UAE winter: Al Ain dips to 9.2°C, here's how to enjoy the cold

Dubai: Winter has officially settled over the UAE’s Garden City, Al Ain, offering the country's first truly cold snap. The mercury today plunged to a crisp 9.2°C in the low-lying area of Raknah, making it the country’s coldest spot and the perfect signal for residents to finally break out their heavy jackets.

While much of the UAE enjoys pleasant 20°C mornings, Al Ain is delivering a genuine winter feel. This unique chill makes the city an ideal, close-by destination for Dubai residents looking to escape the coast for a truly cool weekend.

The perfect weekend road trip from Dubai

Al Ain is highly accessible, transforming into a perfect, quick weekend escape.

• Distance and drive: The journey from Dubai is approximately 140-150 km. The trip takes a mere 1 hour and 30 minutes via the E66 (Dubai-Al Ain Road), often quicker than cross-city drives.

• The winter season: Running from November through April, the weather in Al Ain is truly delightful, with temperatures typically ranging from 10°C to 25°C.

• Weekend forecast: Temperatures will remain pleasant, with daytime highs around 31°C. Crucially, the lows will dip back down to a crisp 17 overnight, ideal for outdoor evening activities.

Why is Raknah so cold?

Raknah consistently records the lowest temperatures because of its unique geography. It is a low-lying wadi (valley) surrounded by dunes. Cold, dense air flows down the slopes at night and 'pools' in the wadi, getting trapped and creating a natural refrigerator effect.

The 'chasing the chill' itinerary

If you are driving down to experience the weather, here are the best spots to maximise the cold snap:

Morning: Start where the air is crispest

Saddle Café (Al Ain Branch): Head to the Al Bateen/Ni’mah area. This spot, famous for its outdoor glass-house aesthetic, is perfect for sipping a hot Spanish Latte and seeing your breath fog up in the cold air.

Al Ain Oasis: Grab a coffee and take a walk through this UNESCO World Heritage site. The dense palm canopy blocks the sun, keeping the walking trails significantly cooler than the city streets, perfect for a 'winter walk.'

Day: Head higher for cooler views

Jebel Hafeet: As the day warms up, drive up this iconic mountain. The top is several degrees cooler and often windy, offering stunning panoramic views.

Pro tip: Stop at Green Mubazzarah Park at the mountain's base first. The contrast between the cold air and the natural hot springs is a unique experience. Dip your feet in the thermal water to warm up before your drive.

Night: Experience the true 9°C low

Jebel Hafeet Desert Park: To truly feel the chill, you need to stay overnight. This is the premier winter camping spot, offering rentals of traditional Bedouin tents, luxury domes, or space for your own gear. Waking up here at sunrise is when you will feel that record-breaking chill most intensely.

Family fun: Must-do Al Ain attractions

The city’s diverse attractions are perfect for families looking for adventure and culture outside of the skyscrapers:

• Wildlife and Adventure:

  • Al Ain zoo: Home to over 4,000 animals, the zoo's cooler location makes it comfortable for a full day of exploration.

  • Al Ain adventure: Located at the base of Jebel Hafeet, this is the Middle East's first man-made white-water rafting, kayaking, and surfing facility, a full day of adrenaline-pumping fun for older kids and teens.

Weekend stays: Resorts and glamping

For those planning an overnight stay, Al Ain offers unique options:

• Family resorts: Hotels like Radisson Blu Hotel and Resort Al Ain offer expansive gardens and dedicated kids' play areas near the main attractions.

• Mountain retreat: For the coldest night's sleep and spectacular morning views, book the Oryx Grand Jebel Hafeet Hotel (or similar) on the mountain.

• Desert glamping: The most memorable option is the Jebel Hafeet Desert park, where you can choose between traditional Bedouin tents or luxury glamping domes for the ultimate cold-weather experience under a blanket of stars.

Pro tip: Dress in layers. Temperatures can change significantly between the sunny afternoons 30°C and the chilly evenings 17°C. A light jacket or sweater is a must for enjoying open-air.