Watch the Leonids from Al Qudra desert on 17 November, from Dh150

The Leonids, one of the best-known meteor showers of the year, peak over the UAE in the early hours of 18 November, and Dubai Astronomy Group is holding a guided night in the Al Qudra desert to watch them. The event runs from 10pm on Tuesday 17 November to 2am on Wednesday 18 November.

The Leonids come from the dust left behind by Comet Tempel-Tuttle. Every November the Earth passes through that trail, and the grains burn up in the atmosphere as shooting stars that seem to come from the constellation Leo. Under ideal conditions the group expects up to about 15 meteors an hour. The Moon sets around midnight, so the sky should be darkest in the second half of the night, which is also when the shower is at its best.

The programme starts with check-in at 10pm, when guests get a wristband, followed at 10.15pm by a talk on the Leonids and the comet behind them and a question session with the astronomer at 10.45pm. An astrophotography session starts at 11.30pm, sky mapping and constellations at midnight, and the peak is expected around 1am. Throughout the night guests can look through the group's professional telescopes and take photos with their phones through the eyepiece. Seating, water and hot drinks are provided.

Al Qudra is one of the darkest easily reached places near the city, which is why the group uses it for its meteor nights. The exact location pin is sent by email once a booking is confirmed. The road is paved all the way, so an ordinary car is enough and no 4x4 is needed, but taxis and public transport do not reach the site.

Tickets cost Dh180 for adults and Dh150 for children under 13, who must come with a parent who has a ticket. Under-fives go free, though the organiser does not recommend bringing them. Book on dubaiastronomy.com, where 166 places of each kind were left on Friday. Bring the QR code from the ticket email as a screenshot, plus a jacket and extra layers for the desert night. Alcohol, smoking, barbecues, open fires and pets are not allowed, and the organiser cannot promise clear skies. Questions go to +971 56 700 2612. The group's next night is a Beaver Moon supermoon evening at The Sustainable City on 24 November, from Dh80.