Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit UAE: How did the authorities keep everyone safe?

Heavy thunderstorms continue across the UAE, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors, avoid flood-prone areas, and limit unnecessary travel. Emergency and municipal teams remain on standby, while the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) warns that unstable weather is likely to continue into the weekend.

MoHRE advises remote work for private sector

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has advised private sector companies in the worst-affected areas to adopt remote working on Friday, 19 December for roles that can be performed from home, safeguarding employee safety.

Tragic death in Ras Al Khaimah

Tragically, a 27-year-old Indian expatriate, Salman Fariz, died in Ras Al Khaimah after a wall under construction collapsed during heavy rains.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has suspended all community events on 18–19 December due to the severe weather.

For the latest weather updates and a full recap of events on Thursday, 18 December, including thunderstorms, safety alerts, and incidents across the UAE, read our blog and follow live updates as they happen.

An extension of surface and upper-air low-pressure systems is bringing unstable weather across the UAE, with rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, hail in some areas, and noticeable temperature drops. Moderate to strong winds may cause blowing dust and reduced visibility, while seas remain rough in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.

Forecast for 19 December: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered convective clouds and localized rainfall.

• Coastal & islands: 28–24°C

• Internal areas: 30–25°C

• Mountains: 22–17°C
  Humidity: 20–90% depending on the region

Residents are advised to stay updated with official alerts and exercise caution, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Saturday, December 20: Cloudy at times with rainfall over coastal, northern, and eastern areas. Winds reaching 15–50 km/h and seas remain rough.

Sunday, December 21: Partly cloudy with low clouds over islands and western areas, with a chance of rainfall. Winds 10–35 km/h, seas rough to moderate.

Early week forecast:

• Monday, December 22: Partly cloudy, humid by night/morning in internal western areas. Winds 10–35 km/h, seas slight to moderate.

• Tuesday, December 23: Similar conditions, partly cloudy with localized humidity, light to moderate winds, and seas slight to moderate.

Residents are advised to stay updated with official weather alerts, avoid flood-prone areas, and exercise caution during travel.

Adverse weather across Dubai and the surrounding region has forced Emirates to cancel multiple flights on Friday, December 19. Affected routes include Dubai to Tehran, Dammam, Basra, Muscat, Kuwait, Bahrain, Seychelles, Malé, Colombo, Peshawar, Frankfurt, and Incheon.

Passengers are urged to check flight status online and ensure contact details are up to date via Manage Your Booking for real-time alerts. Emirates apologised for the disruption, emphasising that passenger and crew safety remains the top priority.

Further updates will be provided as conditions evolve.

The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority (SCDA) has urged residents and visitors to exercise caution as heavy rain and thunderstorms continue, with flash floods expected until Friday.

Officials warned not to walk or drive through flooded areas and to stay away from wadis and flood channels, as fast-moving water can be deadly. Roads may be submerged or damaged, and parents should keep children away from rainwater pools.

Residents are advised to remain alert, stick to familiar routes, and contact SCDA on 997 for emergencies.

To keep road users safe and traffic flowing across Dubai, RTA has activated round-the-clock monitoring, field teams, and rapid response units.

The Emergency and Crisis teams, together with field units, are managing weather-related incidents from the Command Control Centre, operating the joint Flood Management Room to tackle rainwater accumulation and maintain continuous operational readiness.

AirArabia has issued a travel advisory on late Thursday that UAE flights may face delays due to unstable weather.

Passengers are advised that flights to and from the UAE may experience delays.

Travellers should check their flight status online for the latest updates and plan accordingly. The airline emphasises that passenger safety remains a top priority.

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality has announced that, due to expected unstable weather conditions, all parks and beaches under its management will remain temporarily closed to ensure public safety.

Residents and visitors are advised to avoid these areas until conditions improve and to follow official updates for further information.

Dubai Police have urged road users to exercise caution due to current weather conditions across the country, which include heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning, and occasional hail, reducing visibility on roads.

Authorities have advised motorists and pedestrians to follow the instructions of competent authorities to ensure safety. Dubai Police emphasised that cooperation and vigilance are key to maintaining a safe and secure community during these unstable weather conditions.

Abu Dhabi Police have called on drivers to exercise caution due to ongoing rain and to adhere to the changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards.

A speed reduction system has been activated, limiting vehicles to 100 km/hr on the Al Ain–Dubai road (Masakin–Al Hiyar section) to enhance safety.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has called on private educational institutions in Dubai to take extra precautions over the coming days as unstable weather conditions are expected. Schools are encouraged to prioritise staff safety and, where possible, implement flexible or alternative work arrangements as a preventive measure.

