In a dramatic twist of weather, Al Ain was struck by hail, thunder, and torrential rain—an unusual sight in the early summer months. Videos showed flooded streets and hailstones bouncing off sun-scorched rooftops. Authorities have issued warnings for more storms, as the UAE’s eastern regions brace for further atmospheric instability.
The sky over Al Ain darkened like a curtain being pulled across a stage. Within minutes, the desert's golden haze was replaced by a roaring storm. Thunder cracked. Then came the rain—thick, fast, and relentless. But what truly stunned the city was the hail. In June. In the UAE.
Drivers pulled over as visibility vanished. Pedestrians ducked into shops, shielding their heads from the icy pellets that pinged off cars and sidewalks. Children shrieked with delight at the spectacle—hailstones in their hands, melting instantly against their skin.
Social media lit up with videos: water gushing through narrow alleys, turning roads into rivers. In one clip, large white hailstones clattered onto a sun-baked terrace. The contrast was surreal—ice in the desert, under a summer sky.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed that this was the first recorded hailstorm of the summer in Al Ain. The event was caused by a surge of moist air from the east, leading to unstable conditions over the mountains and adjacent areas.
The NCM has issued warnings for continued unstable weather, particularly in eastern and southeastern regions. Residents are urged to stay away from valleys and low-lying areas prone to flash floods.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and recommend drivers avoid flooded roads and exercise extreme caution during downpours.
Extreme weather events like this are reshaping how cities like Al Ain prepare for the future. Known as a lush oasis between Abu Dhabi and Oman, Al Ain must now adapt its infrastructure—from drainage systems to storm-resistant construction.
For real estate investors and developers, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. Demand is growing for resilient housing and adaptive urban planning. In Al Ain, investing in properties that can handle the unexpected—like a summer hailstorm—may soon become the new normal.
