See the moon turn red, Saturn shine bright at Mleiha

This September, Mleiha National Park will provide an unmatched opportunity to witness the celestial wonders, offering two unforgettable nights for stargazers, families, and nature enthusiasts.

Visitors will be invited to gather at the Park’s Panoramic Lounge to witness two captivating celestial displays: the Total Lunar Eclipse on 7 September, and Saturn at its Brightest and Closest on 20 September.

Total lunar eclipse – 7 September

On this special evening, witness the Moon gradually slip into Earth’s shadow, transforming into a deep, fiery red hue during a Total Lunar Eclipse. This dramatic effect occurs as sunlight filters through our planet's atmosphere; shorter blue wavelengths scatter away, leaving only the longer red rays to illuminate the lunar surface.

Against Mleiha's pristine desert backdrop, free from light pollution, this celestial spectacle promises an exceptionally vivid and awe-inspiring display of nature’s grandeur.

A skyful of stars will delight the Mleiha visitor no end.

Saturn at its best– 20 September

Later in the month, on September 20th, seize the chance to see Saturn at its absolute brightest and closest for the year. The ringed planet reaches “Opposition,” perfectly aligned opposite the Sun from Earth. This prime positioning makes Saturn exceptionally luminous and reveals stunning detail through telescopes. Visitors can expect crystal-clear views of Saturn’s magnificent rings and, conditions permitting, its largest moon, Titan. It’s the best time to see the planet in extraordinary detail, right from Sharjah’s desert.

The perfect celestial canvas

Commenting on the upcoming events, Omar Jasim Al Ali, Manager at Mleiha National Park & Strategic Projects, said: “At Mleiha, the desert offers darker skies than the city, and with our array of computerized high-resolution telescopes, visitors can observe celestial objects in exceptional detail and clarity. We offer a safe, welcoming environment where families, astrophotographers, and astronomy enthusiasts can share truly magical nights under the stars, and these two events offer unparalleled opportunities to experience it.”

Both celestial events happen to fall on weekends, ideal for family outings, photography expeditions, or simply savouring a rare evening beneath Sharjah’s star-studded desert canopy. Guests will also have the opportunity of pairing the experience with a delectable dinner, creating a perfect blend of indulgence, cosmic discovery, and natural wonder.

For bookings and further information, please visit www.discovershurooq.gov.ae or contact: +971 6 802 1111 or [email protected]

According to an earlier report, as the premier destination for eco-tourism within Sharjah, Mleiha National Park (MNP) stands as a notable conservation success story, giving visitors, both local and from afar, an opportunity to experience the majesty of the desert landscape, and come closer to nature.

Established by Emiri Decree under the leadership of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and developed and operated by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), this 34.2-square-kilometre protected area offers an unmatched destination in one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most ecologically diverse settings.

Saturn Opposition

MNP is part of the Core Zone of the Faya Palaeolandscape, recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, further confirming its global cultural value.

Diverse biomes and distinct terrains

The park’s unique attraction lies in its diverse biomes where eco-enthusiasts can encounter distinct terrains such as the iconic Barchan sand dunes, vast alluvial gravel plains, and rugged limestone outcrops. This topographical patchwork results in specialised micro-habitats, allowing a wide array of specially adapted flora and fauna to thrive side by side, and it’s this ecological richness that adds to Mleiha’s global appeal.

A biodiversity hotspot

Over 100 distinct species have been documented within the park’s boundaries, solidifying its status as a biodiversity hotspot including more than 20 indigenous plants and trees, such as the deep-rooted Ghaf tree, the thorny Umbrella Thorn Acacia, the resilient Sodom’s Apple, and the seasonal Arabian primrose, all playing important roles within the ecosystem. Serving as lifelines to the park’s inhabitants, they stabilise the shifting sands, retain moisture, and provide shelter, enabling other life to exist.

This botanical foundation supports a surprising diversity of wildlife with more than 11 mammal species navigating the terrain; most famously, the adaptable Arabian Red Fox and the graceful Sand Gazelle. Over 10 reptile species also call the park home, like the sand-burrowing Sandfish Skink and the cryptic Arabian Horned Viper; true masters of desert survival.