Al Quaa: secluded Abu Dhabi spot that offers out-of-this-world views of the Milky Way

Darkest place in the UAE has stellar views of the galaxy, constellations, planets and shooting stars

The Milky Way as spotted at Al Quaa in the Abu Dhabi desert, captured by Winn W Gomez 
Powered by automated translation

The members of the Where to UAE Facebook group are a discerning bunch. They make and seek recommendations on everything from Santa’s grottos and heritage festivals to organic farming and the Covid-19 vaccine.

These days, several residents from the Emirates are gushing over the literally stellar views afforded of the night skies at Al Quaa, aka the “Milky Way spot”.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip.

What will I see at Al Quaa?

Stars galore, as well as specific constellations and planets (that can be identified via apps such as Skyview Lite), and the odd shooting star. The spot is most famous for the views it offers of the Milky Way, the galaxy that the Earth’s solar system is part of.

To the naked eye, the Milky Way shows up as a band of light that is actually the starlight emitted from the clusters that form the galaxy. You don’t need a telescope or any other equipment to see this on a clear night.

Above all, say those in the know, the spot is a peaceful yet humbling reminder of the universe at large.

“It’s amazing to sit under the night sky and gaze at the stars. You can occasionally see a shooting star or see the ISS [International Space Station] go by. Since the place is so silent and open, you are immediately in awe of the expanse of the universe,” says photography enthusiast Winn W Gomez, a BIM consultant with Autodesk.

Fellow stargazer Juan Carlos Dela Cruz loves the fact that the spot makes for a "relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and this craziness the pandemic has brought. It's like reconnecting with nature and the universe," says the clinical nurse facilitator, adding: "It reminds me that the UAE has a lot to offer. And the best thing about this one is that it's absolutely free of charge."

The Milky Way captured by Juan Carlos Dela Cruz
The Milky Way captured by Juan Carlos Dela Cruz

Best time to go and getting there

Darkness is key. A new Moon night with clear skies is the best time to visit Al Quaa, where you can also camp overnight. Avoid full Moon nights if stargazing is high on your agenda as the lunar light can obstruct views of the Milky Way and other constellations.

“A look at the weather forecast will help you make a better call. A foggy day will reduce visibility of sand dunes and make the desert a little less navigable,” says Chitra Nair, lead recruiter at Gutteridge, Haskins and Davey.

You don’t need a 4X4 to reach Al Quaa unless you’re planning to go off-roading amid the dunes. If you are using a regular car, just stay in the packed sand road area.

What equipment do I need for stargazing?

The galaxy and various constellations are visible to the naked eye, but if you want to capture the sights, a smartphone camera will not suffice (also, mobile phone reception can be sketchy in some patches).

Gomez, who first visited Al Quaa with a group of photographers for a workshop run by Nikon, says: “It was quite the learning experience, from capturing nothing to capturing the Milky Way. A DSLR/mirrorless camera is useful. Bring a fast lens and mount your camera on a tripod. The Milky Way is captured with a long exposure, so be sure not to shake your camera. Apps that allow you to manually set up the camera will also help. If you stay the night, you can also capture some breathtaking views of the sunrise amongst the dunes.”

Juan Carlos Dela Cruz used a mirrorless DSLR camera 
Juan Carlos Dela Cruz used a mirrorless DSLR camera 

Where is Al Quaa?

Al Quaa is located at 23.604633,54.750256 and is an approximately 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city towards Al Ain.

Look out for a large roundabout when you’re nearing the location to find the spot that’s just behind it on the dirt road. Currently, there is a bit of construction going on and you need to drive your car over the hump to activate the sensor for the barrier to open; there is also a button on the left of the gate.

You can set up camp at Al Quaa. Photo courtesy Chitra Nair 
You can set up camp at Al Quaa. Photo courtesy Chitra Nair 

As Veronika Hirsh, a yoga teacher at Breathe Yoga Studio in Abu Dhabi, puts it: “It sounds crazy to drive 125 kilometres just to go stargazing, but it was worth the drive. The Milky Way looked amazing, I've never seen so many stars before.”

While stars are technically visible from any other open expanse, Gomez says: “Al Quaa site is the darkest place in the UAE, far away from city lights. Another spot is the Al Showka Dam, but it’s lit by flight paths, whereas with no artificial lights around at Al Quaa, on a clear night you can see a million stars.” Hirsh says she’s a big fan of camping in the Liwa desert as well.

Dos and don’ts

Other than the emphatic, oft capitalised "Do Not Litter" plastered on nearly every post pointing to Al Quaa, here are some other tips and tricks from recent visitors from the Where to UAE group.

  • Do carry flash lights or a small floodlight should you want to walk around in the dark or start up a barbecue or campfire at night.
  • Do choose a spot away from the main road to avoid the sound of cars and headlights.
  • Do carry the bare minimum and extra garbage bags to carry trash to a spot where you can dispose of it responsibly.
  • Do carry water and food as the closest petrol station is almost 15 minutes away.
  • Do carry warm clothes if you plan to stay past sunset as the temperature drop is drastic in the cooler months.

Chitra Nair

  • Do arrive early and set up, and be considerate with using light sources. If other photographers are shooting, your car lights will overexpose their images.
  • Do carry a torch or headlamp if venturing out into the dunes for a walk, even if it's still daylight when you start off.
  • Don't go off-roading alone and without a 4X4.

Winn W Gomez

  • Do take a blanket so you can stargaze lying down (you can also carry chairs, so you don't strain your neck).
  • Don't go during a full Moon, you won't see much.
  • Don't go on the sand with a sedan.
  • Do make your camp next to your car so if a rallying 4x4 comes by, it won't run your tent over.
  • Do bear in mind there are no toilet facilities available.
  • Do carry a proper camera if you want to take pictures of the stars or the Milky Way itself; it won't work using a phone's camera, you will only see darkness.
  • Do switch off your car lights and don't be loud, so others can enjoy the experience, too.

Veronika Hirsh