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Watch: Hail turns roads, deserts white in Fujairah, RAK as heavy rains hit UAE
Hailstorms in the UAE are most likely during the transition from winter to spring, when the atmosphere becomes increasingly unstable
- PUBLISHED: Wed 25 Mar 2026, 4:51 PM UPDATED: Wed 25 Mar 2026, 4:52 PM
Hail and heavy rains swept across parts of the UAE, transforming stretches of desert and city landscapes into a sheet of white.
Footage posted on social media by Storm Centre showed the scale of the weather impact, with Fujairah, Al Dhafra Region and Ras Al Khaimah being covered with hail.
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In Fujairah, hail fell steadily over open desert terrain, with ice pellets accumulating across the sand to form thin white patches. Dark, towering storm clouds loomed overhead, underscoring the intensity of the system moving through the eastern region.
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In Al Dhafra, the phenomenon appeared even more dramatic, with hail lining the edges of sand dunes and tracing white contours across the orange landscape, creating a rare, almost surreal contrast.
Meanwhile, in Ras Al Khaimah, heavy hail led to notable accumulation, covering the ground in a thick white layer. Footage showed residents interacting with the hail, while roads and surrounding areas remained wet from ongoing rainfall.
Meteorologists say ice falling over the desert is not as rare as it seems, especially during seasonal transitions.
Hailstorms in the UAE are most likely during the transition from winter to spring, when the atmosphere becomes increasingly unstable. During this period, cooler air in the upper layers meets warmer, moisture-laden air near the surface, creating ideal conditions for thunderstorm formation.
Mountainous regions like Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah often see stronger hail activity, as the terrain lifts air and strengthens thundercloud development. Even open desert areas such as the Al Dhafra Region can experience intense convective activity when weather systems move across the country.
Arwa Almazrouei is an Arabic editor passionate about storytelling and journalism, and creating impactful content that highlights culture, society, and the inspirational.