The appearance of the Saad Al Saud star on March 8 has traditionally marked the beginning of the spring season in the UAE, signalling a gradual shift toward warmer days and milder nights.
According to regional astronomical traditions, the star rises in the sky at dawn and has long been considered one of the seasonal indicators used by Arab astronomers to track changes in weather patterns.
Its appearance this year once again signals the transition away from the colder winter months and the arrival of the spring period across the UAE.
What is the Saad Al Saud star?
Saad Al Saud is known as the third of the traditional “Saud stars” in Arab astronomical heritage. These stars were historically used to observe seasonal shifts and environmental changes in the region.
The period associated with this star is part of a seasonal phase known as Al Aqareb, which typically runs from March 8 to March 20.
During this time, day and night become nearly equal in length, before daylight hours gradually begin to increase as the region moves further into spring.
Seasonal changes expected in the UAE
With the appearance of the Saad Al Saud star, the UAE usually begins to experience warmer daytime temperatures and more moderate nights.
The period also marks the start of the spring transitional phase locally known as “sarayat.”
This phase is sometimes accompanied by:
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Atmospheric instability
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Occasional rainfall
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Fluctuating temperatures
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Periods of strong winds
Connection to Ayyam Al Husum
Historically, the rise of the star is also linked to Ayyam Al Husum, an eight-day period known in Arab folklore as the “old women’s days.”
This period is traditionally associated with:
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Sudden strong winds
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Lingering cool weather
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Seasonal weather changes
These conditions often appear as winter gradually transitions into spring.
Agricultural significance
For centuries, the appearance of Saad Al Saud was also important for agriculture across the region.
Farmers traditionally used this time to begin several seasonal activities, including:
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Planting palm shoots
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Growing citrus seedlings
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Pruning fig trees
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Starting grapevine growth after winter dormancy
While modern meteorology now tracks seasonal changes with advanced technology, traditional astronomical markers like Saad Al Saud continue to hold cultural significance across the UAE and the wider Arab world.
