the Arab world will witness a rare 6-minute total solar eclipse in 2027 after 100 years

The Arab world will witness a unique and magnificent natural event on Monday, August 2, 2027: a total solar eclipse that will last up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, the longest eclipse to be seen on land in the twenty-first century. This eclipse, which is already being dubbed the "Eclipse of the Century," will cover parts of North Africa and the Middle East, putting numerous nations, including Saudi Arabia, squarely in the line of totality. This is in contrast to many solar eclipses that cross oceans or isolated areas. With no need for long-distance travel, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for millions of people in the area to see the sun set in the midst of the day.

This eclipse is particularly significant for the GCC region, especially southwestern Saudi Arabia, because of three major reasons:

Visibility from Within the Region
The eclipse path includes cities in Saudi Arabia, allowing residents to experience full totality — something incredibly rare in this part of the world.

Exceptional Duration
Totality will last nearly 6 minutes in places like Jeddah, far longer than the global average for solar eclipses, giving observers more time to take in the experience.

Cultural and Scientific Importance
The Arab world has a rich heritage of astronomy, from early Islamic astronomers to historic observatories. This eclipse is a chance to reconnect with that legacy and inspire the next generation of skywatchers.

Whether you're a scientist, student, photographer, or simply curious, this event offers ideal viewing conditions, clear summer skies, and access to some of the most scenic landscapes and cities in the region.

The following locations will be able to see the Eclipse:

• Saudi Arabia
• Egypt
• Tunisia
• Algeria
• Morocco
• Spain