Ras Al Khaimah's Jebel Mubarak Records UAE's Lowest Temperature

UAE Records Season's Lowest Temperature as Winter Weather Grips the Emirates

The United Arab Emirates experienced its coldest morning of the season on Sunday, with temperatures dropping to 18°C (64°F) in the mountainous regions of Ras Al Khaimah, signaling the arrival of the country's brief but notable winter period that draws tourists and provides relief from the region's typically scorching climate.

Mountain Peaks Lead the Cool-Down

The National Center of Meteorology recorded the lowest temperature at Jabal Mubrah in Ras Al Khaimah at 4:15 AM local time. This mountainous area, part of the Hajar mountain range that extends from the UAE into Oman, consistently experiences the country's most extreme temperature variations due to its elevation and geographic position.

The 18°C reading represents a dramatic shift from the UAE's summer temperatures, which regularly exceed 45°C (113°F) in coastal areas and can reach over 50°C (122°F) in desert regions during peak months.

Winter Tourism and Economic Impact

These cooler temperatures mark the beginning of the UAE's peak tourism season, when the country transforms from a challenging summer destination into a comfortable winter retreat. The period from December through March typically sees hotel occupancy rates surge as visitors from Europe, Asia, and other regions escape their own winter conditions.

For the UAE's diversified economy, winter weather represents a crucial revenue period. Outdoor events, festivals, and activities that would be impossible during summer months become viable, supporting sectors from hospitality to retail. The country's major cultural events, including art fairs and sporting competitions, are strategically scheduled during these months.

Regional Climate Patterns

The temperature drop reflects broader weather patterns affecting the Arabian Peninsula during winter months. Unlike the extreme seasonal variations experienced in temperate climates, the UAE's winter represents a relatively modest but economically significant cooling period.

Ras Al Khaimah's mountainous terrain makes it particularly susceptible to temperature fluctuations. The emirate has previously recorded the UAE's lowest temperatures, including rare instances of frost in higher elevations. This geographic advantage has positioned Ras Al Khaimah as a domestic tourism destination for UAE residents seeking cooler weather without international travel.

Looking Ahead

Weather forecasters expect temperatures to continue fluctuating over the coming weeks, with the possibility of even cooler readings as the winter season progresses. The mountain regions of both Ras Al Khaimah and neighboring areas in the eastern UAE typically experience the most pronounced temperature drops, occasionally dipping into the mid-teens Celsius.

This seasonal shift underscores the UAE's climatic diversity despite its desert classification, offering both residents and visitors a reminder that even in one of the world's hottest countries, winter can provide a refreshing change of pace.