Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre is a public observatory inside Mushrif Park, Dubai, where you can look at the Moon and planets through telescopes, watch a planetarium show and hold real meteorites. This guide covers what you can do there, prices, timings, how to book and how to find it in the park.
Last updated: November 2026
Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre: quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Official name | Al Thuraya Astronomy Center |
| Location | Inside Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Street, Dubai |
| Opened | 2018 |
| Planetarium show | AED 20 (25 minutes) |
| Telescope observation | AED 20 (5 minutes, after 7:30 pm) |
| Timings | No fixed hours; evening sessions start after sunset |
| Booking | Online (Setmore) or phone +971 4 221 6603 |
| Good for | Families, kids, school groups, beginners and amateur astronomers |
| Park entry | AED 3 per person, AED 10 per car (see ticket details) |
What is Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre?
Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre opened in 2018 and describes itself as the UAE’s first public observatory. It was created by Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri, founder of the Dubai Astronomy Group, the country’s largest astronomy organisation.
The centre sits inside Mushrif Park, away from the brightest city lights, and is built for the public, not just experts. No experience is needed. Staff guide you through the telescopes, explain what you are looking at and answer questions, which makes it a good first step into astronomy for children and adults.
Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre prices
These are the prices on the centre’s official booking page (November 2026):
| Activity | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Planetarium show | 25 minutes | AED 20 |
| Tour of the centre | 20 minutes | AED 30 (not on Fridays) |
| Telescope observation | 5 minutes | AED 20 (after 7:30 pm) |
| Private telescope observation | 20 minutes | AED 50 (after 7:30 pm) |
| Solar observation | 5 minutes | AED 15 |
| Airplane simulator | 20 minutes | AED 20 |
| Paper modelling course | 1 hour | AED 100 |
| Meteorite crash course | 1 hour | AED 150 |
| Telescope crash course | 1 hour+ | AED 300 (from 7 pm) |
| Telescope consultancy, cleaning or repair | 30–60 minutes | Free |
Prices can change, so check the booking page before you go. The Mushrif Park entry fee is separate.
Things to see and do
Observatory and telescope viewing
The highlight is the observatory, with a moving dome and large telescopes. On a clear evening you can see craters on the Moon, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter and its moons, and bright star clusters. Choose the 5-minute public viewing, or book a 20-minute private session on the terrace for more time at the eyepiece.
Planetarium show
A short, family-friendly show about the night sky and the solar system. It is a good option for younger children, and a useful plan B on cloudy or dusty nights when telescope viewing is limited.
Solar observation
During the day, special solar filters let you look safely at the Sun, including sunspots when they are visible. Never look at the Sun through any telescope or binoculars without the proper filter.
Meteorites and the Astro Academy
The centre has a meteorite collection that visitors can see and, in some sessions, handle. A guided tour of the centre covers the Astro Academy, the exhibits and the spaceship-themed observatory.
Airplane simulator
A computer-based simulator where you try to land a plane. Kids usually love it, and it is an easy add-on to a telescope session.
Courses, workshops and school trips
Al Thuraya runs short courses for people who want to go further:
- Telescope crash course: set up and align a telescope, or learn to use one you already own.
- Meteorite crash course: learn how to identify meteorites and tell them apart from ordinary rocks.
- Paper modelling course: build 3D space models from paper templates.
- Astrophotography workshops for beginners and intermediate photographers.
- School programmes from KG to secondary, plus private evenings for families, universities and companies.
The centre also offers free help choosing, cleaning and repairing telescopes.
Timings and best time to visit
The centre does not publish fixed opening hours. Evening sessions start after sunset, so the time shifts through the year, while solar sessions and school programmes run during the day. Hours change in Ramadan. Check the events page or call before you go.
Tips for the best views:
- October to April brings clearer, cooler nights.
- Clear evenings matter most. Dust, haze and cloud can cancel or shorten outdoor viewing.
- A crescent or half Moon gives the best crater views. Around the full Moon, faint stars are harder to see.
- Arrive 15 minutes early, as the centre advises.
How to book
- Online: book activities and courses on the centre’s Setmore booking page, linked from the official website.
- By phone: call +971 4 221 6603 during operating hours.
- Groups and schools: send an enquiry through the official contact page for private or corporate bookings.
Booking ahead is a good idea for weekends and special sky events such as meteor showers and eclipses.
Where is it in Mushrif Park?
The centre is inside Mushrif Park. Enter through a park gate, where the normal park entry fee applies, then follow the astronomy centre signs. Staff at the main gate can also point you in the right direction, and the centre sends directions with confirmed bookings.
Part of the walk can be sandy, so wear comfortable shoes. For gates, parking, metro and bus options, see our guide on how to reach Mushrif Park.
Tips for families
- Book the planetarium show for younger kids, then a short telescope session.
- Bring a light jacket for winter evenings.
- Keep phone screens dim near the telescopes, as bright light makes it harder for everyone’s eyes to adjust.
- Ask staff if you can take a photo of the Moon through the eyepiece with your phone.
- Combine your visit with an afternoon in the park and stay on for the evening session.
Make a day of it
Plan an afternoon in the park and finish with the stars:
- Grill dinner in the Mushrif Park BBQ areas before your telescope session
- Book a sunset forest ride at the park’s horse riding club
- Spend the morning at the Mushrif Park swimming pool
See all the things to do in Mushrif Park.
Frequently asked questions
MushrifPark.ae is an independent visitor guide and is not affiliated with Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre or Dubai Municipality. Prices and timings can change, so check with the centre before you visit.