The recent occurrence of snowfall in Saudi Arabia has sparked widespread curiosity among UAE residents regarding the possibility of similar winter phenomena in their own country. Meteorologists confirm that while not impossible, snowfall requires exceptionally specific atmospheric conditions that rarely align in the region.
According to meteorological reports, several areas in Saudi Arabia experienced unusual snowfall on December 18th following the arrival of a cold air mass. The Saudi Press Agency documented snow accumulation in Al Majmaah and Al Ghat governorates north of Riyadh, with higher elevation areas including Jabal Al Lawz in the northwest similarly affected. The National Centre of Meteorology attributed this event to dramatically dropping temperatures—some falling below zero degrees Celsius—combined with precipitation-bearing thunderclouds.
Dr. Ahmed Habib from the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology explained that snowfall demands particularly stringent conditions: “Snow formation necessitates very specific circumstances, primarily occurring in high elevation zones when atmospheric temperatures at upper levels decrease significantly. Within the UAE, such conditions remain uncommon, with hail representing the more typical winter precipitation.”
Historical records indicate that the UAE has witnessed actual snowfall on rare occasions. The most notable event occurred on January 24, 2009, when Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah experienced substantial snow accumulation following temperatures plunging to minus three degrees Celsius. Mountain peaks approximately 5,700 feet high were covered with snow extending over five kilometers, reaching depths up to 20 centimeters in certain areas. Another similar event was documented in December 2004, though with lesser intensity, and minor snowfall was again reported on Jebel Jais in 2020.
Recent winter conditions have produced visually similar phenomena across the UAE. Icy rains have deposited hail across desert landscapes, creating snow-like blankets of white, while temperatures in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah have approached freezing points. These conditions have inspired ‘ice chasing’ trends where residents visit mountainous areas to observe frost formations.
Meteorological authorities emphasize that current weather patterns predominantly generate rain, thunderstorms, and hail during winter months. While snowfall remains theoretically possible under precisely aligned conditions at high elevations, it continues to represent an exceptional meteorological occurrence rather than expected winter weather in the region.