In Pictures: After weeks of rain, desert turns green in the UAE

The UAE desert is turning refreshingly green. It’s the time of the year when exploring the desert landscapes bring much delight to visitors and residents alike. Above: Greenery in the mountains of Mleiha , a small town in the emirate of Sharjah.

And if you’re looking to go off-roading or for a picnic with family and friends, make sure you immerse yourself in a journey of rediscovery, explore the greenery in the desert following days of downpour. Above: Horses from Mleiha stables riding in the beautiful, green, post-rain desert landscape.

January saw three-four days of heavy rain across the UAE and that's all it took to turn many desert areas green for the season. Above: Greenery in Al Awir area of Dubai

The geography of the UAE is nearly entirely that of a desert — with broad expanses of sand and arid regions. Some of the world's largest sand dunes are located east in the oases of Liwa. So when such greenery shows up during the cooler winter weather annually, it is even more special to explore.

The weeks of showers turn the desert into patches of refreshment. Above: Erucaria species seen in the desert of Mleiha.

The annual season of the green deserts in the UAE is great time to be outdoors enjoying the cool climate. Above: Camels at the desert of Umm Al Quwain after rains.

Green leaves glow and flowers bloom, in stark contrast against the golden sands. With the weather and the greenery, this is the perfect time for a desert picnic that ends with a night under the clear sky, enjoying the stars, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The foliage is green enough to make visitors forget that the area is actually a desert. The new greenery also adds to the fresh and cool climate. Above: Ghalila in Ras Al Khaimah

The entire country received rain this past week, with residents going about their day under umbrellas or in raincoats. Above: A patch of greenery in the desert of Ajman after rain.

The glowing vegetation and remarkable foliage after the rains are not just a beautiful sight, it also shows the seasonal nature of the land, even in deserts where one would not expect to see such lush vegetation. Above: Locals seen cutting the grass after the greenery in the desert of Umm Al Quwain after rain.

Above: Cows at the desert of Al Zubair in Sharjah as greenery is seen after rain.

Above: Sheep and goats at the desert of Al Zubair in Sharjah as greenery is seen after rain.

Above: Senecio glaucus seen in Al Khawaneej area of Dubai after rain.

Above: Greenery in the mountains of Ghalila in Ras Al Khaimah after rain.