The sky is due to set ablaze with the most dramatic cosmic show this month, and this is your sign to watch this rare celestial phenomenon. Dubai is about to witness the annual event of the Orionids meteor shower, which is all set to take over the skies from October 21 to 22, 2026.

Here’s all you need to know about the astronomical display.

A meteor shower is essentially a ‘cosmic debris trail’ that passes through the earth’s atmosphere, leaving behind a rather entrancing trail of blazing meteors, often called ‘shooting stars’. So if you’re planning on making a wish anytime soon, save it for October 21 and 22. You never know what the universe might grant you.

The Orionids meteor shower in particular makes its annual appearance during the months of October and November, with the peak usually being around October 21 and 22. The cosmic occurrence is also the result of the leftover residues of Halley’s Comet.

But here’s a fact that’s actually cool. While you might think these meteor debris amasses over a large space, that’s in fact not always the case. These are actually tiny particles that are almost the size of a grain of sand – that plummets through the earth’s atmosphere, going up to speeds of 71 kilometres per second.

This happens every single year, when planet earth does its usual orbit around the sun. It passes through a trail of (as scientists call it) ‘comet crumbs’ – which mainly consists of ice, dust, and rocky debris of Halley’s Comet.

‘Why is it called Orionids if it originates from Halley’s Comet?’ you ask? While the source itself is Halley’s Comet, the meteor shower is named after the constellation Orion – simply because that’s usually where its sightings originate from – close to Orion’s Belt.

So, now if we’ve got you just as excited as we are over this, allow us to dive into where you can catch the annual sighting.

When it comes to meteor showers, it’s best seen when you are away from the city lights.

In the UAE you can usually spot this best from the Al Qudra desert in Dubai, the Mleiha National Park in Sharjah, or the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot located in Abu Dhabi.

If you are someone that’s new to astronomy and looking to learn all about the astral bodies, then you’re in luck because Dubai Astronomy Group hosts guided sessions, where you can not only watch the Orionids meteor shower in the Al Qudra Desert but also enjoy telescope observations, astrophotography and sky mapping all under the starlight skies of the emirate.

But beware, spots run out rather quickly. So, if you’re keen on experiencing this, then make sure to book a spot for yourself ASAP.

Where: Al Qudra Desert, Dubai
When: October 21 to 22 from 10pm to 2am 
Cost: Starting from Dhs150
Contact: @dubaiastronomy

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