Mark your calendars. On the night of September 7, the UAE sky will put on one of the most spectacular shows of the decade, a rare total lunar eclipse turning the Moon into a dramatic ‘Blood Moon’.

The Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG) is calling it “one of the most photogenic eclipses of the decade.” And they’re going all out: a global livestream, a Dubai public viewing event, and even a special attempt to capture the eclipse with the Burj Khalifa in the frame.

Even better? The total phase will last a jaw-dropping 82 minutes, making it one of the longest total eclipses in years.

What’s Happening?

A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth slides right between the Sun and the Moon. Our planet’s shadow covers the lunar surface, transforming it into glowing shades of red, copper, or orange. That’s the Blood Moon effect, caused by Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight.

Not every full moon gets this makeover; it only happens when the Moon perfectly lines up with Earth’s orbital plane. That’s what makes this September’s eclipse so rare.

When to Watch in the UAE

The UAE is in for almost five and a half hours of eclipse action:

• 7:28pm – Penumbral eclipse begins (a faint shadow appears)
• 8:27pm – Partial eclipse begins (the “bite” shows)
• 9:30pm – Total eclipse begins
• 10:12pm – Maximum eclipse (deepest Blood Moon glow!)
• 10:53pm – Total eclipse ends
• 11:56pm – Partial eclipse ends
• 12:55am (Sept 8) – Penumbral eclipse ends

Where to Watch: Best Spots in the UAE

Want the perfect Blood Moon backdrop? Here are the hottest stargazing spots across the country:

Dubai

• Jumeirah Beach – Sand, waves, and a glowing Moonrise.
• Al Qudra Desert – Dark skies, no city lights, perfect for group stargazing.
• Burj Khalifa / Downtown – DAG will even attempt a special eclipse shot with the world’s tallest tower.
• Dubai Creek Harbour – Waterfront plus skyline views for that epic Insta shot.

Abu Dhabi

• Corniche Beach – Relax by the water with a glowing skyline.
• Al Sadeem Observatory, Al Wathba – The astronomy community’s go-to spot.
• Saadiyat Island – Secluded shores and panoramic views.

Sharjah & Beyond

• Mleiha Desert, Sharjah – Stargazing camps + desert dunes = unforgettable.
• Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah – Watch the eclipse from the UAE’s highest peak.
• Khor Fakkan Beach, Fujairah – Mountains, sea and sky in one frame.

How to Watch It

• Totally safe with the naked eye, no filters needed.
• Binoculars or telescopes will give you sharper detail and deeper reds.
• Photographers: use a tripod for crystal-clear shots.

A Global Moment

The eclipse will be visible across much of the world, with nearly 87 per cent of Earth’s population able to see it. DAG is teaming up with observatories from Australia to Spain to bring a six-continent livestream, making it a true global watch party.

As DAG puts it: “We want to celebrate the wonder of the universe, inspire curiosity, and create a shared global experience where everyone can marvel at the same celestial event.”