Social media users were surprised after videos showed snowfall in parts of northern Saudi Arabia. Many people questioned whether the images and videos were real or AI genrated, as Saudi Arabia is known for its desert climate.
This week, very low temperatures were reported in the Tabuk region and the Trojena Highlands. According to the Saudi Gazette report, Jabal Al-Lawz in Tabuk received heavy snowfall on Wednesday. The area also saw thick fog and strong winds. Temperatures reportedly dropped to minus 4 degrees Celsius.
Light to moderate rain and snowfall were also seen in the Trojena hills. Other places such as Bi’r bin Hirmas, Al-Uyaynah, Halat Ammar, and Shigry also reported rainfall.
Mixed Reactions From Netizens
Videos of the snowfall spread quickly online. One popular video was shared on Instagram by Omar Alnauimi, known as @storm_ae, who wrote, “In a rare event, snow is falling heavily in Saudi Arabia.”
#UPDATE: Snow Falls in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa
— Mowliid Haji Abdi (@MowliidHaji) December 18, 2025
Residents of Al-Ahsa in #SaudiArabia’s Eastern Province witnessed rare snowfall as a strong cold wave swept the region.
Footages shared online showed the normally warm desert area lightly covered in snow, surprising locals and… pic.twitter.com/Z3puDimQE7
The video received mixed reactions. Some users were amazed, while others were doubtful. Comments included “Real or fake?”, “Is this AI generated?”, and even “The end is coming.” However, some users enjoyed the sight, calling it a “winter wonderland in the desert.”
Although the scenes looked unusual, snowfall in northern Saudi Arabia has happened before. Some parts of the Al-Jawf region reportedly saw snow last year as well. Because the Tabuk region is over 2,600 metres above sea level, it often receives snow during winter.
The region’s cooler climate also attracts visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, who travel there to see snow in a desert setting.
Prophecy and Online Speculation
Some social media users linked the snowfall to Islamic prophecies attributed to Prophet Muhammad, which say that in the end times, the Arabian Peninsula will become green again with rivers and vegetation. This has led some people to wonder whether increased snowfall and rainfall could one day help turn desert land fertile.
Experts say that more rainfall helps soil retain moisture, which is important for plant growth, but snowfall alone does not mean the desert will soon turn green.
