Each summer, as temperatures rise around the UAE, Emiratis welcome Al Qaith — a season that has played an integral role throughout history in many parts of desert and farming life. Long before there were actual weather forecasts — or central air conditioning for that matter — people knew to watch the stars to figure out when this hottest stretch of summer would actually arrive.

The Emirates Astronomy Society confirmed that the hottest stage of the season, called "Jamrat Al Qaith", or in English (the ember of the heat), begins from and after dawn on July 3, when the first stars of Gemini appear over east. That represents the hottest weather of the year for the Arabian Peninsula, frequently accompanied by destructive "somoom" desert winds and nighttime temperatures topping 50°C in areas.

Al Qaith Timeline: A Season Guided by the Stars

The traditional Al Qaith season in follows the sighting of certain stars, so it changes with each stage of summer:

• July 3: Al Haq'ah rises

• July 16: Al Han'ah rises

• July 29: Al Mirzam rises

• August 11 onwards: Al Qaith ends, and then you have the humid Waqat Suhail period

These celestial markers guided entire communities about the changing conditions of weather and agriculture practices for generations.

Why Al Qaith Is Important for Date Farming

Al Qaith means extreme heat but, at the same time, it also marks the most important date-farming season in the UAE. Supreme summer temperatures accelerate the ripening of famed dates, with the initial harvest referred to under the name "Tabashir Al Rutab." The occasion is marked every year, mainly by farming communities such as Al Hamriyah, Al Ain and Al Dhafra – the key date producing areas of the UAE.

Over the summer, the date harvest works its way down:

• Early varieties: Al Naghali and Al Khatri ( June )

• Early to midseason types: Al Khnizi, Al Khalas and Al Jabri

• End of the season varieties: Al Khasab and Al Hilali (Aug)

The native date palm, sometimes referred to as the "mother tree" of the UAE, is a key part of the cultural heritage. It produces not only edible fruit but its foliage has been used for weaving mats, baskets and shelters. With a focus on palm cultivation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE Founding Father, cemented an agricultural foundation that has served the nation well.

Staying Safe During the Hottest Days

As temperatures are soaring to harmful levels in Al Qaith, the authorities are continuing with their measures to prevent working and residing. Every year from June 15 to September 15 the UAE imposes a midday work ban that prohibits outdoor labour between the hours of 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm.

Doctors remind everyone to take these precautions this season:

Water should drink daily throughout the day!
Stay out of the sun 12 pm to 4 pm
Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing.
Never leave children or pets in parked cars.
Be on alert for unwanted signs of heat exhaustion such as: dizziness, fatigue, and excessive sweating.

A Tradition That Still Shapes Life in the UAE

It is now an integral part of the UAE’s cultural and agricultural heritage, even as modern technology has changed daily life. From overseeing the date harvest to reminding residents to drink water when temperatures creep up too high, this decades-old summertime ritual still plays a role in life across the nation year after year.

Share This Post