UAE weather: Dubai Police, RTA, DHA caution residents as rain approaches

Dubai: As rain is expected in the coming days, Dubai authorities have issued a series of safety guidelines for residents to stay safe on the roads and protect their health. 

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) advised residents to “stay informed about weather forecasts, dress warmly, and stay indoors if possible 

For those who need to drive, the DHA urged caution: “Avoid driving in heavy rain, but if you must, drive safely. Never drive through flooded roads.” 

The guidelines also stressed hygiene and injury prevention. “Practice good hygiene and avoid touching your eyes and face,” the DHA said. “Prevent injuries by wearing protective clothing.” 

Additional precautions include carrying an umbrella, watching for slippery surfaces, and avoiding stagnant water to maintain cleanliness in the surroundings. 

Tips for driving:

Meanwhile, Dubai Police issued essential tips for safe driving in rainy weather. 

“Rainy weather requires extra caution. Stay alert, anticipate others’ mistakes, and follow these safety tips to prevent accidents,” the police said. 

Drivers have been advised to “turn on low beam headlights to stay visible” and “check brakes after driving through water.”

The police also urged motorists to “stay away from valleys and flooded areas” and “make sure windshield wipers are working.” 

Other key recommendations include reducing speed, keeping away from the edge of the road, and using outside air settings to prevent windshield fogging. Dubai Police highlighted the importance of checking weather updates from official sources only.

Regular car checkups

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) also urged residents to plan ahead to ensure road safety. 

“A little planning can go a long way,” the RTA said in an advisory. “With heavy rain expected in the coming days, be sure to follow safety tips and don’t skip regular car checkups. Remember, safety starts with each one of us,” the RTA said in a post.

The authority reminded motorists to check their tyres for proper grip, avoid sudden braking, and allow extra time for their commutes. 

Residents can visit official websites for more safety tips and updates.

The UAE experienced light to moderate rainfall on Tuesday, prompting safety warnings for motorists as wet roads create hazardous driving conditions. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) expects partly cloudy weather and light rainfall in some areas on Wednesday.