UAE authorities ready to deal with emergencies amid heavy rainfall, says ministry

Ministry of Interior ready to deal with heavy rainfall

The country’s Ministry of Interior has assured residents that it is ready to deal wih several types of emergencies that may come to rise as heavy rains and unstable weather conditions affect the country.

It said that all authorities and stakeholders are ready and prepared to the maximum, and are taking necessary preventive measures, activating contingency plans and business continuity plans, to ensure that they respond quickly to any emergencies.

It also urged members of the public to adhere to warnings issued by the authorities and asked them to avoid circulating rumours or retrieving information from unreliable sources.

This took place during a committee meeting chaired by Major General Salem Al-Shamsi, spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior in Enaba, with the participation of police commanders across the country and relevant Ministry of Interior sectors, in coordination with the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and strategic partners, during which current developments, updates on the situation, and its consequences were discussed.

RAK police urge public to exercise caution

Ras Al Khaimah Police have issued yet another advisory — this time especially for those at tourist rest areas at Exit 122.

The authority has asked residents and tourists to “exercise caution, adopt all necessary safety measures,” and follow instructions issued by authorities.

Drive safe!

Electronic boards in the emirate have been urging motorists to drive carefully and watch out for waterlogging.

Heavy rains across Dubai this afternoon caused water accumulation in some parts of the city.

Weather conditions this evening

After a short respite from the rain, a downpour is expected soon — with Sharjah seeing rainfall within the next hour, according to a forecast by Windy.

However, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will see a heavy downpour only later tonight. The cities will see heavy rainfall and thunderstorms from around midnight.

Dubai comes together in adverse times 

Dubai resident Anju Samrat shared a video of a good samaritan helping traffic flow at a junction in Business Bay.

“The traffic lights stopped working and he parked his car on the side to help with the traffic flow,” she said.

“He stood there for over an hour in the pouring rain helping out. I called the RTA call center and raised a ticket. Within a few minutes, Dubai Police officers were on the scene. It was heartening to see how the city came together to help each other in the adverse weather.”

Dubai, Sharjah Safari parks closed

Safari parks in both Dubai and Sharjah are now temporarily closed, the parks said in statements.

They have informed visitors that they will be back up onceweather conditions improve.

Children enjoy downpour 

As adults rush home from their jobs and worry about traffic and waterlogging, children who are home from school are enjoying the ocassional rainfall.

KT reader Roshni Mittal shared heartwarming photographs of her daughters playing in the puddles formed by heavy rains. Take a look at how the glimmer in her daughter’s eyes brings life to the innocent joys of playing in the rain.

RAK personnel working around the clock

From the early hours of this morning, RAK’s Public Services Department has been responding to public reports, such as fallen trees, damaged poles and similar incidents. Speaking to Khaleej Times, a department spokesperson said that its field teams are working around the clock at an accelerated pace to ensure service continuity and protect lives, property, and infrastructure.

The department explained that the Rain Emergency Committee continues to implement its operational plans in coordination with all relevant entities. Work teams and equipment have been deployed across all sectors of the emirate based on continuous field assessments of the weather conditions, with priority given to the most affected areas and locations experiencing significant water accumulation.

Dubai closes all public parks for 2 days

Dubai too, has closed all public beaches and parks across the emirate for two days amid unstable weather conditions.

The Municipality said: “Due to unstable weather conditions, Dubai Municipality has announced the closure of public beaches and parks across the emirate on Thursday, 18 December, and Friday, 19 December, to ensure public safety.”

‘Regularly check flight status’, flydubai says

As inclement weather persists, flydubai advised its passengers to arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB) four hours before their flight, in anticipation of traffic delays going to DXB or interruption in airport operations.

The Dubai-based carriers also asked customers to make sure their contact details are up to date.

They can check in online between 48 hours and 75 minutes before the departure or opt for a home check-in service or use the city check-in service at flydubai’s travel shop in Sharjah.

“We encourage you (passengers) to regularly check the flight status and flight information screens for your departure gate and ensure that you are at the gate in plenty of time to board your flight,” flydubai underlined.

Parks closed in Ajman

As weather conditions rapidly change, Ajman Municipality has announced that all parks in the emirate will be closed.

It said: “In light of the current weather conditions, the Department confirms the temporary closure of all parks across the emirate, prioritising public safety. Parks will reopen once weather conditions stabilise.”

Some employees head home, traffic snarls

Private sector employers and employees have been adjusting to the rapidly changing weather conditions. Many have been heading home as they fear roads getting waterlogged and deteriorating weather conditions.

Traffic has begun snarling across the city as more people get into their cars hoping to beat the weather and get home.

