Daijiworld Media network - Riyadh

Riyadh, Dec 23: For the first time in thirty years, parts of Saudi Arabia experienced snow, turning desert-framed mountains into icy landscapes and creating a surreal winter spectacle for residents. Snow-capped peaks and desert plains dusted in white left locals and tourists in awe as they captured the rare event.

A cold air mass sweeping across northern Saudi Arabia brought rain, strong winds, and record-low temperatures, providing perfect conditions for snowfall. In areas near Tabuk, including Jabal Al Lawz and the Trojena highlands, temperatures dropped to around -4°C, allowing snow to settle at altitudes near 2,600 metres.

Residents of Tabuk and Hail took to social media to share their excitement. Videos showed adults skiing, children playing in the snow, and even camels wandering across snow-covered desert plains beneath dramatic skies, creating an almost magical scene.

Alongside the snow, the cold wave brought widespread rainfall across northern regions, adding to the unusual weather conditions. For many, the combination of freezing temperatures, snowy mountains, and unexpected winter activities offered both joy and disbelief, marking a historic moment in Saudi Arabia’s climate history.