UAE winter officially begins as ‘Darbet Al Ahaymar’ sweeps the region

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially transitioned into its winter season, marked by the arrival of the traditional weather phenomenon known as ‘Darbet Al Ahaymar.’ This seasonal shift, characterized by a significant drop in temperatures and unstable weather conditions, has already brought rainfall and hail to parts of Saudi Arabia, signaling the onset of colder weather across the Arabian Peninsula. In the UAE, temperatures have dipped to as low as 7°C, with rain reported on the western islands. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, confirmed the start of winter during a live podcast on Noor Dubai Radio. He explained that the ‘Duroor’ calendar, which uses stars to predict weather patterns, marks the beginning of winter approximately 100 days after the appearance of the Suhail star. This period, which commenced on November 24, 2025, is expected to last until March 4, 2026. Al Jarwan highlighted that January is anticipated to be the coldest month, with temperatures potentially dropping to 0°C in desert regions. He also projected an average monthly rainfall of about 15 mm during December, January, and February. As cooler weather sets in, residents are expected to flock to the desert for camping and outdoor activities. Al Jarwan emphasized the importance of environmental conservation, urging the public to protect natural habitats, including Ghaf and Samar trees, and the broader desert ecosystem. ‘These natural systems are integral to the UAE’s environment and must be preserved for future generations,’ he stated.