The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is renowned for its sparkling skyscrapers and vibrant lights, epitomizing the swift, oil-driven economic growth that has transformed this region into a bustling center for trade and tourism. However, amidst this modern marvel, a crucial connection to the natural world has faded—the ability to gaze at the stars that once guided the Bedouin across the vast Empty Quarter.
Reconnecting with the Night Sky
To address this loss, a coalition of enthusiastic volunteers from the Dubai Astronomy Group has taken it upon themselves to re-establish this celestial connection. By organizing nighttime excursions to Al Quaa Desert, one of the darkest areas remaining in the Emirates, they offer participants the chance to witness the breathtaking night sky, which includes the dazzling Milky Way—a view obscured by urban light pollution for most residents. “This experience reminds us of our place in the galaxy,” remarked Sheeraz Awan, the general manager of the astronomy group, while guiding a recent stargazing event.
The Impact of Light Pollution
Light pollution is a significant concern in the UAE, ranking among the world’s most affected regions. A 2016 study indicated that approximately 99% of the UAE’s population cannot see the Milky Way from their homes due to the pervasive glow of artificial lighting. From streetlamps to the illuminated skyline of Dubai, this luminous fog hides the night sky’s wonders. As the capital, Abu Dhabi is grappling with these issues, authorities have established a “Dark Sky Policy” aimed at regulating lighting across the emirate. Nonetheless, urban development continues to pose challenges, as seen with the upcoming $1.7 billion entertainment complex set to light up Yas Island.
Journey into the Heart of Darkness
Fortunately, Al Quaa Desert remains largely untouched by city lights. Situated about 62 miles southeast of Abu Dhabi, it is accessible via well-maintained highways and roads that lead deep into the desert. Despite illumination from road lights along the way, the desert itself offers a pristine darkness ideal for stargazing. On clear, warm nights, families and enthusiasts converge on this secluded location, reveling in the natural beauty of the stars above.
During these excursions, participants experience the thrill of seeing the Milky Way and occasionally spotting meteors shooting across the sky—sights virtually impossible to behold in urban settings rife with artificial light. Awan enthusiastically pointed out various constellations, eliciting gasps of wonder from attendees who hadn’t previously grasped the vastness and beauty of the cosmos.
Rediscovering Ancient Traditions
Settled on blankets in the cool desert sands, people from diverse backgrounds—speaking Arabic, English, and Russian—look skyward as the half-moon sets. This ancient gaze at the stars hearkens back to the days when Bedouins navigated these very dunes. Volunteers assist in photographing the galaxy, providing tips on long-exposure techniques to capture the shimmering lights overhead. Moments of laughter and excitement punctuate the night as new revelations about the universe unfold around them.
As the night wanes and participants prepare to return to the illuminated highways of the UAE, they do so with a renewed appreciation for the age-old connection to the night sky. “This is not a new pastime,” Awan states, “but a timeless activity that connects us to our history.” For a fleeting moment, amidst the vastness of the desert, they engaged with the cosmos as the Bedouins once did, rediscovering a bond with nature that modernity often obscures.