Rain in UAE: Live weather updates, traffic alerts and safety warnings

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, gave followers a glimpse of the city’s rainy weather as he drove around Dubai.

In a video shared with his 17.6 million Instagram followers, Sheikh Hamdan captured his drive through the desert outskirts, offering a rare glimpse of the emirate under wet conditions. The footage showcased shimmering reflections on the roads and desert landscape as rain swept across Dubai.

The video follows heavy rainfall on Monday, when widespread showers, lightning, and thunder affected large parts of the UAE, accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperatures. Meteorologists attributed the unstable conditions to cloud systems moving in from the west, which led to the formation of convective rain clouds over multiple regions.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) has highlighted the strong on-the-ground readiness of its teams, supported by an integrated operational system that ensures uninterrupted service.

Field crews work around the clock to maintain service continuity while upholding the highest standards of safety and security, demonstrating the Ministry’s commitment to both efficiency and public protection.

Dubai Police have issued a traffic advisory as rainfall affects parts of the city. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, exercise caution, and always buckle up to stay safe.

Authorities remind motorists that safe driving starts with personal commitment and encourage residents to follow all traffic rules during adverse weather conditions.

For assistance:

• Emergency: 999

• Non-emergency: 3901

• Stay alert and drive safely.

The Al Dhafra Region Municipality has mobilised field teams across the region to respond to changing weather conditions, working with strategic partners to safeguard residents, protect infrastructure, and keep roads and traffic moving smoothly.

Abu Dhabi Police have intensified field operations across the emirate, deploying an integrated system of preventive and proactive measures to ensure public safety amid heavy rainfall and unstable weather conditions.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has shared a step-by-step guide for resolving electrical issues safely during the rainy season using its Smart Response service:

1. If the outage is caused by an internal fault, contact an external specialised technician directly.

2. If the cause is unclear, use DEWA's Smart Response service via its digital channels or the DubaiNow app.

3. If Smart Response detects an internal fault, you will be directed to a specialised technician.

4. If the issue is not internal, Smart Response will arrange a field visit from DEWA's technical team.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has urged the public to postpone marine activities until weather conditions stabilise. Residents are advised to avoid being at sea during turbulent waves or strong winds to ensure their safety.

Authorities emphasise following official updates and exercising caution during unstable weather to prevent accidents or emergencies.

Heavy rain fell for the second consecutive day on Tuesday across Abu Dhabi, its suburbs, and the Al Dhafra region, accompanied by lightning, thunder, reduced visibility, and cooler temperatures as cloud formations moved in from the west. Meteorological sources reported that a new wave of clouds began moving in after midnight, advancing towards Al Dhafra and Abu Dhabi during the morning hours.

Convective cloud activity is expected to continue across much of the UAE today, bringing rainfall of varying intensity, with further rain forecast on Wednesday over northern and eastern regions.

The National Centre of Meteorology said the highest rainfall totals recorded by Monday included:

• Manama (Ajman): 93.3mm

• Ghayathi (Abu Dhabi): 91mm

• Al Wathba (Abu Dhabi): 88.2mm

• Mohammed bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi): 78.7mm

• Ruwais, Al Dhafra (Abu Dhabi): 75mm

Residents are advised to stay alert, follow weather updates, and drive safely during wet conditions.

Passengers travelling from the UAE between March 23–27 are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys, as airlines warn of potential delays due to rain, strong winds, and reduced visibility. Travellers are encouraged to check flight status, update contact details, and arrive early before heading to the airport.

Airline guidance:

• Emirates: Passengers from DXB should check flight status at emirat.es/flightstatus, arrive at least 2 hours early, and update contact details at emirat.es/managebooking.

• flydubai: Travellers should travel only with confirmed bookings, check flight status, arrive 4 hours early, and verify baggage and gate information via Manage Your Booking.

• Air Arabia: Limited flights from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah may be affected. Passengers should verify bookings, allow extra travel time, and update contact details via airarabia.co.

Tip: Keep an eye on local weather updates and traffic conditions to ensure a smooth journey to the airport.

Abu Dhabi Police have announced that speed limits on all external roads across the emirate are now back to normal. Authorities urged motorists to continue driving safely and remain alert on the roads.

Fujairah Municipality continues its efforts to track the impacts of the low-pressure system, with emergency teams operating around the clock to monitor conditions and respond efficiently. Teams are also carrying out field operations, including suction of rainwater puddles from streets, to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has urged private sector companies to enhance workplace safety and take preventive measures during adverse weather. Worker protection remains a priority, particularly at outdoor sites where severe conditions may disrupt operations.

The ministry stressed that compliance with occupational health and safety standards is a shared responsibility to maintain business continuity.

MoHRE also commended firms that actively promote safe workplaces and raise employee awareness about emergency weather protocols, while coordinating with authorities to circulate guidance nationwide.

