Dubai is to build an AED 20 million first-of-its-kind scientific entertainment and tourism centre at Mushrif Park, as the Emirate becomes the gateway to the world of outer space.

A project of Dubai Municipality, the Thuraya Astronomical Centre, one of the major planned tourist and educational projects, will cover the most prominent subjects related to astronomy and will be a centre for observing various astronomical phenomena.

The project is designed as an educational reference for students, as well as an astronomical observatory for the public and amateur astronomers.

The project, characterised by its application of the highest green and environmentally friendly building standards, will consist of a main building with two floors containing a set of multi-purpose halls, open galleries and cafeteria.

The observatory, built on a land area of 29,600 square feet, also houses a telescope covered by a revolving dome, an Astronomy and Space Gallery, which includes photos, paintings and models of the planets, the solar system and the stars, and an exhibition of scientific games.