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 key 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 spring across the Emirates.
What Is the Saad Al Saud Star?
Saad Al Saud is the third of the traditional "Saud stars" in Arab astronomical heritage — a group of stars historically used to observe seasonal shifts and environmental changes across the region. The name itself derives from the Arabic sa'd al-su'ūd, meaning "the luck of lucks," a reference to the star's dawn rising after winter has passed.
The period associated with Saad Al Saud 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 typically 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:
- Atmospheric instability - Occasional rainfall - Fluctuating temperatures - 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 stretch is traditionally associated with:
- Sudden strong winds - Lingering cool weather - Seasonal weather changes
These conditions often appear as winter gradually transitions into spring, marking the boundary between the two seasons.
Agricultural Significance
For centuries, the appearance of Saad Al Saud was important for agriculture across the region. Farmers traditionally used this time to begin several seasonal activities, including:
- Planting palm shoots - Growing citrus seedlings - Pruning fig trees - Starting grapevine growth after winter dormancy
A Living Tradition
While modern meteorology now tracks seasonal changes with advanced technology, traditional astronomical markers like Saad Al Saud continue to hold deep cultural significance across the UAE and the wider Arab world. An old Arab proverb captures the feeling well: "When Saad Al Saud rises, skins soften, frost melts, every branch turns green, and sitting in the sun becomes unwelcome."
