Sahra & BeyondAl Quaa is the darkest accessible desert in the UAE and arguably the best place to view the Milky Way galaxy in the country. Set deep in the southern sands of Abu Dhabi, far from any city light, it's a pilgrimage spot for stargazers and astrophotographers — especially on clear, moonless nights between October and March.
The bright core of the Milky Way rises over an empty horizon here, with almost zero light pollution to wash it out. Come prepared for a remote, self-sufficient overnight: a capable 4x4, plenty of water, warm layers for cold desert nights and a red-light torch to protect your night vision. There are no facilities — which is exactly why the skies are so spectacular.