After snowfall hit much of the Middle East last week, including Egypt, Israel and Syria, the cold snap has moved its way across to the second hottest country in the world, Saudi Arabia, where average temperatures reach highs of 45 degrees Celsius.

Snowstorm Alexa has surprised Saudi Arabians after coating much of the kingdom's highlands, in stark contrast to the Arabian Desert, one of the most barren landscapes in the world.

Local media reported that temperatures dropped below zero in northwestern Saudi Arabia close to the border with Jordan.

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Saudi men walk along a snow-covered road during a snowstorm in Alkan village, west of Saudi Arabia Reuters
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Saudi men drink tea as they sit in a tent during a snowstorm in Alkan village, west of Saudi Arabia Reuters
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Saudi men make a snowman after a snowstorm in Alkan village, west of Saudi Arabia Reuters
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Saudi men make tea by a fire as they sit in a tent during a snowstorm in Alkan village, west of Saudi Reuters
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A poster depicting Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah is seen after a snowstorm in Alkan village, west of Saudi Arabia Reuters
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Saudi men walk as their footprints are seen after a snowstorm in Alkan village, west of Saudi Arabia Reuters
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A Saudi man removes snow from his car after the snowstorm Twitter/@Kiddow23
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Snow blanketed dunes in the Arabian highlands, the heaviest for decades Twitter/@abdullamz