Qatar Calendar House has announced that the traditional astronomical season known as Al-Dhira will begin on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
The seasonal period lasts for 13 days and is also commonly known as Al-Marzam. Based on its stated duration, it will continue through August 10.
Al-Dhira is traditionally associated with some of the most intense conditions of the Gulf summer, including high temperatures, increased humidity and the visible effects of heat such as widespread mirages.
What is Al-Dhira?
Al-Dhira is one of the seasonal markers used in traditional Arab and Gulf astronomy to divide the year according to the appearance of particular stars.
It is associated with stars in the Gemini constellation and is described as the fifth of the traditional summer star periods.
The season begins annually around July 29 and lasts for approximately 13 days before the following seasonal phase begins.
Why is it also called Al-Marzam?
Al-Dhira is widely known among farmers and communities in the Gulf as Al-Marzam.
The name is connected with traditional knowledge of the hottest stages of summer and the agricultural calendar followed by earlier generations.
The period is also referred to as the beginning of Jamrat Al-Qayz, a traditional expression describing the height or burning intensity of the summer heat.
Heat and humidity traditionally increase
Qatar Calendar House describes Al-Dhira as a period characterised by intense heat and humidity.
Traditional accounts also associate the season with strong sunshine, shimmering heat and mirages appearing across open ground.
These descriptions are broad seasonal observations based on historical astronomy and local experience. Actual temperatures, humidity and wind conditions may still vary from one day to another and should be followed through official daily weather forecasts.
Fresh dates and summer fruits become more abundant
Al-Dhira is also closely linked with the agricultural season.
Fresh dates, locally known as rutab, traditionally become more abundant during this period, alongside other summer fruits.
The timing has historically been important to farmers and date-palm owners because it coincides with the harvesting and sale of ripening summer produce.
A traditional saying associated with Al-Dhira
The Qatar Calendar House visual included a traditional Arabic saying describing the intensity of the season:
“When Al-Dhira rises, the sun removes its veil, spreads its rays across the land and the mirage shimmers in every valley.”
The expression reflects how earlier communities used observations of the stars, heat, agriculture and the surrounding environment to track seasonal changes.
Al-Dhira 2026 at a glance
Starting date: July 29, 2026
Duration: 13 days
Expected end: August 10, 2026
Also known as: Al-Marzam
Traditionally associated with: Intense heat, higher humidity, fresh dates and summer fruits
Al-Dhira remains part of the Gulf’s traditional astronomical heritage, connecting the movement of the stars with seasonal weather patterns, farming cycles and everyday life.
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