Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
January has brought a welcome change to the UAE's typically hot weather, with cooler temperatures prompting residents to trade in air-conditioned spaces for breezy outdoors.
Hiking boots crunch on gravel paths, bikes race along desert roads, and yoga mats spread across scenic beaches.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecasted a dip in temperatures for January, with mild weather expected during the day and chillier conditions at night.
This shift is due to the expansion of a high-pressure system over Siberia, bringing a cold air mass that has affected the UAE and the wider Arabian Peninsula.
For January 2025, average temperatures are projected to be close to the seasonal norm or slightly higher, with a mean temperature of 18.3°C.
On a crisp January morning, Sara unfurls her yoga mat on Kai Beach, the sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore.
Like many in the UAE, this resident is taking full advantage of the winter cool-down to experience the country's natural beauty in a way that's often challenging in the sweltering summer months.
"The temperatures are just right for a long morning session. The breeze is so refreshing, and there's something magical about starting the day with a view of the water. It's a great way to unwind and set a positive tone for the rest of the day," the 30-year-old Egyptian told Aletihad.
For Jessi, a seasoned photographer living in Abu Dhabi, winter is a great time to capture the beauty of the UAE's landscape.
"The cooler weather means I can spend more time shooting outside without overstraining myself or getting heat stroke, especially when I'm out in the desert," he told Aletihad.
The NCM's latest forecast predicts continued mild temperatures over the coming days, with daytime highs of around 26°C and a low of 16°C in cities like Abu Dhabi.
The weather is expected to remain partly cloudy to cloudy, with the possibility of light rainfall, especially over the coastal and northern areas.
As temperatures gradually drop, humidity will rise overnight, particularly in some inland regions. Winds will be light to moderate from the northeast to northwest, at speeds of 10–25km/h, reaching up to 40km/h at times.
The sea is expected to be slight to moderate, becoming rough at night in the Arabian Gulf, while remaining calm in the Oman Sea.
For Emirati mother of three Mariam, 39, the cooler temperatures have made family outings more enjoyable.
"We've been spending a lot of time at the beach," she told Aletihad. "My kids love this time of the year because they get to be outdoors more often, especially in the morning. Abu Dhabi is beautiful all year round, but these days the weather is just perfect for picnics and outdoor games."
Cycling enthusiasts like Thomas Allan have also taken to the outdoors in full force this season.
"Since the temperatures have dropped, I have been spending more time biking around Al Wathba Cycle Track," the London-born expat told Aletihad.
"The desert landscape is so peaceful, and the cooler weather makes it possible to ride for hours without feeling overheated. It's a great way to escape the city and connect with nature."
Located about 40-50 minutes' drive from Abu Dhabi, Al Wathba Cycle Track is one of the UAE's most scenic cycling destinations, surrounded by endless desert vistas.
