The dusty dunes of Saudi Arabia’s deserts have miraculously turned from sand to grass confirming what some believe is a thousand-year-old prophecy.
Surprisingly heavy rainfall and flooding throughout December have led to the striking scenes of green desert hills surrounding the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Videos and photos circulating on social media show animals grazing on the grass which emerged out from the flooded lands in the west of the country.
Nature has taken over from once deathly-dry landscapes across Saudi Arabia to create blossoming green vegetation that can be seen from NASA satellite images.
For some excited locals, this is a clear sign that the Day of Judgement or the end of the world is coming.
The prophet Muhammad is reported to have said 1400 years ago that “the last hour will not come till… the land of Arabia turns into meadows and rivers”.
Others have questioned just how unique this phenomenon is, citing recent times in the kingdom’s history that luscious vegetation has sprouted in the desert.