If you have been waiting for a sign that the UAE’s intense summer is beginning to ease, look to the sky. The Suhail star in the UAE is expected to rise on Monday, August 24, 2026, appearing before dawn above the southeastern horizon.
Also known as Canopus, the bright star has long been associated with the changing seasons across the Arabian Peninsula. Its appearance does not mean temperatures will suddenly drop, but it does mark the start of a gradual shift away from peak summer.
When will the Suhail star appear?
According to Emirati astronomer Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, Suhail is expected to become visible before sunrise on August 24. It will appear low above the southeastern horizon, making the early morning the best time to look towards the sky.
The star has been an important seasonal marker in the region for generations. Before modern weather forecasting, communities across the Arabian Peninsula observed stars such as Suhail to help track changes in the seasons, rainfall patterns and weather conditions.
Does Suhail mean summer is over?
Not immediately. The arrival of Suhail signals a gradual transition, rather than an instant end to the UAE’s summer heat.
The country can still experience extremely high temperatures after August 24, as the heat accumulated during the peak summer period takes time to ease. Instead, the weather begins a slow shift, with temperatures gradually declining as the weeks pass.
The period following Suhail’s appearance is traditionally linked to Sufriya, a roughly 40-day transition during which weather conditions fluctuate before settling into the milder patterns associated with autumn.
What changes will the UAE see?
The first changes are likely to be subtle. Nights gradually become cooler, while early mornings can see an increase in fog, particularly in inland and desert areas.
Humidity can also temporarily rise during this transition, making some days feel particularly sticky. Later in autumn, however, conditions are expected to become drier and more comfortable.
So while August 24 is not the date to expect an immediate break from the heat, it is an important seasonal marker. The shift becomes more noticeable over the following weeks as daytime temperatures gradually begin to ease and nights become more pleasant.
When will autumn arrive?
The astronomical calendar provides another important marker. The autumnal equinox falls on September 23, 2026, when day and night are almost equal in length, and astronomical autumn officially begins.
The UAE’s weather will take longer to reflect this change. According to Al Jarwan, conditions are expected to become more consistently moderate around mid-October. In traditional regional calendars, winter is considered to begin roughly 100 days after Suhail’s first appearance.
Why is the Suhail star important?
For centuries, Suhail has been closely connected to the seasonal rhythms of life across the Arabian Peninsula. Farmers, fishermen and desert travellers used the appearance of stars to understand the changing conditions around them and plan accordingly.
Today, Suhail remains an important part of the region’s astronomical and cultural heritage. For UAE residents, its annual appearance also offers something to look forward to: a reminder that the most intense stretch of summer is gradually coming to an end.
The air conditioning may still be working overtime for a while, but August 24 marks the point when the UAE begins its slow journey towards cooler nights and more comfortable days.
