Al Sadeem Observatory

Al Sadeem Observatory is a private astronomical facility located in the Al Wathba South area of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Officially opened in July 2016, the observatory was founded by Thabet Al Qaissieh and Alejandro 'Andy' Palado with a mission to make astronomy accessible to the community and celebrate the wonders of the night sky.

About Al Sadeem Observatory

The observatory is a tribute to Al Qaissieh's brother, whose passion for astronomy continues to inspire the facility's educational and outreach programmes. As a privately-owned operation registered with Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development, Al Sadeem combines observing capabilities with immersive astronomical experiences.

Telescopes & Research

The facility operates state-of-the-art equipment including 16-inch Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes through which visitors can observe Saturn's rings, Mars' polar ice caps, and the phases of Venus. The observatory also features smart telescopes and the Cosmic Cube, an immersive astronomical entertainment system added in late 2023 that provides a cutting-edge virtual experience of the cosmos.

Location & Getting There

Situated in the Abu Dhabi desert landscape of Al Wathba South, the observatory benefits from clear night skies and minimal light interference. The facility is accessible from central Abu Dhabi and is located in a region known for excellent stargazing conditions.

Visiting Al Sadeem Observatory

Al Sadeem Observatory welcomes visitors for guided stargazing tours year-round. Winter hours begin at 7:00 PM and summer sessions start at 8:00 PM. Tours operate Tuesday through Sunday, offering guided celestial observation sessions where visitors learn about star constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects. Admission is by tour reservation. The observatory also collaborates with educational institutions and professional astronomers globally on research initiatives.

See Your Named Star From Here

With powerful telescopes at Al Sadeem Observatory, you can view your named star from this desert location. Explore our star catalogue to find stars visible above Abu Dhabi, name your star through our packages, and coordinate with the observatory to observe it through their telescopes.