Officials have also warned that outdoor or off-campus activities for students should be avoided, even during holiday periods, to ensure children’s safety. While some schools and early childhood centres may continue classes or extracurricular activities, authorities emphasise that student safety must remain the top priority.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the suspension of intercity bus services to and from Ajman and Sharjah until further notice. The move comes in response to adverse weather conditions, as authorities prioritise public safety. Commuters are advised to stay updated on service resumptions.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced that all weekend activities under the Life Camps – Winter Edition programmes have been temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions. Activities are expected to resume next week as per the approved schedule. Organisers emphasised that participant safety remains the top priority and thanked everyone for their understanding.

KHDA postpones Family Day workshop

KHDA has announced that the workshop scheduled for December 20 as part of the Family Day initiative at Ummi Habiba’s Happiness Farm, has been postponed to December 27, 2025, due to adverse weather conditions. Organisers emphasise that participant safety remains the top priority and thank everyone for their understanding.

Dubai Police have issued guidance for motorists involved in minor accidents during rainy conditions. Drivers are advised to pull over safely to avoid obstructing traffic and use the “On Your Way” service. This allows them to file a minor accident report at the nearest fuel station without disrupting road flow.

Umm Al Quwain Police have announced the temporary closure of two exits on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road as unstable weather continues to affect the emirate, urging motorists to exercise caution and use alternative routes.

In a public advisory issued on Friday, police said Exit 93, which connects to Al Watan Street and leads to Umm Al Quwain University, and Exit 110, which connects to Al Alya Street, will remain closed until further notice due to prevailing weather conditions.

They called on road users to take extra care while driving, adhere to traffic guidance, and prioritise safety during the closures. Motorists were advised to plan their journeys in advance and follow posted diversions.

Umm Al Quwain Police advised the public that emergency assistance is available by calling 999, while general enquiries can be directed to 901.

Food delivery services across the UAE were temporarily paused on Thursday as adverse weather conditions disrupted road safety and visibility. Major platforms including noon, Talabat, Keeta and Careem restricted operations in several areas, prioritising rider safety amid heavy rainfall and slippery roads.

Users opening the apps found nearby restaurants marked as closed or unavailable, with notices indicating services would resume later in the day. In some cases, customers were able to browse menus and add items to their carts, but were unable to place orders until operations reopen.

Delivery companies are monitoring conditions closely and are expected to restore services gradually as weather conditions improve and roads become safer for riders.

The General Command of Sharjah Police has urged all employers and workers to exercise utmost caution and vigilance at work sites in light of the current and expected weather conditions.

Authorities emphasised the importance of safeguarding the health and safety of workers, particularly at outdoor sites where continuing work may be challenging. Sharjah Police also stressed the need to comply with occupational health and safety requirements while performing duties and during travel to and from work locations.

The police urged all parties to prioritise safety and follow official guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.

Commuters are facing water logging at the roundabout outside offices in Dubai Investment Park (DIP) this morning. Drivers are urged to exercise caution while navigating the area as heavy rainfall has caused localized flooding, slowing traffic and affecting road safety.

After a day of heavy rainfall, dark clouds linger over Dubai’s The Views neighborhood, casting a dramatic, almost un-Dubai atmosphere.

Heavy rainfall has left streets in Al Majaz, Sharjah, waterlogged, causing disruptions for residents and motorists. People are seen carefully navigating flooded roads as showers continue across the emirate, while authorities urge caution and advise avoiding unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

Heavy rainfall across the UAE has caused flooding in mountain areas and wadis, as captured in videos shared by Storm.ae.

In Al Ain, heavy rain created a striking scene, with the city’s mountain areas seemingly embraced by clouds.

Meanwhile, wadis in Tawiyin (north of Fujairah), Wadi Bih in Ras Al Khaimah, and Wadi Shuka in the eastern region are reported to be flowing, highlighting the impact of the ongoing rain.

Ajman Port has announced that, due to current weather conditions, all service requests can now be submitted remotely. Customers are encouraged to book online appointments, eliminating the need for in-person visits and ensuring their safety.

The authority thanked the public for their cooperation and urged everyone to stay safe during the ongoing weather conditions.

Streets in Sharjah’s Al Majaz neighbourhood were left submerged following heavy rainfall. Videos shared on social media show waterlogged roads, with authorities urging residents and commuters to exercise caution while travelling.

