Forget chasing the sun – one of this year’s top travel trends is all about after-dark adventures, from aurora hunting to bioluminescent beaches.
Booking.com recently said “noctourism” is booming, with its survey of more than 27,000 travellers finding that two-thirds have considered jaunts to “darker sky destinations”.
This year marks peak solar activity, or “solar maximum”, the natural cycle the Sun goes through as it shifts from a calm to stormy state. As a result, destinations offering night safaris, glow-in-the-dark kayaking and city nightlife tours are increasingly on the rise, reshaping the way travellers explore the world after the sun sets.
Here are eight of the best noctourism adventures from the UAE and beyond.
Bioluminescent beaches in the Maldives
Microscopic phytoplankton light up at night on certain beaches in the Maldives, including Mudhdhoo Island in the Raa Atoll. Getty Images
Blue tears, sea sparkle and aurora of the sea are just some of the names given to bioluminescence – the neon blue glow released by microscopic phytoplankton. Dubbed the “Sea of Stars”, Mudhdhoo Island in the Maldives’ Raa Atoll is a teardrop of jungle surrounded by white sands, with an uninhabited northern tip where a distinct lack of light pollution makes plankton easy to spot. As with the other natural phenomena on this list, bioluminescent beaches are best explored around the new moon when the sky is at its darkest. Located merely 8km from Male, the beach is accessible via a 15-minute speedboat ride from the capital, or bed down in one of the five-star properties on the island to stay a little longer.
Night safari in South Africa
As night falls, the predators of the South African bush begin to stir. In Sabi Sands, a protected reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park, seeing the Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and African buffalos – can easily be ticked off during the average day. At night, however, observers may just see a mighty lion pride circling its prey or a leopard stalking a mate as the beasts rise afresh from their afternoon slumber. For expert tracking that won’t disturb the animals, visitors can join an evening tour led by one of the local lodges. Dulini offer nightly game drives across 10,500 hectares of wild bushveld in state-of-the-art vehicles manned by passionate, conservation-focused guides.
Once-in-a-decade Northern Lights displays
The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, will be particularly vibrant in 2025. Seen here in Old Gardur Lighthouse on the northern point of the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland. Getty Images
The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, are always a spectacle, but this year, they are set to be the most dramatic in 10 years as the sun reaches solar maximum. It means there will be heightened cosmic activity, making the aurora displays brighter and more vivid across Northern Europe. Iceland sits at the heart of the action, and with 700 known geothermic spots offering natural hot springs, visitors can soak up the scenes above while wallowing in the mineral-rich waters below. Visit from September to April for the best chance to catch noctourism’s headline act.
Night-time truffle hunting in Italy
Travellers can follow their nose to Italy for a night-time truffle hunt with a pack of fungus-sniffing dogs. Searching for the delicacy is easiest at night when soil aeration makes the truffles more pungent, and the hounds can zone in with fewer distractions. Piedmont, in the north-west of the country, is famous for its decadent white truffles, with moonlit foraging creating a thrilling atmosphere after dark. The outings are available to book through the Italian Truffle Hunting Association, AssoTartufai, with each hunt usually lasting a few hours.
Stargazing in Sharjah
Stargazing in Sharjah. Photo: Mleiha National Park
Archaeological wonders, Bronze Age tombs and endless rolling dunes make Mleiha National Park a must-visit destination during daylight hours. And, with near-zero light pollution, luxurious glamping tents and barbecue dinners, the 30 square kilometre area really comes to life as darkness falls. Each stargazing session is led by an expert guide who can point out everything from stars and planets to mysterious deep sky objects. Elsewhere in the UAE, Al Quaa in the Abu Dhabi desert is known as the UAE’s Milky Way spot for its superb night-time visibility, with weekend camping sessions operated by tour operator Arabian Wanderers. Head out just before, during or after a new moon for the darkest skies and most dramatic starscapes.
Glow in the dark kayaking in Abu Dhabi
Glow in the dark kayaking in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Jubail Mangrove Park
Nothing compares to drifting through the wild beauty of Abu Dhabi's mangroves – except, perhaps, venturing onto the waters under cover of night. Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi is a protected nature reserve featuring walking trails, boardwalks and kayaking routes. Packed with rich biodiversity, the 50-square-kilometre expanse is a haven for birds and marine species, with turtles, herons and even gazelles glimpsed prancing through the underbrush. But it’s under the moonlight that the true magic unfolds. Mangrove Adventures currently offers two-hour guided tours on single or double kayaks equipped with powerful underwater LED lights for a mesmerising journey through glowing waters.
Bat watching in Cambodia
Colony of Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats (Chaerephon plicatus) coming out from a cave in Phnom Sampeau, Battambang, Cambodia. Getty Images
The animal kingdom runs on its own schedule, and, often, the most fascinating behaviour occurs when darkness falls. In Battambang, Cambodia, millions of bats burst from the crevices of the Phnom Sampeau caves every day after sunset, filling the sky like billowing columns of black smoke. Access to the summit of the limestone outcrop is available via a cement road or a steep staircase. Near the summit, travellers can also visit the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau, which is now a place of pilgrimage. Inside, a golden reclining Buddha lies next to a glass-walled memorial filled with bones and skulls belonging to victims of the Khmer Rouge, the brutal regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979.
Full moon partying in Thailand
Firebreathing at a Full Moon Party on Ko Phangan, Thailand. AFP
No list of noctourism pursuits would be complete without a nod to the original after-dark escapade. Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party, held on Haad Rin Beach, has become almost a rite of passage for backpackers visiting the Thai island. Originally a small gathering for 1980s hippies, this monthly event has grown into something of a phenomenon, drawing travellers from all over the world to come together under the full moon for an unforgettable night of celebration. With neon lights, pulsating music and fire dancers lighting up the beach, the bucket-list staple has a reputation for being a lively affair. Partygoers frequently hang around for the moonlight to fade to soak up the island’s more serene side, where secluded coves, hidden waterfalls and protected nature reserves wait.
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
They involve criminals conning mobile phone operators into issuing them with replacement Sim cards, often by claiming their phone has been lost or stolen
They use the victim's personal details - obtained through criminal methods - to convince such companies of their identity.
The criminal can then access any online service that requires security codes to be sent to a user's mobile phone, such as banking services.
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
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Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
Petrarch: Everywhere a Wanderer
Christopher Celenza,
Reaktion Books
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
