Image credit: NCMKSA/X account
Unseasonably severe winter weather across the Gulf region is disrupting major sporting events, aviation operations and daily activity, as multiple countries contend with cold fronts, heavy rainfall, snowfall and unstable atmospheric conditions.
From the cancellation of a high-profile Arab Cup football match in Doha to flight disruptions in Kuwait and snowfall in parts of Saudi Arabia, the latest wave of weather-related events highlights the growing operational challenges posed by extreme conditions across the region.
Meteorological authorities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait have issued warnings and advisories, urging caution as conditions continue to evolve over the coming days.
Football match cancelled in Doha amid safety concerns
The third-place playoff match between Saudi Arabia and the UAE at the 2025 Arab Cup was officially cancelled after it could not be completed due to adverse weather conditions.
The decision to halt the match was taken at the start of the second half, with officials citing concerns for the safety of players, technical staff and spectators. The game was held at Khalifa International Stadium in the Qatari capital, Doha, before the referee initially suspended play and subsequently confirmed the cancellation, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.
The first half of the match ended in a goalless draw, but worsening conditions made continuation impractical. The cancellation marked one of the most high-profile sporting disruptions linked to the current weather system affecting parts of the Gulf.
Snowfall reported in Northern Riyadh region
In Saudi Arabia, rare snowfall was reported in the Al-Majmaah and Al-Ghat governorates, north of the Riyadh Region, as temperatures dropped sharply amid ongoing winter weather conditions.
According to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), snowfall formed over highlands and open areas following a noticeable decline in temperatures. NCM official spokesperson Hussein Al Qahtani said the conditions were caused by a cold air mass advancing into the region, accompanied by rain-bearing thunderclouds.
These factors contributed to temperatures falling below zero degrees Celsius in some locations, creating favourable conditions for snowfall during the early morning hours. Al Qahtani noted that the NCM had issued early warnings ahead of the weather event and confirmed that specialised teams continue to closely monitor developments.
He added that temperatures are expected to remain low over the coming hours, with frost likely in several northern and central areas of the Kingdom. Citizens and residents were urged to exercise caution, particularly while driving on exposed roads, due to the risk of ice formation and slippery conditions.
Qatar faces sharp temperature drop as cold front advances
Qatar’s Meteorology Department has warned that the country will remain under the influence of a low-pressure system until late Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures.
Director of the Meteorology Department, Abdulla Mohammed Al Mannai, said north-westerly winds are expected to dominate once the system passes, leading to noticeably cooler conditions over the next three days. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Mannai described the system as the first significant low-pressure weather event to affect the country this season, noting that it carries clear winter characteristics, a Qatar News Agency report said.
The low-pressure system has been accompanied by cold polar winds in the upper layers of the atmosphere. In recent hours, Qatar experienced rainfall of varying intensity, alongside active to occasionally strong winds. Hail was also reported in some areas.
According to Al Mannai, these developments were forecast in earlier weather analyses and resulted from several atmospheric factors, including the depth of the low-pressure system, the intrusion of cold polar air and the presence of dry air in mid-levels. Together, these elements contributed to the formation of intense thunderclouds and hail, prompting authorities to continue monitoring conditions as cooler weather settles across the country.
Flight cancellations in Kuwait as weather turns unstable
The impact of unstable weather has also extended to aviation operations in the region. Kuwait Airways announced the cancellation of two scheduled flights from Kuwait International Airport to Dubai due to deteriorating weather conditions.
Flights KU675 and KU677, originally scheduled for Thursday evening, were cancelled, according to a Kuwait News Agency report. The national carrier confirmed that both flights would be rescheduled and that passengers would be updated with revised travel details, a Kuwait News Agency report conveyed.
Kuwait Airways advised affected passengers to remain patient due to the emergency conditions and encouraged them to contact the airline’s customer service centre for further assistance.
Oman issues heavy rainfall and thunderstorm alerts
In Oman, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued Weather Alert No. 3, warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms affecting several governorates from Thursday evening, December 18, through Friday evening, December 19, 2025.
The National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center indicated that Musandam Governorate is expected to experience heavy thunderstorm activity, with forecast rainfall ranging between 20 and 60 millimetres.
These conditions may lead to flash floods and the flow of wadis, according to an Oman Observer report.
Additional governorates, including Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, North and South Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah and Muscat, may see isolated rain and thundershowers, with rainfall amounts ranging between 10 and 40 millimetres. Authorities warned of possible flash flooding, wadi flows and strong downdraft winds.
Further rainfall is forecast for North and South Al Sharqiyah and parts of Al Wusta, with the potential for continued weather-related risks.
The CAA highlighted additional hazards, including reduced visibility, downdraft winds of up to 35 knots and rising sea states along coastal areas.
The authority urged the public to avoid crossing wadis, stay away from low-lying areas and refrain from marine activities until conditions stabilise.
