The fresh date season has started in the United Arab Emirates. At the Al-Jubail Date Festival in Sharjah, prices for fresh fruit start from 15 dirhams per kilogram. Currently, about twenty different varieties are available, giving date lovers a wide choice—from local favorites to high-quality imported varieties from Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The most affordable fresh variety currently available is UAE Naghal, priced at 15 dirhams per kg. There are many other popular local types. Although buyers often inquire about fresh Sukkari dates, traders reported that they have not yet arrived; only canned samples are currently available.
Unlike dried dates, which are available year-round, fresh dates appear only during a short period during the harvest season. Wahid Al Nabi, a market trader, noted that fresh dates are only available for two or three months a year, and the emirates are anticipating this season as it offers the freshest and highest quality fruit. He stated that between 50 to 100 kg are sold daily, and this volume could increase significantly in the near future.
He also specified that about 20 varieties are currently available, most of which are grown in the UAE. Fresh stock arrives daily from Saudi Arabia and Oman, expanding the assortment for consumers. Abdul Samad, another trader, observed that many customers taste different varieties before choosing their favorite. He emphasized that each variety possesses a unique flavor, texture, and sweetness, and while local UAE dates are in high demand, premium varieties from Saudi Arabia and Oman are also popular. Since fresh produce arrives almost every day, visitors can expect even more choice in the coming weeks.
Abdul Rashid shared a third piece of information, noting the increase in demand due to the season. He also mentioned that buyers are already asking for fresh Sukkari, but it has not yet appeared on the market, and new varieties are expected in the coming weeks as the harvest continues. The 11th Suk Al Jubail Date Festival will run until September 15. The event brings together retail market vendors and external exhibitors. Visitors can explore about 20 varieties of fresh dates, learn about traditional date cultivation, and find various products made from them. The annual festival is also aimed at supporting local farmers and traders by providing residents access to the freshest seasonal harvest. As the harvest season progresses, varieties such as Hilali, Khashkar, Mazini, Jabri, Baqal, Sallani, Bu Maan, Khadrawi, Lulu, Shishi, and Ain Baqar are expected to appear in the market.
According to the bulletin of the National Center of Meteorology, clear or partly cloudy weather is expected across the UAE tomorrow, with low clouds possibly appearing over the eastern coast.
In Abu Dhabi, air temperatures will fluctuate between 31°C and 41°C. In Dubai, a temperature range of 33°C to 42°C is forecasted, while Sharjah is expected to see values from 32°C to 41°C.
The humidity level is expected to be from 25 to 70 percent in Abu Dhabi, from 20 to 60 percent in Dubai, and from 20 to 71 percent in Sharjah. The wind will blow moderately or weakly, from the southwest or northwest, at a speed of 10-25 km/h, with the possibility of strengthening up to 40 km/h.
The sea in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be in a state of slight or moderate swell. The UAE has entered the period of Jamrat Al-Qait, which is the hottest and driest time of the year and lasts from July 3rd to August 10th. According to the Emirates Astronomical Society, this period marks the peak of summer across the entire UAE and the Arabian Peninsula.
Despite the onset of the most intense heat of the season, some areas of the UAE experienced precipitation on Friday, providing a welcome relief from the rising temperatures.
July will bring a number of changes and new developments for residents of the United Arab Emirates, covering transport milestones, business reforms, and seasonal events. Among the announced measures are the extension of paid parking time in Sharjah, the start of summer holidays in schools, and the launch of the first passenger service of Etihad Rail.
In Sharjah, the Municipality extended the operating hours of public parking zones, setting payment until midnight starting from July 1. Regarding transport, the first passenger service of Etihad Rail will begin operation on June 30, connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. Additionally, the Dubai Summer Surprises festival will resume in Dubai, running from July 2 to August 30.
Temperatures in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continued to approach the 50°C mark on Wednesday, June 24. The highest reading in the country was registered in the Al Dhafra region, located in Abu Dhabi, reaching 49.8°C. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) reported that this sharp temperature increase was recorded at 14:45.
Four days earlier, the hottest day across the country was in Sweihan, Al Ain, where the temperature reached 49.4°C at 12:45.
The meteorological authority warned residents that they will have to face intense heat for several months, which in some areas may exceed 50°C. Periods of high humidity and rare precipitation are also expected, especially in the eastern and mountainous parts of the country.
Aisa Al-Suraidi, Acting Head of the General Meteorology Department at NCM, noted that the country has entered the summer season and is exhibiting typical weather conditions for it.
Globally, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasts an 80% probability of El Niño developing between June and August, with this chance rising to over 90% by November. This phenomenon, caused by abnormally warm water in the tropical Pacific Ocean, can alter global rainfall and temperature patterns, as well as increase the risk of extreme weather events.
Despite the extreme heat in the UAE, some areas of the country experienced heavy rains on Wednesday. Video footage circulated online showed downpours in the eastern mountainous regions of the UAE, such as Shuwka and Watan Street in the Eastern Region.
