As the UAE heads into a highly anticipated long weekend, residents have only one question in mind: What is the weather going to look like? Whether you’re planning a beach day, a desert trip, or a short escape across the Emirates, the skies this weekend have a story to tell one filled with sunshine, clouds, and a bit of unpredictability.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the UAE is preparing for a mixed weather pattern that stretches across the long weekend, offering moments of perfect outdoor comfort paired with certain periods of wind, dust and possible rainfall. In other words: beautiful, but not entirely predictable.

And in true UAE fashion, every Emirate will experience a slightly different flavor of weather.

A Gentle Start: Clear Skies and Cool Breezes

The weekend is expected to kick off with mild temperatures, clear skies, and light to moderate winds, especially across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Early mornings will feel noticeably cooler, with temperatures dipping into the low 20s °C in coastal areas and even lower in the desert.

For many residents, these cool mornings mark the best time to step outside.

A Dubai resident shared,

“This is the kind of weekend we wait for all year coffee by the beach without sweating!”

It’s a sentiment echoed across the country as families make plans for picnics, beach gatherings, walks along the Corniche, and outdoor brunches.

Midday Heat Still Lingers But It’s Manageable

Despite the cooler winter trend, the UAE midday sun remains strong. Temperatures are expected to hover between 27°C and 30°C across major cities. Humidity levels will remain moderate, creating comfortable conditions for afternoon outings.

Hatta and Al Ain will enjoy slightly warmer weather, reaching 31°C in peak hours, making these locations ideal for hikes, kayaking or mountain trails — but with caution during windy spells.

A Shift in Weather: Clouds Roll In

As Friday afternoon transitions into evening, the NCM warns of increasing cloud cover, particularly over the western and eastern parts of the country.

These clouds may not bring heavy rain everywhere, but they are expected to produce brief, scattered showers in some areas. The most likely regions include:

• Al Ain
• Fujairah
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Parts of Sharjah (eastern areas)

The possibility of rain adds a bit of weekend excitement and uncertainty.

One Abu Dhabi resident commented jokingly on social media:

“Rain in a UAE long weekend? That’s both a blessing and a traffic warning.”

Windy Conditions Expected

Perhaps the most impactful weather element of the long weekend will be the winds. Light breezes early in the weekend are expected to strengthen by Saturday afternoon, reaching speeds of up to 40–50 km/h in exposed areas.

This means:

• Dust and sand may reduce visibility on highways.
• Outdoor events might feel breezy or chilly.
• Beachgoers should be aware of rough sea conditions, especially in the Arabian Gulf.

The NCM has issued a sea warning, advising residents to avoid swimming in rough waters and to follow lifeguard instructions on public beaches.

Possible Rainfall and Local Thunderclouds

As the weekend progresses, the UAE could see sporadic rainfall, especially on Saturday night and Sunday morning. These showers may be light in coastal regions but heavier in mountainous areas.

There is even a slight chance of:

• Convective clouds
• Short bursts of rain
• Local thundercloud formation

While not widespread, these weather events often happen suddenly, especially around the Hajar Mountains.

Every year, residents secretly hope for rain. As one Sharjah family shared:

“Even a small drizzle feels magical. It turns the UAE into a different world.”

Temperature Drops in Some Areas

With cloud cover and nighttime breezes, expect temperatures to fall more noticeably after sunset:

• Dubai & Abu Dhabi: 20°C to 23°C
• Sharjah & Ajman: 19°C to 22°C
• RAK & Fujairah: 17°C to 21°C
• Al Ain & Desert Regions: As low as 13°C–15°C

If you’re planning a desert camping trip, be prepared winter cold hits fast at night.

Travel Advisory for Weekend Drivers

With the long weekend attracting thousands of families to Fujairah’s beaches and Hatta’s mountains, traffic is expected to surge. When combined with weather factors such as:

• blowing dust,
• low visibility, and
• occasional rain,

drivers are urged to be extra cautious.

Police across the Emirates have issued reminders about safe speed limits and avoiding sudden lane changes during dusty or rainy conditions.

Good Weather for Outdoor Events With a Few Caveats

Many events are scheduled during the long weekend, and luckily, the overall weather remains favorable.

Ideal outdoor windows include:

• Friday morning
• Saturday early morning
• Sunday late afternoon

However, event organizers are monitoring the winds and cloud build-up, especially for outdoor markets, concerts, and beach activities.

Emotional Season: The UAE Feels Alive

There’s something special about winter in the UAE. It’s more than just cooler temperatures. It’s a season of life.

Families gather outdoors. Children run through parks. Tourists flock to open-air attractions. Coffee shops spill out onto sidewalks. The coastline buzzes with surfers, joggers, and sunset watchers.

Every long weekend becomes a memory.

As one resident beautifully put it:

“Winter weekends in the UAE are a reminder that even in a desert, life can feel full of color.”

Final Forecast Summary

UAE Long Weekend Weather at a Glance

• Temperature: 20°C to 30°C
• Conditions: Sunny, partly cloudy, windy
• Rain Chance: Light to moderate in eastern & northern regions
• Wind: Moderate to strong by Saturday, dust possible
• Sea Conditions: Rough at times
• Best Outdoor Times: Friday morning, Saturday morning, Sunday late afternoon

A Beautiful but Dynamic Weekend Ahead

The UAE long weekend promises to be a refreshing blend of beautiful sunshine, cool breezes and just a hint of dramatic winter weather. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a family picnic, or simply staying home and enjoying the cooler air, the skies above the Emirates are set to deliver the perfect winter atmosphere with a little excitement along the way.