As temperatures in the UAE have dipped to near freezing, many residents are embracing a unique winter adventure—ice chasing. This thrilling pursuit has taken people to the heights of Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah, where the cold weather has created an opportunity for those seeking a rare experience. Some were fortunate enough to witness ice formations, while others simply enjoyed the bitterly cold temperatures that made for a memorable journey.

A Night Hike Up Jebel Jais

Sharjah resident Nizar Ahmed and seven friends set off on their adventure on Saturday night, determined to experience the icy conditions of Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE. They began their hike at 11:30 pm and reached the point where they could drive at around 1 am. The group continued their journey on foot and reached the summit just before 4 am.

At this high elevation, they recorded the lowest temperature of -2.5°C just before sunrise. Despite the freezing temperatures, Nizar mentioned that the ice formation this year was limited compared to their previous trip. Last year, the area had seen heavy rain, which caused icicles to form throughout the mountain. However, this time, there was no rain, and the group noticed a surprising sight on their descent—a plastic sheet had collected dew overnight and was covered in a sheet of ice, looking almost like snow.

It wasn’t the snow they had hoped for, but it was a satisfying find for this group of ice chasers!

Seeking the Chill in Al Ain

Meanwhile, Dubai resident and weather enthusiast Muhammed Sajjad, known for his popular Instagram account @uaeweatherman, led a convoy of over 30 cars to Raknah in Al Ain early on Saturday morning. The group had one goal in mind—experience the freezing temperatures. The weather experts expected to witness frost, but the conditions were a bit unpredictable this year.

Sajjad’s group experienced temperatures as low as 2.9°C but were only able to enjoy the cold for a brief moment. “The low temperatures lasted only about five minutes,” Sajjad explained. Despite this, the group made the most of the experience, bundling up in thick coats, building a fire, and warming themselves around it.

While temperatures are set to rise on Monday, Sajjad believes the weather may take another dip later in the week, with a chance of rain on Thursday. This rain could bring another drop in temperatures, offering more opportunities for ice chasing!

A Cozy Family Adventure at Jebel Yibir

For Sharjah resident Saji Sahadevan and his family, the cold weather also provided a great opportunity to bond with other adventure-loving families. On Saturday morning, Saji and three other families made their way to Jebel Yibir, where they hoped to experience the crisp winter temperatures.

Arriving around 5:30 am, the families spent a couple of hours enjoying the cold, with temperatures ranging between 0 and 1°C during their visit. Being well-prepared for their outdoor experience, they brought a stove to cook breakfast, sharing a hot meal of karak tea and dosa (rice pancakes) together. The chilly air, combined with the warmth of a good meal and family company, made for a memorable morning.

Saji noted that the roads leading to Jebel Yibir have greatly improved, making it easier than ever for adventurers to access this beautiful spot.

A Unique Winter in the UAE

The cold snap across the UAE this winter has provided a rare opportunity for residents to experience freezing temperatures, frost, and even a hint of ice—things typically not associated with the hot desert climate. With the weather expected to warm up soon, many ice chasers are already looking ahead to the possibility of more chilly mornings, especially if the forecast for rain later this week comes true.

For now, though, those who ventured into the mountains in pursuit of ice will have their memories of the UAE’s rare winter wonderland to cherish. Whether it was a hike to the summit, a convoy of adventurers braving the chill, or a family breakfast in the cold, these experiences remind us that the UAE has more to offer than just sun and sand—it can deliver the thrill of snow-like conditions and frosty mornings when you least expect it.

Stay tuned for more weather updates and get ready for the next chance to chase the ice!