Unusual snowfall across parts of Tabuk and the Trojena Mountains has turned northern Saudi Arabia into a rare winter playground, drawing residents and tourists outdoors to enjoy skiing, picnics, and breathtaking icy views.
The Trojena Highlands, part of the NEOM region, were blanketed in snow, transforming rugged peaks rising about 2,600 metres above sea level into a striking white landscape.
Visitors shared photos and videos on social media, showing snow-covered rocky slopes, which quickly went viral.
Snow also spread across the mountains of Tabuk, where families and tourists gathered at high-altitude picnic spots to capture the rare scenes. One widely shared video showed camels standing in a snow-covered desert under dark clouds, an extraordinary sight in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) documented the excitement, highlighting how the cold conditions offered a sharp contrast to Saudi Arabia’s usual desert climate and showcased the country’s diverse geography.
Weather authorities have warned that several regions, including Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah, may experience thunderstorms, rain, and strong winds. Additionally, fog is possible in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, and Tabuk. Coastal areas may also see rough sea conditions, particularly near Bab al-Mandab.
Residents and visitors have been advised to remain cautious amid changing weather, but the snowfall has sparked widespread excitement, with children and adults alike celebrating and capturing one of Saudi Arabia’s rarest winter events in recent years.