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The hydro-climate information is absolutely important for the management of water and environmental resources. However, in many cases, information for extreme hydro-climate variables are neglected. It is acknowledged that the climate change scenarios will affect the variability of extreme hydro-climate variables. In this study, several robust statistical tests were applied to identify the variability of several hydro-climate parameters in the northeastern region of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The variables are annual maximum daily mean, maximum and minimum temperature; annual maximum daily rainfall; annual maximum mean humidity, wind speed, sea level pressure and solar radiation. Historical trends and step changes were identified. Five climate stations located in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaima were considered. Statistically significant increasing trends were observed in extreme temperature and rainfall parameters in all locations except the Al Ain region. The UAE is located in the arid climate region with an average annual rainfall of less than 100 mm. Increase of extreme rainfall might increase the risk of flash floods in the mountainous eastern region. Possible impacts of changes of extreme temperature and rainfall in the region are delineated in the study. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.