UAE Weather Bureau Reveals Lowest Temperature Recorded Nationwide

UAE Records Mild Winter Low as Temperatures Drop to 23.7°C in Fujairah

The United Arab Emirates experienced its coolest morning temperature on Tuesday, with the mercury dropping to just 23.7°C (74.7°F) in the Farfar area of Fujairah emirate. While hardly frigid by global standards, this reading represents the country's embrace of its brief winter season in a region where summer temperatures routinely exceed 45°C.

Desert Winter: A Brief Respite from Extreme Heat

The National Center of Meteorology recorded the minimum temperature at 5:15 AM local time in Farfar, located in the mountainous Fujairah emirate on the UAE's eastern coast. This coastal and mountainous region typically experiences the country's most moderate temperatures due to its geography and proximity to the Indian Ocean.

For context, this "cold" snap occurs during what passes for winter in the Arabian Peninsula, where the season brings welcome relief from the punishing summer heat that can reach 50°C (122°F) in urban areas like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Geographic Advantages of Fujairah

Fujairah's position as the coolest spot reflects its unique geographic advantages within the UAE. Unlike the western emirates that face the Persian Gulf, Fujairah sits along the Gulf of Oman and benefits from the moderating influence of the Hajar Mountains. This topography creates microclimates that can be several degrees cooler than the desert interior.

The emirate's mountainous terrain and eastern exposure also provide natural wind corridors and elevation changes that contribute to more comfortable temperatures, making it a popular destination for UAE residents seeking cooler weather without leaving the country.

Regional Climate Patterns

This temperature reading aligns with typical winter patterns across the Arabian Gulf region. Neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman experience similar mild winter conditions, though areas with higher elevation or different geographic features can see more dramatic temperature drops.

The timing of the coolest temperatures just after dawn reflects standard desert climate behavior, where clear skies and low humidity allow rapid heat loss during nighttime hours, creating the most comfortable conditions of each 24-hour cycle.

Economic and Tourism Implications

These cooler months represent peak season for UAE tourism and outdoor activities. The country's massive events calendar, from the Dubai Shopping Festival to Formula 1 racing, concentrates during these months when temperatures become manageable for extended outdoor exposure.

For residents and the large expatriate population, this brief winter window offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor sports that would be dangerous or impossible during the scorching summer months, when the UAE's population largely retreats to air-conditioned indoor spaces.