Rains get heavier in Sharjah

Rains in parts of Sharjah got heavier, with congestion rising on roads as cars slowed down to maintain safe distance, while residents made their way inside.

Hatta Winter Festival closed

The Hatta Winter Festival will be closed on Thursday and Friday as a precautionary measure, as police step up patrols and emergency readiness amid unstable weather conditions.

Hatta Police Station said the temporary closure was agreed during a coordination meeting with government and private sector partners, as well as event organisers, to reduce the risk of rain related incidents.

Colonel Ali Obaid Al Badwawi, Acting Director of Hatta Police Station, said the force is fully prepared to respond to emergencies during the current weather conditions. He urged residents and visitors to stay away from mountain areas and watercourses, avoid crossing valleys, and refrain from mountain climbing during rainfall to protect lives.

“In case of an emergency, the public should contact the Command and Control Centre on 999 and clearly describe their location to help teams reach them quickly,” he said.

Global Village shuts down today 

Global Village announced it will be closing its gates on December 18 until further notice in light of the developments of the weather situation.

“Due to the instability of the weather conditions, and in an effort to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests of Global Village and its employees, Global Village management has decided to close its doors and suspend its events today,” it stated.

Emirates issues advisory

Emirates has strongly advised all passengers departing from Dubai on Thursday and Friday (December 18 and 19) to arrive at the airport four hours before their flight.

“The weather may affect road visibility and driving conditions. Customers are advised to plan extra time for their commute to the airport or use the Dubai Metro. Customers travelling on Emirates First and Business Class with confirmed Chauffeur Drive bookings during this period will be picked up 1 hour earlier than originally scheduled,” Emirates added.

“(We) wish all customers smooth and safe travels during the busy holiday season,” the advisory from the Dubai-based carrier continued.

Warning against sea activities

Dubai Police have urged residents, visitors and tourists to stay away from the sea and avoid using marine vessels as unstable weather continues across the emirate.

The warning comes as part of precautionary measures to protect lives and property, with authorities stressing that sudden changes in sea conditions could pose serious risks.

Rainbow breaks through grey skies

A rainbow stretches across the skyline as floodwaters cover parts of Nakheel in Ras Al Khaimah following heavy rainfall, creating a striking contrast between dark rain clouds and the sunlit city.

Rescue vehicles deployed across Dubai

Dubai Police have deployed specialised 4×4 vehicles and rescue trucks with advanced tools such as hydraulic lifting equipment, cutters, saws, and other rescue equipment on Thursday. A total of 120 cranes have also been made available in cooperation with Emirates Auctions to support emergency operations requiring heavy lifting.

Colonel Khalid Al Hammadi, director of Dubai Police Search and Rescue Department, said they are fully prepared to respond to emergencies expected during unstable weather conditions. He said teams are positioned at 22 strategic locations, include at 13 land rescue points, including Hatta, and 9 marine rescue points along Dubai’s coastline.

He also called on residents to call 999 in case of emergencies and to provide clear and accurate location details to help responders reach the scene quickly.

Leaky ceiling, flooded floors in malls

Khaleej Times is hearing from visitors and retailers of some malls in the country, who are reporting leaky ceilings and flooded floors due to the rains.

In one Sharjah mall, the lights and air conditioning switched off, with employees still working inside.

Gigantic clouds hover in Ras Al Khaimah

The tornado-like funnel clouds in north of Ras Al Khaimah weren’t the only surprise for residents, as gigantic grey clouds covered the skies, straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Perfect weather for tea!

Rain brings with it a torrent of customers for hot drinks and snacks, according to Haris, who works in a tea shop in Zabeel.

“Since noon, we have had a steady flow of customers,” he said. “Business is almost double than it is usually at this time,” he said. “Our samosas are almost sold out and it is not even 3pm!”

Safety measures at metro stations

Rain control procedures were in place at Onpassive Metro Station in Dubai as unstable weather intensifies across the city.

Taking lessons from the April 2024 floods, sandbags have been placed at the entrances to prevent water from seeping in, along with doors being sealed off.

Refuge from rain

Not all residents were happy to see the rain, with some seen taking cover and running to shaded areas to avoid being drenched in Sharjah as the weather worsened in the emirate.

Recovery trucks on the move

Recovery trucks were already seen getting to work in parts of the country after heavy rains led to waterlogged roads, with drivers on the lookout for vehicles affected by rain.

Dubai announces remote work

Dubai has announced remote work for public sector employees across the emirate on Friday, December 19, in light of unstable weather conditions across the UAE.

The decision, announced by Dubai’s Crown Prince, applies to all Dubai government employees, except for roles that require on-site presence at the workplace.

The private sector is also encouraged to implement remote working to ensure everyone’s safety.

