The Saudi Arabian desert is covered in snow after 30 years, a rare sight never seen before.

An chiDec 24, 2025 at 07:32

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After nearly 30 years, snow unexpectedly blanketed many areas of northern Saudi Arabia. This rare weather phenomenon surprised residents, caused a stir on social media, and raised concerns about climate change.

The Saudi Arabian desert is covered in snow after 30 years, a rare sight never seen before. - Photo 1

On December 22nd, a rare weather phenomenon surprised the international community when snow unexpectedly covered many areas in northern Saudi Arabia. This was the first snowfall in approximately 30 years, marking a milestone considered "historic" for a land traditionally associated with hot, arid deserts.

The cause of this phenomenon has been identified as a strong cold air mass sweeping across the Middle East, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The combination of these extreme weather factors caused temperatures in many high-altitude areas of Saudi Arabia to drop sharply, creating favorable conditions for snow formation and accumulation in a short period of time.

The Saudi Arabian desert is covered in snow after 30 years, a rare sight never seen before. - Photo 2

In the area near Tabuk city, particularly in the Jabal Al Lawz mountain region and the northern plateaus, temperatures were recorded at around -4 degrees Celsius. Snow appeared at an altitude of approximately 2,600 meters above sea level, blanketing the mountain slopes that are usually characterized by the dry, brown color of sand and rocks. This contrasting scene quickly attracted the attention of both locals and international media.

The Saudi Arabian desert is covered in snow after 30 years, a rare sight never seen before. - Photo 3

Many television channels in Saudi Arabia have called this a rare weather phenomenon of special significance, as snowfall is almost unthinkable in a country located in the Persian Gulf region. On social media platforms, numerous images and videos of mountains covered in white snow were shared at a rapid pace. Many expressed astonishment and excitement at witnessing a scene "only seen in movies."

In areas like Tabuk and Hail, locals flocked outside to enjoy the rare moment. Many families took advantage of the opportunity to take souvenir photos, and some even tried skiing – an activity almost unheard of in the country's daily life. A lively atmosphere enveloped the snow-covered areas, creating a scene that was both unfamiliar and exciting.

The Saudi Arabian desert is covered in snow after 30 years, a rare sight never seen before. - Photo 4

In particular, a video that went viral on social media shows a herd of camels standing in the middle of a snow-covered desert. Above, a gloomy gray sky, and below, a thick layer of snow enveloping these iconic animals of the arid land, creates a rare visual contrast. Many netizens commented that this is a "once-in-a-lifetime" moment, unlikely to be repeated in a lifetime.

The Saudi Arabian desert is covered in snow after 30 years, a rare sight never seen before. - Photo 5

Besides snowfall, this cold snap also brought widespread rain to many other areas of Saudi Arabia. Experts believe this is one of the most severe weather events the country has faced in years. This phenomenon continues to raise concerns about global climate change, as weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable and deviating from familiar patterns.

The Saudi Arabian desert is covered in snow after 30 years, a rare sight never seen before. - Photo 6

The snowfall in Saudi Arabia is not only noteworthy for its rarity, but also serves as a stark reminder of the changes underway in Earth's climate system – where seemingly impossible events are becoming a reality. It has once again surprised the world and prompted profound reflection.

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