Parts of northern Saudi Arabia witnessed an unusual winter spectacle this week as snowfall blanketed mountainous areas in Tabuk and Hail, prompting residents to head outdoors and celebrate a scene rarely seen in the Kingdom.
In high-altitude locations, including the Jabal Al Lawz range near the Jordanian border, snow covered hills and slopes, transforming the landscape and drawing families and groups of friends to experience the cold weather firsthand. Videos circulating on social media showed people walking across snow-covered ground, taking photos, performing traditional dances, and even skiing down gentle inclines using improvised equipment.
فعاليات التزلج على الثلج 🏂 في جبل اللوز – تبوك – السعودية 🇸🇦 اليوم 😅
Tabuk – Ksa
17-12-2025 pic.twitter.com/M9CiUVEIy2— طقس_العالم ⚡️ (@Arab_Storms) December 17, 2025
At Jabal Al Lawz, one of Saudi Arabia’s highest peaks, residents were seen sliding over accumulated snow, laughing and cheering as they embraced the rare chance for winter recreation. Footage of the scenes quickly went viral, with many describing the moment as historic and unforgettable.
Saudi media reported snowfall across several northern areas, including parts of Hail and locations further west. Residents in Al Ghat, north of Riyadh, also shared images of light snowfall, a phenomenon described as highly unusual and possibly unseen in decades.
The Saudi National Centre of Meteorology had earlier warned of a sharp drop in temperatures, forecasting the possibility of snowfall in the highlands of Tabuk and Hail as part of a broader weather system affecting the region. Authorities urged caution, citing strong winds, dust storms, and the potential for thunderstorms and hail in other areas.
On social media, the hashtag #JabalAlLawz surged among local trends as users shared images and videos celebrating the mountains’ transformation into a winter destination.
Meteorologists said the conditions were driven by a deep low-pressure system moving across parts of the Middle East, bringing heavy rain, cold air, and snowfall to regions unaccustomed to such weather. The system is expected to move eastward in the coming days, influencing weather conditions across the Gulf.
