In 2024, the UAE recorded average rainfall of 129mm, which made it the wettest year of the past four decades. Historically, the country usually has about 60mm of rain a year. The UAE recorded more than half that total during the first three months of last year.
However, 2025 has been a different story. The overall rainfall is three times lower than at this point last year, while there has been 38 per cent less rainfall than the historic average.
Cumulative rainfall in the UAE
Cumulative rainfall (or cumulative precipitation, as many climatologists call it) is the total rainfall in millimetres recorded in a region over a certain period of time, usually annual, seasonal or monthly. This chart presents the monthly cumulative rainfall in 2024 and 2025, as well as the historic average between 1981 and 2010. It is a vital indicator for ecosystems, agriculture, water supply and the risk of wildfires.
In the UAE, most of the rain falls in the first quarter and the last month of the year.
Climate change and rain
Experts have said current climate models indicate that rising temperatures will affect the Earth's water cycle, increasing evaporation and resulting in changes to global climate patterns. That will lead to extreme weather in some areas, including more frequent and intense rainfall, similar to last year's floods in Dubai, and dry seasons.
Future forecast
This April was the hottest on record in the UAE. Average daily temperature highs for the month stood at 42.6°C.
Many scientists have said there is a need for more investment in climate modelling research and higher resolution data to help prepare for the changing climate.
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The biog
Birthday: February 22, 1956
Born: Madahha near Chittagong, Bangladesh
Arrived in UAE: 1978
Exercise: At least one hour a day on the Corniche, from 5.30-6am and 7pm to 8pm.
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi? “Everywhere. Wherever you go, you can relax.”
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
Results
2pm: Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (Dirt) 1,200m, Winner: Mouheeb, Tom Marquand (jockey), Nicholas Bachalard (trainer)
2.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Honourable Justice, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Dahawi, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
3.30pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Dark Silver, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash
4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Dark Of Night. Antonio Fresu, Al Muhairi.
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Habah, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
