This Ramadan, the night sky has something special in store for us, and it won’t require any telescope – just a clear horizon and some patience. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, six planets will be aligned in the night sky, a phenomenon commonly referred to as a planetary parade.
Dubai may be famous for its skyline, but the magic will be in the sky. The Al Qudra Desert will offer some of the best views of the alignment, as there are no obstructions in the way.
Which planets will be visible?
Two of the brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, will kick off the show. These planets will be very easy to spot, shining brightly like white stars as the evening twilight recedes. Mars will also be easily visible, thanks to its constant reddish-orange hue, which will make it very easy to spot against the background of nearby stars.
However, some planets will be harder to spot. Uranus and Neptune, also known as the “hidden giants,” are much farther away in the solar system. Since they are not very bright, viewers will require only basic binoculars or a small telescope to spot them.
Adding to the beauty of this spectacle, the Moon will be positioned near the planetary alignment.
Best time to watch the planetary parade in the UAE
There is a limited but ideal time window to enjoy the alignment at its best. The show begins soon after sunset.
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Between 6:40 PM and 7:30 PM: Venus and Jupiter will appear first as the sky darkens.
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Around 7:10 PM: Conditions will be perfect to spot the dimmer planets, with the alignment still high enough to avoid buildings or dunes.
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By 8:15 PM: Saturn and Neptune will start setting in the west, bringing the full parade to an end for the night.
Arriving early and choosing a clear viewing spot will make a big difference.
Best places to watch outside Dubai
You don’t need to be in Dubai to enjoy this rare sight. Several locations across the UAE offer excellent viewing conditions:
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Abu Dhabi (Al Ain): The area near Jebel Hafeet offers elevation and a clear eastern horizon, ideal for spotting Mars.
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Sharjah: The Mleiha Archaeological Centre is a recognised dark-sky site and often hosts astronomy events with professional telescopes.
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Ras Al Khaimah: Jebel Jais, nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, provides one of the clearest views in the country, above much of the atmospheric haze.
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Fujairah: The Al Hajar Mountains create stunning foregrounds for photography, as long as the western view is unobstructed.
What makes this alignment special?
Planetary alignment occurs when a number of planets are on the same side of the Sun from the Earth’s perspective. Even though they are aligned, they are actually millions of miles away from each other. This is just a result of their orbital geometry.
This particular planetary alignment is quite rare since six planets are visible at the same time and are aligned in the northern hemisphere. For many people in the UAE, this particular event, especially during Ramadan, is more than just an astronomical event. It is a moment of reflection and awe that fits perfectly with a month of faith, contemplation, and looking towards the heavens.