Cars brave flooded road

Some cars are seen braving the flooded service road on the corner of First Al Khail and Latifa bin Hamdan streets, after heavy rains left the area waterlogged.

Traffic signals malfunction

Dubai Police immediately responded to reports of traffic lights malfunctioning after the brief heavy rain on Thursday afternoon.

The traffic lights on the corner of First Al Khail and Latifa bin Hamdan streets malfunctioned but authorities immediately arrived to manage the traffic. Earlier, a delivery rider was seen directing motorists.

Meanwhile, a signal near the Zabeel palace was also not working. Police were seen on site and controlling traffic.

The clean-up begins!

As heavy rain sweeps through Dubai, maintenance workers at a building in Al Quoz move quickly to drain water and prevent flooding.

Learning from past experience

Residents across the UAE are learning from past experiences of the 2024 April floods during which many cars were impacted.

“One learns from past experiences,” said Abdul Rahman, a resident of Al Nahda 1 in Dubai.

“After what we have seen during heavy rains before, we decided to park our cars on elevated ground near the Dubai–Sharjah border this time. It just felt safer, and thankfully it helped us avoid any damage.”

Lightning hits Burj Khalifa

The world’s tallest tower shone in all its glory as lightning struck its tip as heavy rains and unstable weather hit the country today.

Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan, posted the stunning visual of the scene, as parts of the building hid behind clouds.

Outdoor mass for Simbang Gabi to continue 

Simbang Gabi, the traditional Filipino outdoor mass that runs for nine days before Christmas, will push through at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai on Thursday, church leaders confirmed to Khaleej Times. They also advised parishioners to bring umbrellas or any protection from the rain, which is expected to hit Dubai in the evening.

Other Catholic churches across the UAE also hold Simbang Gabi (evening mass) which began on Monday. More than 20,000 churchgoers attended the first day of the nine-day mass, which is traditionally held outdoors within the compound of St Mary’s Church to accommodate the huge number of people attending the mass.

Tailbacks in Dubai

Traffic jams formed in several parts of the country as water logged streets slowed down vehicles. Police authorities across the country have cautioned residents to drive carefully during the rain.

Google Maps showed traffic congestion from Downtown Dubai to Dubai Design District, with over a five-minute delay.

Residents enjoy the rain

Residents didn’t shy away from the rain, as many stayed outside to enjoy the rare showers sweeping the region.

Some were seen in Al Nahda stepping out to enjoy the rain as lighter showers passed through the area. Students of Pristine Private School were seen drenched in the rain, as they played soccer and enjoyed the showers.

Children in Dubai were seen splashing in puddles and playing in the water, a rare moment in the country, as their parents reminisced the memories of back home.

Meanwhile in Sharjah, residents enjoyed their teas under the grey skies with their hoodies out.

Quiet after the storm in Al Quoz

As of 1.55pm, the heavy rains came to a sudden halt in Al Quoz, with grey clouds and damp streets and cars being the only proof of the sudden shower.

Deliveries on pause across emirates

Delivery app Careem announced it had paused all deliveries to keep its captains safe as heavy rain battered parts of Dubai.

Meanwhile, delivery app Noon urged residents to stock up before weather conditions got intense. Deliveroo on the other hand, informed residents of fewer restaurants, stores and groceries accepting food orders due to the safety of its drivers, with orders set to take longer.

Downpour in Al Quoz

Heavy rains hit Dubai’s Al Quoz area, as residents moved about their day, commuting across the city.

Funnel clouds form in RAK

A magnificent sight formed in the skies of Ras Al Khaimah as funnel clouds were seen rising above the mountains amid heavy rains lashing the emirate.

A funnel cloud is a rotating column of air that extends from the base of a storm cloud that does not make contact with the ground. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a storm cloud and makes contact with the ground.

Fines to look out for during rains

Authorities have warned residents against gathering near valleys, floodplains, and dams during rainy conditions. Violators face a fine of Dh1,000 and 6 black points for such behaviour.

Entering flowing valleys, regardless of the perceived danger, carries harsher penalties — a fine of Dh2,000, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment.

Additional violations include obstructing authorities during emergencies, such as traffic management, ambulance services, or rescue operations during rainfall and valley flooding. Offenders can face a fine of Dh1,000, 4 black points, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment.

These measures aim to protect public during adverse weather conditions and reduce the risk of accidents and loss of life. Authorities have urged residents to adhere strictly to all safety guidelines, avoid risky areas, and cooperate fully with emergency services during floods and storms.

Here is the full list of fines residents should keep in mind during these weather conditions.

