Get to Know us

We are a passionate community dedicated to making astronomy accessible, engaging, and unforgettable for everyone. Through curated events, hands-on experiences, and educational programs, we bring people closer to the wonders of the universe!

01 Our Beginnings

Where It All Started

Created with a deep love of the night sky and a belief that the wonders of the cosmos belong to everyone, Dubai Astronomy Group chose to start things off by being "your gateway to the Universe" — a seeding point of a community where enthusiasts and friends would gather under the stars, sharing telescopes and stories. What began as those small, heartfelt meetups has grown into one of the region's most beloved communities for astronomy, now welcoming thousands of stargazers, dreamers, and curious minds.

Since its inception in 2000, the group has been guided by its Founder and CEO, Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri, whose genuine passion for the Universe has touched countless lives. His dedication has helped weave astronomy into the fabric of the community — co-founding the Emirates Astronomy Society, the creation of Al Thuraya Astronomy Center, and ensuring that Dubai Astronomy Group remains a welcoming home where anyone can look up, wonder, and belong.

Dubai Astronomy Group — Our Story
02 What We Do

More Than Stargazing

Dubai Astronomy Group has also played a key role in developing astro-tourism and educational programs across the UAE, transforming the desert landscape into a gateway to the stars. Through guided stargazing nights, large-scale celestial events, and immersive programs for schools and families, we connect communities with the cosmos in ways that are engaging, memorable, and deeply meaningful.

We also lead innovative projects in astronomy, scientific research, robotics, dome manufacturing, and radio technology, and have represented the UAE on the international stage, including at the 2023 U.S. Balloon Fiesta where we educated over 150,000 attendees about the annular solar eclipse. From VR/AR space exploration and meteorite exhibitions to STEM camps and teacher training, every program we run is a step toward building a more scientifically curious society.

Key Milestones

2000

Dubai Astronomy Group founded by Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri

2013

Officially licensed as the UAE's only astronomy NGO

2018

Al Thuraya Astronomy Center opens — UAE's first public observatory

2023

Represented UAE at the U.S. Balloon Fiesta, reaching 150,000+ attendees

2026

26 years of inspiring curiosity — and the journey continues

03 Our Mission

Why We Do It

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to making astronomy accessible, inspiring, and integrated into everyday life. We believe that looking up at the night sky is one of the most powerful things a human being can do, it grounds us, humbles us, and ignites a curiosity that no classroom alone can teach.

As a non-profit organisation aligned with the UAE Vision 2031 and Dubai Agenda 33, DAG is dedicated to building a scientifically literate community through public engagement, youth empowerment, and innovation. We don't just want people to see the stars, we want them to feel connected to the universe, and to carry that wonder into everything they do.

To promote astronomy and inspire scientific curiosity across the UAE and beyond.

AccessibilityThe universe belongs to everyone! We make astronomy welcoming for all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

EducationWe nurture curiosity and scientific thinking through hands-on programs, school outreach, and expert-led experiences.

CommunityWe are a gathering place, a home for dreamers, researchers, and stargazers united by a love of the cosmos.

InnovationFrom NEO detection systems to AI-powered telescopes, we push the boundaries of what astronomy can achieve.

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Inspiring curiosity since the year 2000

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A thriving community of astronomy enthusiasts

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Participants engaged across programs & events

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Fleet of professional-grade instruments

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Served through school programs since 2015

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Year-round educational programs and stargazing nights

Mission & Values

Our mission is to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the UAE and beyond through the science and wonder of astronomy — making the universe accessible to everyone, from first-time stargazers to the next generation of researchers.

Inspire — DAG celestial event

Inspire

We believe the night sky belongs to everyone. By bringing large-scale celestial events to the public and crafting experiences that ignite genuine wonder, we turn first-time observers into lifelong enthusiasts.

  • 182,000+ in-person attendees since 2018
  • Public stargazing events year-round
  • Accessible programming for all ages
Educate — DAG school program

Educate

From curriculum-aligned school programs and teacher training to immersive workshops and planetarium shows, we nurture scientific curiosity and build the knowledge base of tomorrow's innovators.

  • 11,000+ students engaged across the UAE
  • STEM camps, VR experiences & Astro Academy
  • In-school and on-site delivery
Connect — DAG community

Connect

With a global community of over 10,000 members, we bridge cultures, generations, and disciplines — uniting people from every background under one shared sky and a common passion for discovery.

  • 10,000+ members from around the world
  • Partnerships with governments & institutions
  • A thriving, inclusive volunteer community

Built Around the UAE's Vision

Dubai Astronomy Group is not just a community, it is a purpose-driven organisation aligned with the UAE's national priorities. From advancing scientific literacy and the knowledge economy to championing sustainability and social inclusion, every programme we run contributes to the country's long-term ambitions.

As a licensed non-profit and the UAE's only astronomy NGO, we sit at the intersection of education, innovation, and culture! exactly where the nation's vision is pointing.

National Strategy

UAE Vision 2031

We advance the UAE's ambition to build a knowledge-driven, innovation-led society by making science accessible to every segment of the population.

  • Youth empowerment through hands-on STEM programs
  • Building scientific literacy and future-ready skills
  • Supporting a knowledge economy through education
  • Promoting tolerance and inclusion through shared discovery
Economic Agenda

Dubai D33 Agenda

Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 seeks to double the emirate's economy by 2033. DAG contributes directly by strengthening the science, education, and astro-tourism sectors.

  • Astro-tourism programs driving visitor engagement
  • Science education fuelling a skilled, innovative workforce
  • Bridging NGO, industry, and government ecosystems
  • Enhancing Dubai's global positioning as a science hub
Environmental Commitment

Sustainability

Sustainability is embedded in how we operate and what we teach — connecting astronomy to climate awareness and responsible stewardship of our natural world.

  • Zero-waste event operations aligned with UAE 2030 priorities
  • 80% reduction in paper use through digital ticketing
  • Light-pollution education with Dark Sky International
  • Environmental stewardship through astronomy outreach

The People Behind The Stars

Meet the team

Hasan Al Hariri
Leadership

Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri

Chief Executive Officer and Founder

Khadijah

Sheeraz

General Manager

Ahmad

Khadijah

Operations Manager

Sheeraz

Habiba

Marketing Manager

Mahmood

Ahmad

Head of Technical Dept.

Habiba

Mahmood

Public Relations Officer

Ali

Ali

Operations Asst.

Hamzah

Hamzah

Marketing Asst.

Zainab

Zainab

Admin. Manager

Ameena

Ameena

Social Media Asst.

Omar

Omar

Administrative Asst.

What our community says

Testimonials

Be Part of Something Bigger

The Universe is Waiting — Join Us

Every event we run, every telescope we point at the sky, every student we inspire — it all happens because of people like you. Come to one of our upcoming programs, experience the wonder firsthand, and help us keep astronomy alive in the UAE.