This Video Does Not Feature Saudi Arabia's First Snowfall in a Century
The Claim
A video shows snowfall in Saudi Arabia for the first time in almost 100 years.
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Social media users circulated a video clip purporting to show snowfall in Saudi Arabia.
According to the claim, this is the first time it has snowed in Saudi Arabia in almost 100 years.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral video and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting a reverse image search, Misbar’s team found the video making the rounds to be outdated.
The Video of the Snow Dates Back to 2021
A Twitter user, who identified himself as a nature photographer, published the video on February 18, 2021.
The video, according to the publisher, was shot in Jebal Ad-dhahr, a mountain located in northwest Saudi Arabia, 86 kilometers from Tabuk.
Is it the First Time it Snows in Saudi Arabia in a Century?
Although snowfall is not common in Saudi Arabia, the country witnessed it multiple times.
Media outlets published many photos and videos showing snowfall in the country previously.
On January 10, 2023, Arab News published photos showing snowfall covering Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Mountains.
On December 27, 2022, the Saudi Press Agency published a collection of photos showing snow covering Saudi Arabia’s Jabal Al-Lawz mountain in Tabuk.
Snowy Regions in Saudi Arabia
Several cities across Saudi Arabia witnessed snowfall and hail, particularly in the northern, southern, and even central regions.
The cities are impacted by the meteorological depressions that accompany winter throughout the kingdom.
The Kingdom's snowiest region is Tabuk, where snow blankets much of the territory's land and its mountains, including Jabal Al-Lawz, Alaqan, Al-Dhahr, Neom, and others.
Moreover, the Asir Area is among the locations where snow can be seen, particularly in the provinces of Bilalssmar and Abha.
Other snowy areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are Taif and Hail.
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