Summer in the UAE looks like it is coming to an end, with the Suhail star sighted across the Gulf on Sunday.
The rising of this star in the southern sky is a celestial event tracked by astronomers across the Middle East. Symbolically, it marks the end of the extreme heat of peak summer and heralds the approach of cooler conditions.
According to Arab folklore, the night “cools down” when “Suhail rises”.
Known to astronomers as Canopus, Suhail is a giant, yellowish-white star in the constellation Carina, about 313 light-years from Earth. It is the second-brightest star in the night sky.
However, despite the historical and cultural significance of the star, these changes will not be immediate. September will still probably be hot and humid.
Seasonal temperatures
Between 1991 and 2020, average temperatures in September ranged from a minimum of about 29°C to a maximum of about 39°C. This is combined with humidity, which hits an average of about 54 per cent.
October tends to be the month when temperatures noticeably drop from the summer peak, with a minimum average of 25.5°C and maximum of 35.8°C between 1991 and 2020. The winter period follows, beginning in November.
January is traditionally the coolest month of the year, with an average minimum temperature of 15.5°C and maximum average temperature of 24.3°C between 1991 and 2020.
Where is Suhail?
Only Sirius is brighter than Suhail in the UAE night sky.
Also known as the Star of Yemen, its appearance aligns with the ancient Al Drour calendar, which segments the year into distinct phases, each spanning 100 days.
It is situated an estimated 545 light years away.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The biog
Age: 59
From: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Family: A daughter, two sons and wife
Favourite tree: Ghaf
Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense
Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Brief scores:
Juventus 3
Dybala 6′, Bonucci 17′, Ronaldo 63′
Frosinone 0
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
The National’s picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Hidden killer
Sepsis arises when the body tries to fight an infection but damages its own tissue and organs in the process.
The World Health Organisation estimates it affects about 30 million people each year and that about six million die.
Of those about three million are newborns and 1.2 are young children.
Patients with septic shock must often have limbs amputated if clots in their limbs prevent blood flow, causing the limbs to die.
Campaigners say the condition is often diagnosed far too late by medical professionals and that many patients wait too long to seek treatment, confusing the symptoms with flu.