Observatory design, build & automation
From a dark-sky site survey to first light, Dubai Astronomy Group designs, equips, automates, and commissions observatories for schools, institutions, and private enthusiasts across the UAE and the region.
Your observatory, from site to first light
Building an observatory is far more than buying a telescope and a dome. Site selection, sky quality, structure, mount stability, power, automation, and long-term maintenance all have to work together — and small mistakes are expensive to fix later.
That's where we come in. As the UAE's leading astronomy organisation, we've built and operated observatories in some of the region's toughest conditions — heat, dust, humidity, and light pollution. We bring that hands-on experience to every project, guiding you from the first idea through to a working observatory your team can confidently run on their own.
Everything your observatory needs
A complete, tailored service — take the whole package, or just the parts you need.
Site & sky assessment
We evaluate light pollution, horizon, seeing, weather patterns, and access to find — or qualify — the best location for your observatory.
Dome & structure design
Domes, roll-off roofs, piers, and foundations — designed for stability, your equipment, and the local climate.
Telescope & equipment selection
We specify the right optics, mounts, cameras, and accessories for your goals and budget — no over-selling, no guesswork.
Automation & remote control
Motorised domes, GoTo mounts, weather sensors, and software so the observatory can be operated — even fully automated — from anywhere.
Installation & commissioning
We build, align, balance, and calibrate everything — then prove it on the sky so you start with a fully working system.
Training & ongoing support
Hands-on training for your team, plus maintenance, upgrades, and support to keep the observatory running for years.
Observatories we've built
From flagship public domes to private backyard observatories — here's a look at our work.
Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre
Our flagship build. Opened in 2018 at Mushrif Park, Dubai, Al Thuraya housed the region's largest public-viewing observatory dome — a 10-metre revolving dome engineered from marine-grade 316 stainless steel, thermally insulated, climate-controlled, and rated to withstand Category 4 winds up to 400 km/h. Inside sat the largest telescope open to the public in the region: a 16-inch Meade (LX200 & LX400), alongside auxiliary tracking telescopes for solar and deep-sky observing.
Mushrif Park Dome Observatory
A fully motorised rotating-dome observatory we designed and installed at Mushrif Park for public observing sessions.
Al Zubair Camp Observatory
A roll-off roof observatory built at Zubair Camp — the whole roof slides away to open up the full sky for unobstructed stargazing.
Al Thuraya backyard pod
A compact personal observatory pod we set up in the backyard of the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre — proof a permanent observatory doesn't have to be big.
Private residential observatory
A custom backyard observatory designed, equipped, and automated for a private enthusiast — ready for imaging and visual nights at home.
Behind the build
Choosing your dome or enclosure
The enclosure protects your equipment and shapes how you observe. We help you pick the right one — then build and motorise it.
Rotating dome
The classic observatory look: a dome that rotates a full 360° with a motorised, automated shutter. Maximum weather protection and the best choice for permanent, fully automated, or remote observatories.
Roll-off roof
The simplest and most cost-effective enclosure: the whole roof rolls away to expose the full sky. Perfect for multiple telescopes, larger groups, and teaching observatories.
Personal observatory pod
A compact, ready-made pod you buy off the shelf and assemble in a weekend — a simple dome with a flip-open top. An affordable, low-fuss way to get a permanent backyard observatory, with modular bays you can add for extra space.
All enclosures are built from durable, weather-sealed modular panels and engineered for the Gulf's heat, dust, and humidity. Any of them can be fully motorised and integrated with your mount, cameras, and weather sensors — ASCOM-compatible — for hands-off or fully remote operation. Typical sizes range from compact 2.2 m backyard domes to 3.75 m and larger institutional builds.
Built for every kind of stargazer
Whatever the scale, we tailor the observatory to how you'll actually use it.
Schools & universities
Teaching observatories that bring STEM and astronomy to life for students.
Hotels & resorts
Signature stargazing experiences that set desert and dark-sky destinations apart.
Research & government
Reliable, automated facilities for research, monitoring, and public outreach.
Private enthusiasts
Home and backyard observatories built around your passion and your sky.
Experience you can build on
We don't just sell equipment — we live under these skies and run observatories ourselves.
The UAE's leading astronomy organisation — over two decades under these skies.
We designed & built the region's largest public-viewing dome at Al Thuraya.
Observatories designed and built across the UAE — rotating domes, roll-offs, pods and more.
Design, build, automate, train & support — all by one team, built for the Gulf.
Build your observatory with us
Tell us about your site and what you'd like to achieve. Our team will get back to you within 48 hours to arrange a consultation and map out the right approach.
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Phone+971 50 624 6172
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WhatsApp+971 4 221 6603
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