Timing and setting

Al Mleiha’s Aye Resthouse will welcome visitors from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, offering a mix of scientific discovery, telescope observation and the tranquillity of Mleiha's desert night sky.

Opposition peculiarity

Saturn's opposition occurs when the planet sits directly opposite the sun relative to Earth, making it appear brighter and clearer in the night sky. The annual event offers an ideal chance to observe Saturn's distinctive rings and moons through telescopes and to get a close look at the planet's finer details — an experience astronomy fans won't want to miss.

By turning the phenomenon into an accessible learning experience led by specialists, Mleiha National Park continues to build awareness of astronomy and planetary science while highlighting the value of stargazing away from light pollution. Guided by expert explanations and hands-on telescope sessions, visitors of all ages can move beyond simply admiring the night sky to a deeper understanding of the astronomical phenomena and celestial bodies above them.

Programme schedule

The evening begins at 6:00pm, with the main programme running from 6:15pm to 8:00pm and covering a solar system tour and workshop, a session on how space rockets work, and a hands-on meteorite exploration and search workshop. A dinner break follows until 9:00pm, after which guests attend a presentation on the Saturn Opposition phenomenon before observation begins at 9:30pm. The evening wraps up at 11:00pm.

Tickets and Add-ons

Entry tickets cost AED 200 for adults and AED 150 for children, covering seating in a dedicated area, scheduled telescope observation sessions, and hot and cold drinks. Guests can add a dinner buffet to their booking for AED 85 for adults and AED 65 for children — offered as an optional extra rather than included in the ticket price, given the event's shorter format compared with other stargazing events.