Dubai Airport has announced that, due to adverse weather conditions, some flights may be delayed or cancelled. Water accumulation on surrounding roads has also been reported, and passengers are advised to allow extra travel time to reach the airport.

Passengers are advised to use the RTA Dubai Metro for safer travel to Dubai Airport. For up-to-date flight information, check with your airline or visit Dubai Airports’ flight status page.

Heavy rain in Sharjah has left streets in Khalidiya (Al Majaz-3) and Al Estiqlal submerged. Videos show waterlogged roads, prompting authorities to urge residents and motorists to exercise caution while travelling.

Heavy rains have left several streets across Dubai waterlogged, causing travel disruptions and prompting authorities to urge motorists to drive carefully and avoid flood-prone areas. Emergency teams remain on standby as showers continue across the city.

Heavy rain has flooded key roads in Sharjah, including Al Khan Bridge and Al Wahda Street, disrupting traffic and slowing movement. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow official advisories as unstable weather continues.

Following recent heavy rains, water continues to flow through Wadi Bih in Ras Al Khaimah, highlighting the impact of the ongoing weather system. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from wadis and low-lying areas as conditions remain unstable.

A vehicle remains stuck as floodwaters linger on Sharjah roads following heavy rainfall, highlighting ongoing traffic disruptions.

Dubai Municipality has taken to social media to share updates and images of its ongoing efforts to manage waterlogging across the emirate. Teams remain on full alert, conducting round-the-clock field operations to respond quickly to changing weather conditions.

From clearing flooded streets to addressing reports in real time, the municipality is working tirelessly to ensure public safety and maintain smooth traffic flow across Dubai.

Amid continuous heavy rainfall, Dubai Police teams are on round-the-clock duty, managing traffic and ensuring public safety. Operating within an integrated response framework, officers are coordinating swift field actions to keep roads safe and support the community during the downpour.

Heavy rain leaves streets waterlogged in Al Barsha 1, Dubai, as vehicles carefully navigate floodwater.

Visit Jebel Jais has announced that, due to unsteady weather conditions, the Jais Flight and Jais Sky Tour will remain closed.

The first slot for both activities is scheduled to reopen on Saturday 20, December at 11:00am.

Authorities thanked visitors for their understanding and urged everyone to prioritise safety while conditions remain unstable.

Dubai Media Council shared on social media that RTA confirms main roads remain clear amid heavy rains. Motorists are advised to drive safely and watch for water accumulation.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that ferry services between Dubai and Sharjah are temporarily suspended due to current weather conditions.

Passengers are advised to monitor official updates and plan alternative travel arrangements. The RTA thanked commuters for their understanding and cooperation.

Authorities have confirmed that Global Village is operating as usual despite ongoing rainfall across the UAE. Visitors are advised to check official updates before travelling and take necessary precautions due to wet conditions on site.

After temporarily closing on Thursday due to heavy rain, Global Village welcomed visitors again on Friday, December 19, from 4 pm, inviting families and guests to enjoy entertainment, shopping, and dining.

The attraction has confirmed that all necessary safety measures are in place, ensuring visitors can enjoy the experience while staying safe despite wet conditions.

Dubai Airports has announced that operations have returned to normal following the recent weather-related disruption. Most flights are now operating as scheduled, with only a limited number of connecting flights still being cleared.

Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights with their airline and plan their journey in advance, taking into account real-time traffic updates.

Abu Dhabi Police’s Traffic Directorate and Security Patrols have stepped up patrols across the emirate, closely monitoring the effects of heavy rainfall. Their efforts aim to maintain smooth traffic flow, reduce congestion, and prevent accidents caused by water accumulation on roads.

Proactive measures for road safety
Traffic teams have implemented proactive plans, deploying patrols to key locations such as tunnels, drainage channels, wadis, and other water-prone areas. These measures are designed to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians during periods of unstable weather.

Supporting the community
Through continuous monitoring and on-the-ground presence, Abu Dhabi Police are working tirelessly to protect road users and keep the city moving safely despite challenging weather conditions.

A video capturing a lone man standing in the rain, guiding traffic at Business Bay, has gone viral on social media — a striking example of dedication amid Dubai’s heavy rainfall.

Earlier today, the UAE saw heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning, and occasional hail, leaving several streets in Dubai and neighbouring emirates waterlogged and causing travel disruptions. Authorities have urged residents to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official guidance.

Heavy rains have hit the densely populated Karama area of Dubai, disrupting daily life for residents.

“Some roads in the neighbourhood have been affected, with many areas waterlogged. Some cars are stuck in deep pools of water,” said Karama resident Mathul Mathews.

