sunday, 7 September 2025. Then Saturn is at opposition on Saturday, 20 September 2025. Both will be hosted at Mleiha National Park’s Panoramic Lounge in Sharjah. The Park will have computerised, high‑resolution telescopes set up for visitors. Bookings and contact details are below.
What’s happening and when
A total lunar eclipse and Saturn’s yearly opposition fall on two weekends. The Park is organising a viewing at its Panoramic Lounge in Sharjah’s desert.
- Sunday, 7 September 2025: total lunar eclipse (often called the Corn Moon)
- Saturday, 20 September 2025: Saturn at opposition (brightest and closest for the year)
- Venue: Panoramic Lounge, Mleiha National Park, Sharjah
- Time zone: UAE (UTC+4). Dates above are local to the UAE
- Contact: +971 6 802 1111 | mleihamanagement@discovermleiha.ae
These dates align with the UAE weekend, which makes planning easy for families, casual observers, and photographers. The desert setting offers darker skies than the city. The Park will provide an organised setup so you can arrive, look through the telescopes, and enjoy the view.
Total lunar eclipse: what you’ll see
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow and reddens. Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere loses the shorter blue light and keeps the longer red light, which paints the lunar surface.
- The Moon will darken, then turn a deep red colour at totality
- The effect is due to Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight
- The desert sky reduces light pollution for clearer views
- The event is visible to the eye and through telescopes
Expect a slow, staged change in brightness and colour. The desert horizon around Mleiha helps with contrast, so the colour shift stands out. If you enjoy night photography, this is a great opportunity to capture the Moon against a clear foreground. Bring a tripod if you plan to photograph, though the Park’s telescopes cover the observing needs for most visitors.
Saturn at opposition: the best night of the year
Opposition is when Earth sits between the Sun and Saturn. Saturn rises at sunset and stays up all night. It appears brighter and clearer than usual, which helps small and large telescopes show more detail.
- Saturn is at its annual brightest and closest
- Rings are easy to pick out through telescopes
- Under good conditions, Titan — Saturn’s largest moon — may be visible
From the Panoramic Lounge, you can expect steady, guided views through computerised scopes. The rings are obvious at even modest magnification. If the air is steady, you may glimpse the Cassini Division and Titan near the planet. Staff will point out features so first‑timers can make sense of what they are seeing.
On‑site setup and practical details
Mleiha National Park will have a hosted observing setup with computerised, high‑resolution telescopes. The environment is organised for families, astrophotographers and newcomers alike.
- Hosted viewing with staff support
- Computerised high‑resolution telescopes provided
- Panoramic Lounge setting in the Sharjah desert
- Optional dinner pairing offered by the venue
- Weekend dates for easier planning
Bring water, comfortable clothing, and any small accessories you like for night viewing. The Park’s team will handle the instruments and guide the session. If you want to make a night of it, the venue offers dinner alongside the viewing, so you can plan a simple evening around the sky events.
Booking and contacts (UAE)
To book or ask questions, use the Park’s official channels.
- Website: https://discovershurooq.gov.ae
- Phone: +971 6 802 1111
- Email: mleihamanagement@discovermleiha.ae
FAQs
Are the events on UAE weekends?
Yes. The total lunar eclipse is on Sunday, 7 September 2025. Saturn’s opposition is on Saturday, 20 September 2025.
Do I need to bring a telescope?
No. The Park provides computerised, high‑resolution telescopes on site.
Where in the Park are the viewings held?
At the Panoramic Lounge inside Mleiha National Park, Sharjah.
