Total Solar Eclipse Not Visible in UAE Until 2081
If you’re waiting for a total solar eclipse in the UAE, be prepared for a long wait. The next total solar eclipse visible from the UAE won’t occur until September 3, 2081 – 55 years from now. Today’s total solar eclipse, which sweeps across northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, is not visible from the UAE due to the country’s location outside the viewing path.
The last solar eclipse visible from the Emirates was a partial eclipse on October 25, 2022, which covered around 39% of the Sun’s disc and lasted over two hours. In contrast, the annular solar eclipse on December 26, 2019, was a rare event, with the Moon sitting too far from Earth to cover the Sun completely, leaving a bright ring around the edge. This event was the first of its kind in the UAE in 172 years.
For those eager to witness a solar eclipse, the next partial eclipse visible from the UAE will occur on August 2, 2027, with around 53% coverage in Dubai. This eclipse will be a total eclipse elsewhere, with the path of totality crossing Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt before moving over the Red Sea into Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The Emirates Astronomical Society and Dubai Astronomy Group have been instrumental in promoting awareness and safe viewing practices for solar eclipses in the UAE. Hasan Al Hariri, chief executive of Dubai Astronomy Group, has emphasized the importance of protecting one’s eyesight during these events, stating that “the sun emits intensive light, which is too bright for our eyes” and that “if we look at it without protection, our eyesight will be damaged.”
While the wait for a total solar eclipse in the UAE may be long, stargazers can look forward to the next partial eclipse in 2027. In the meantime, it’s essential to prioritize eye safety during solar eclipses and follow the guidance of experts in the field.
The UAE’s unique location means that total solar eclipses are rare events, with specific locations averaging a 375-year wait between total solar eclipses. As the country continues to develop its astronomy sector, residents and visitors can look forward to witnessing partial eclipses and other celestial events in the years to come.
