Cold snap sweeps Northern region, Turaif records Kingdom’s lowest temperature at -3°C
Updated 21 January 2026
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region is experiencing a cold snap, with the mercury plummeting below zero in cities in the region.
“Turaif Governorate in the Northern Borders Region recorded the lowest temperature in the Kingdom today, plunging to -3°C,” the National Center for Meteorology reported on Wednesday.
Frost blanketed the area on Wednesday morning, highlighting the intensity of the winter cold spell affecting the region.
“By recording -3 degrees, Al-Turaif Governorate records the lowest temperature in the Kingdom,” the Northern Borders Region Governorate said, taking to X to share photos of frost blanketing the area.
Local authorities have urged residents to be vigilant, take precautions and follow the instructions and weather updates from the authorities.
Muhammed Yousuf, a Northern Border Region resident, told Arab News: "The NCM had forecast the cold wave over the Northern region until the end of the week, so we were alert and took all the precautions.
“As frost blanketed the Turaif governorate, people ventured out to see the beautiful white blanket spreading over the vast plains and mountains, enjoying the icy breeze in heavy winter clothes,” he added.
The NCM forecast had previously warned of the cold wave in Turaif and Northern Borders Region, advising residents to take precautions because of the sharp drop in temperatures.
The NCM forecast on Wednesday further said that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over some regions of the Kingdom starting from Friday, and continuing until next Sunday, accompanied by high winds that may reach speeds of 60 kph or more, and hailstorms and flash floods in some areas. Fog will form in Jazan and Aseer regions.
It also forecast cold to very cold weather in Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and Hail regions. Frost will continue to form in the northern regions, while temperatures will drop, accompanied by gusty and dust-stirring winds in parts of Qassim, Riyadh, Eastern, and Najran regions, extending to the eastern parts of the southwestern highlands, as well as parts of Makkah and Madinah regions.
The minimum temperatures recorded on Wednesday in various cities in the northern region were: Turaif (-3°C), Al Qurayat (-2°C), Arar (-1°C), Sakaka (1°C), Hail (2°C) and Tabuk (3°C).
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman inaugurates 3rd World Defense Show in Riyadh
Organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the five-day event will run until February 12
Prince Khalid launched several key initiatives, including the launch of several defense firms and signing of cooperation deals
The show is also serving as a launchpad for cutting-edge security technologies across various government sectors
Updated 49 min 45 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman inaugurated the third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) on Sunday on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the five-day event will run until February 12, showcasing the Kingdom’s rapid strides toward strategic independence and technological leadership in the defense sector.
The 2026 edition features a purpose-built venue with a 2,700-meter runway for live air and land demonstrations, underscoring the show’s status as a premier global defense event.
GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali emphasized that the show reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to localizing over 50 percent of military spending in line with Vision 2030, fostering an integrated ecosystem where government bodies and international partners collaborate on innovation.
The event brings together official delegations, government entities, and leading international companies specializing in the defense and security sectors. (SPA)
Strategic agreements and major launches
The opening day witnessed significant activity at the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Group pavilion, where Prince Khalid launched several key initiatives:
• New entities: The inauguration of SAMI Land Company, SAMI Autonomous Company, and the SAMI Land Industrial Complex.
• Supply chain: The unveiling of the SAMI Local Content Program (RUKN) and the HEET Program.
• International cooperation: A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Saudi General Authority for Defense Development and the Korean Agency for Defense Development to cooperate on advanced military research.
• Defense deals: The Minister signed cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia.
Defense Minister Prince Khalid signed cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia. (SPA)
Technological debuts & innovations
The show is also serving as a launchpad for cutting-edge security technologies across various government sectors:
AI-Powered Lucid Gravity: Public Security debuted its advanced Lucid Gravity electric security vehicle at the Ministry of Interior's pavilion. The vehicle integrates state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and specialized security equipment designed to accelerate emergency response times and support field operations.
Public Security’s advanced Lucid Gravity electric security vehicle is displayed at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion. (SPA)
This high-tech addition highlights Public Security’s shift toward smart, sustainable security solutions. By leveraging predictive intelligence and advanced command-and-control systems, the Lucid Gravity exemplifies the ministry’s commitment to protecting the Kingdom through integrated technological innovation and sustainable mobility.
Smart Helmet: Also at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion, the General Directorate of Civil Defense unveiled its smart helmet. Designed to revolutionize public safety and emergency response, the helmet features day-and-night cameras and specialized sensors to detect hazardous materials in hard-to-reach locations.
The device serves as a mobile command node, delivering live video feeds directly to command-and-control centers. By enabling real-time data analysis and faster decision-making, the smart helmet significantly reduces incident response times and enhances personnel safety in high-risk environments.
The smart helmet features day-and-night cameras and specialized sensors to detect hazardous materials in hard-to-reach locations. (SPA)
Border Security: The General Directorate of Border Guard (GDBG) showcased an integrated security system featuring radar and thermal cameras capable of detecting drones and classifying moving targets to protect critical infrastructure.
It also functions as an early warning system for critical facilities and border areas and is fully integrated with command and control systems.
Border Guard's ntegrated security system features radar and thermal cameras capable of detecting drones and classifying moving targets to protect critical infrastructure. (SPA)
Counter-Terrorism: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) presented a comprehensive framework integrating intellectual, media, and military domains to combat extremism and terror financing.
Visitors are briefed on specialized programs designed to raise the readiness of national personnel and foster sustainable institutional cooperation among member states to combat extremism. On the event’s opening day, the pavilion hosted high-level delegations, including ministers, military leaders, and ambassadors who reviewed the coalition's pivotal role in coordinating international security efforts and commended its initiatives that support regional and global stability.
A view of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition pavilion. (SPA)
Meteorology: The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) displayed advanced weather systems essential for ensuring the safety of the event's air shows and military operations.
At its dedicated pavilion, the NCM is showcasing its latest advanced meteorological technologies and systems. These solutions serve both the military and civilian sectors, providing accurate data to support beneficiary entities' operational processes and highlighting the center's pivotal role in national security and safety.
NCM's latest meteorological technologies and systems serve both the military and civilian sectors
World Defense Show CEO Andrew Pearcey noted that participation is expected to surpass previous records, reflecting the event's growing importance on the international stage. The show continues through February 12.