Awareness campaigns continue in partnership with government and private sector entities, with enforcement measures in place for violations.

A 24/7 hotline – 800 6634 has been activated for emergency reports as unstable weather continues, helping authorities respond faster. The Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure urged the public to report any rainwater or flood-related issues promptly to ensure timely assistance.

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has issued guidance to keep residents safe during heavy rain, floods, and unstable weather conditions:

• Avoid rivers, streams, and steep slopes – do not approach or cross them.

• Stay clear of fallen or exposed electrical wires.

• Never drive through flooded areas or sewers – even 2 feet of water can sweep a vehicle away.

• Seek higher ground if your area is at risk of flooding.

• Pay attention to flood signs and move to safety as needed.

• Notify authorities immediately if anyone needs help.

Dubai Police have called on drivers to exercise extra care on roads amid ongoing weather fluctuations through Friday, March 27. Motorists are urged to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, avoid distractions, and follow traffic laws.

• Minor accidents: No need to wait for police. Visit the nearest ADNOC, ENOC, or Emarat fuel station for a minor accident report.

• Emergency readiness: Police are prepared to respond to traffic accidents and incidents in mountainous areas or valleys during rainfall.

• Safety tips: Stay alert, avoid watercourses, and do not cross valleys.

• Sea and beach warning: Avoid venturing out to sea. Follow municipality and Dubai Police guidelines, including red flag warnings.

• Emergency contacts: Call 999 for emergencies, 901 for non-emergencies.

• Vehicle damage certificates: Apply online for a ‘To Whom It May Concern’ (TWIMC) certificate for natural disaster damage:

  1. Go to Dubai Police website → ‘Request a Certificate’ → ‘TWIMC’ → ‘Natural Disasters’.

  2. Upload photos of the damaged vehicle.

  3. Bring the vehicle for inspection; certificate issued electronically.

Abu Dhabi Police have urged motorists to drive carefully during ongoing rainy weather and to follow the updated speed limits shown on electronic boards.

Speed limits on key roads during rainy conditions:

• Al Taf Road (Al Saad – Sweihan): 100 km/h

• Al Khaleej Al Arabi Road (Al Khaleej Al Arabi Park – Airport Street): 60 km/h

• Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road (Qasr Al Bahr – Sheikh Zayed Bridge): 60 km/h

• Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road (Al Nahda Bridge – Al Mafraq Bridge): 100 km/h

• Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road (Al Faya Bridge – Al Khatim Bridge): 100 km/h

• Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (Al Thamiriya Bridge – Al Dhafrah Traffic & Patrols Section Bridge): 100 km/h

• Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (Al Noaf Bridge – Al Mafraq Bridge): 100 km/h

• Nahil road (Nahil Bridge - Al Bada): 100km/h

All other standard safety instructions apply: maintain safe distance, reduce speed in wet conditions, and stay alert.

Heavy rainfall sweeps across Abu Dhabi

Sharjah City Municipality has announced an extension of free public parking across the emirate to support residents amid ongoing unstable weather.

The exemption, effective from Monday, March 23, will remain in place until further notice, the municipality confirmed.

Free public parking includes:

• All public parking areas across Sharjah

• Zones normally chargeable on weekdays

• Zones normally chargeable on public holidays

• Areas marked with blue signage

Not included:

• Smart parking yards

Fujairah Municipality continues to closely monitor the effects of the low-pressure system, Azm, as emergency teams operate around the clock to manage weather impacts. Teams are carrying out rapid field response operations, including the removal of rainwater puddles from streets, ensuring smooth traffic flow and public safety across the emirate.

Abu Dhabi Police have called on motorists to exercise extra caution due to ongoing rainy weather and to strictly follow the changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards.

Authorities emphasised the importance of safe driving under wet conditions to prevent accidents and ensure road safety.

Dubai response teams continue to enhance their readiness, ensuring public safety and smooth movement across the emirate during the ongoing rainy conditions.

The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast unsettled weather across the UAE over the coming days, with clouds, scattered rain and strong winds affecting several areas before conditions stabilise by the weekend.

From Wednesday to Friday, skies will be partly cloudy to cloudy, with scattered rainfall and winds occasionally reaching 60 km/h, causing blowing dust and reduced visibility in coastal and desert regions. Seas in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea will be moderate to rough. By Saturday, conditions are expected to improve, with clearer skies, lighter winds and calmer seas.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology, Tuesday will be partly cloudy to cloudy, with convective cloud formation expected to bring rainfall of varying intensity across several parts of the UAE.

Temperature outlook:

• Coastal areas: 24°C – 27°C

• Internal regions: 23°C – 28°C

• Mountain areas: 17°C – 21°C

Humidity could reach up to 85% in some coastal locations, adding to the unsettled weather conditions expected through the day