Real or AI? Rare snowfall in Saudi Arabia’s mountains amazes internet

Snowfall is virtually unheard of in a country dominated by vast desert landscapes. However, Saudi Arabia is currently witnessing precisely that, with rare snowfall reported in its northern and mountainous regions.

The unusual weather has sparked scepticism online, with many social media users questioning whether images circulating of snow-covered terrain are AI-generated. Despite the doubts, reports confirm that the snowfall is genuine and has transformed normally arid landscapes into striking winter scenes, with streets and vehicles blanketed in snow.

On Wednesday, Jabal Al-Lawz in the Tabuk region experienced heavy snowfall accompanied by thick fog and strong winds. According to the Saudi Gazette, temperatures in the area dropped sharply, reaching as low as minus 4 degrees Celsius.

Snowfall was also recorded in the Trojena highlands, alongside light rainfall. Light to moderate rain was reported in several other locations, including Bi’r bin Hirmas, Al-Uyaynah, Halat Ammar and Shigry, as well as surrounding areas.

Snowfall in Tabuk’s Jabal Al-Lawz (the Al-Lawz Mountains), located in north-western Saudi Arabia, often attracts both local residents and tourists when such rare conditions occur.

Social media users shared videos documenting the phenomenon. In one Instagram post, user Omar Alnauimi shared footage showing snow accumulating on a car in the region, captioned: “In a rare event, snow is falling heavily in Saudi Arabia.”

Another user posted a video stating that residents of Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province witnessed rare snowfall as a strong cold wave swept across the region. The footage showed the typically warm desert area lightly dusted with snow, surprising locals and prompting authorities to urge caution due to the unusual weather conditions.

#UPDATE:

Snow Falls in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa

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

— Mowliid Haji Abdi (@MowliidHaji) December 18, 2025

Saudi Arabia wakes up to SNOW

People went outside to enjoy a rare weather condition

Could it be a test run before Saudi Arabia’s Olympic Winter games 2026 pic.twitter.com/lcP7jdBMsy

— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2025

Who have thought Riyadh will witness snowfall ????❄???????? pic.twitter.com/t30CSiJtSV

— Saudi-Expatriates.com (@saudiexpat) December 18, 2025

सऊदी अरब की ठंड!

रेत की जगह बर्फबारी हो रही है यहां!

देखे कैसे रेगिस्तान वाली ज़मीन बर्फ से ढक गई! pic.twitter.com/43LFHqdeJW

— Sadaf Afreen صدف (@s_afreen7) December 19, 2025

According to a report in the Khaleej Times, the Tabuk region is currently experiencing unstable weather, with torrential rainfall affecting parts of the area.

This is not the first time such conditions have been recorded. In February last year, the Trojena Mountains also witnessed snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, while parts of the Al-Jawf region experienced snowfall for the first time.