Althuraya Astronomy Center
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Althuraya Astronomy Center is the United Arab Emirates' first public observatory, set inside Mushrif Park in Dubai.
About Althuraya Astronomy Center
The center combines a planetarium, an astro gallery, a science exhibition space, a library and an "Astro Academy" education programme, alongside a 100-seat theatre and a meteorite exhibition where visitors can handle real meteorite samples.
Telescopes & research
Althuraya houses the region's biggest and most powerful telescope, supported by additional instruments used for its nightly public observation sessions.
Location & getting there
The center sits inside Mushrif Park, one of Dubai's larger green spaces, making it an easy stop alongside a family day out in the park.
Visiting Althuraya Astronomy Center
Telescope observation sessions run daily after 7:30pm, and the center draws more than a million visitors a year, making it one of the busiest public astronomy venues in the region. For bookings, contact the center at +971 4 221 6603 or [email protected].
See your named star from here
After you name a star, its coordinates are yours to explore — and a telescope like the ones at Althuraya can be pointed at exactly that spot in the sky. Browse the star catalogue to see stars already named nearby.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.