“We are following the directives of local authorities and staying indoors. We’ve stocked up on essential supplies for the next two days as more rain has been forecast,” he noted.

Dubai Police have launched a digital service allowing motorists to obtain official certificates for vehicles damaged by severe weather via their website and smart app. Applicants can request the “To Whom It May Concern” certificate under the Certificates Package by uploading photos of the damage, with issuance typically completed within one working day—streamlining insurance claims and cutting the need for in-person visits.

Abu Dhabi Media Office has announced the reopening of Abu Dhabi City Municipality parks and beaches to the public as weather conditions improve across the emirate.

These gathering spots saw temporary closure on Dec 18 as a result of city-wide deluge.

As the weather clears and things settle down in the city, Dubai Municipality has issued a notice stating that due to the improvement in weather conditions in the emirate, beaches, public parks, and its open-air markets have now returned to their normal schedule.

The authority did however urge people to exercise caution and continue to adhere to safety measures.

While jumping into pools or puddles may seem like a fun idea after a dose of rain, UAE"s The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment warns against giving into the temptation.

It explains via an Instagram post that rainy weather may lead to water accumulation, which in turn may result in contaminated watr bodies.

"Together, we face weather fluctuations," it concludes.

Sharjah Police have simplified the process for residents to obtain official certificates for vehicles damaged by adverse weather by making the service available through their website and smart application.

This step aligns with Sharjah Police’s ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and minimise the need for in-person visits. Drivers can now request a “To Whom It May Concern” certificate via the “Certificates Package” service for cases related to natural disasters. Applicants must upload photos of the damaged vehicle, and the certificate is usually issued within one working day.

The new service was announced on Sharjah Police’s official social media channels, highlighting the speed and ease of the digital procedure.

Through this initiative, vehicle owners can quickly secure the official documents required for insurance claims and other administrative processes, saving time and reducing paperwork.

The Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police deployed patrols across the emirate to monitor rainfall, improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and prevent accidents caused by water accumulation on roads. Proactive plans were implemented to position patrols at tunnels, waterways, wadis, and flood-prone areas during the low-pressure system to protect road users.

The directorate also urged motorcycle delivery riders to suspend operations during unstable weather, warning that motorcycles are unsafe on wet roads due to the high risk of skidding and longer stopping distances. Abu Dhabi Police reaffirmed their commitment to rider safety through early warnings and ongoing multilingual awareness workshops in Arabic, English, and Urdu to promote traffic safety.

The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast unsettled weather on Saturday, with skies expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy at times and the formation of convective clouds bringing rainfall to parts of the country, particularly across northern. 

In its daily weather bulletin, the centre said winds on Saturday will be moderate to fresh, strengthening at times with cloud activity and raising dust and sand. 

RTA shared a video on Instagram explaining how it dealt with the fallout of the rains across Dubai. Have a look!

Authorities said emergency and rapid-response plans were put into action as soon as the weather conditions began, with security and traffic patrols stationed on key internal and external roads to keep traffic moving smoothly and quickly handle any incidents. Read all about what went down here.

Dubai Ambulance reported a significant decline in critical and high-risk emergency calls during the recent period of unstable weather, with most cases classified as minor and handled quickly, according to executive director Mishal Abdulkarim Julfar. Speaking to Emarat Al Youm, Julfar said calls received from Thursday to Friday were largely non-critical and were resolved either at the scene or through patient transfers when needed. He attributed the drop in serious incidents to strong coordination among government entities and the implementation of remote-working measures, which reduced traffic movement and helped prevent accidents and injuries, keeping conditions across the emirate stable.

The National Centre of Meteorology reported widespread rainfall across the UAE over the past 24 hours, with measurements recorded between 8am on Wednesday, 18 December, and 8am on Thursday, 19 December. Saqr Port recorded the highest rainfall at 98 millimetres, followed by Al Ghazlah with 94 millimetres, while mountainous areas also experienced heavy downpours, including Jebel Jais at 92.3 millimetres and Jebel Al Rahbah at 91.3 millimetres.

Fujairah’s municipal and emergency services have successfully contained the impact of heavy rainfall that swept the emirate early on Friday, restoring normal conditions across roads and residential areas without reports of injuries or property damage.

The Fujairah Public Works and Agriculture Department, working alongside municipal teams, cleared significant water accumulation from main roads, roundabouts and internal neighbourhoods after intense downpours led to runoff from mountain streams and wadis. 

Pumps, tankers and specialised machinery were deployed to remove standing water, allowing traffic and daily activity to resume in full.