Motorists wary of car breakdowns

Muzzammil, who was on his way to work in Ras Al Khaimah, said he found himself stuck on a waterlogged road near the Boat Roundabout, as several stretches in the area were submerged following the rain.

“The road near the Boat Roundabout was completely filled with water,” he said. “Many roads are submerged, and motorists are moving very slowly to avoid breakdowns. In a few places, cars appear to have been damaged due to flooding.”

He added that traffic had slowed significantly as drivers waded through the water, with some vehicles pulled over along the roadside as a precaution.

Safety tips indoors

Even while staying indoors, residents have been advised to keep in mind safety measures to avoid any accidents from happening. Sharjah’s electricity authority has warned residents to take care of electrical connections amid the heavy downpour.

• Securely close electrical panels

• Disconnect electrical power from household appliances

• Stay away from wet electrical tools

• Turn off outdoor lights if they are exposed to water

• Make sure there are no exposed wires inside the house

• Ensure that all electrical connections are waterproof and tightly sealed

DXB issues advisory

Dubai International Airport has issued an advisory for travellers, urging them to check their flight status before heading out.

Passengers have been urged to allow for extra time to arrive at DXB and use the metro where possible, along with mapping the route using smart apps for real-time traffic updates

In photos: Rain hits Sharjah

People ran to take cover while some residents stood still and continued about their workouts as rains hit Sharjah’s corniche around noon.

For some, it was the perfect time to enjoy the beloved delicacy of the UAE – Karak chai!

Protecting animals amid bad weather

Some residents also took steps beyond their own routines to ensure vulnerable groups were not left exposed. Chiku Singh, a Dutch Indian expat living in Dubai, said he spent the night securing stray cat feeding stations across his community.

“With the dust storm and heavy rain approaching, I was out late storm proofing feeding stations so the stray cats aren’t left exposed to heavy rain and wind,” he said.

Work-from-home for some employees

As unstable weather moves across the UAE, residents in Dubai and nearby areas are taking extra precautions, adjusting work routines and commute choice.

Some residents opted to work from home after assessing safety concerns. Mariam Ali, who lives in Shawka and works in Al Quoz, said her decision was influenced by uncertainty around weather conditions and childcare arrangements.

“Last night, the daycare sent a message asking whether it would open or close today based on the expected weather,” she told Khaleej Times. “Based on the decision of most parents, my son’s daycare is closed today. So I had to work from home, which I believe is best for the safety of the children and staff, especially as we don’t know how the weather will develop.

Others chose to change how they commute. Sara, who lives in Al Barsha near Mall of the Emirates and works in Dubai Marina, decided to take the metro instead of driving.

She said the choice was shaped by her experience during last year’s severe weather, when she was unable to leave work due to traffic congestion and road conditions.

“Even though I worried the metro might stop operating, I didn’t want to risk my new car,” she said. “Last year was enough of a lesson.”

IndiGo issues travel advisory

India’s budget carrier IndiGo has issued an alert for passengers as weather conditions in the UAE are forecast to shift with heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity expected.

In its statement, the airline revealed there “may be intermittent impacts to flight operations at various points throughout the day”.

“While every effort is being made to maintain schedules, adjustments, including possible cancellations, may be required if conditions evolve.”

Travellers have been advised to keep a tab on their flight status and have also been warned of potential road delays. They have been urged to keep extra travel time to reach the airport.

“Should your flight be impacted, you may explore alternate travel options or claim a refund directly via plan B. Proactive notifications will be shared with affected customers to keep you informed in real time. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” concluded the statement.

Desert Police Park temporarily closed

Sharjah has announced the closure of the Desert Police Park and suspended all activities starting from today until Friday, December 19.

The alert comes during the ongoing unstable weather and out of the concern for the safety of employees and visitors, stated the Sharjah Police.

Rains begin in Dubai!

The showers have made their way to Dubai, with light rains and drizzling reported in areas like Sheikh Zayed Road and Karama, bringing an end to the dry spell.

Cars were seen zooming on wet roads as slight drizzle hit Sheikh Zayed Road. While traffic towards Abu Dhabi seems clear, cars seem to be heading towards Sharjah at snail’s pace.

Emergency numbers during unstable weather 

Dubai has reminded residents of emergency contact numbers available to them as the emirate is set to experience unstable weather conditions from Wednesday, December 17, to Friday, December 19.

Here’s a list of numbers to contact in case of emergency:

• Civil Defence: 997

• Ambulance: 998

• Dubai Police: 999

• Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA): 991

• Roads and Transport Authority (RTA): 800 9090

• Dubai Municipality: 800 900

• Dubai Health Authority: 800 60

When will rains hit Dubai, Abu Dhabi? 

After midnight, the UAE is expected to see the first main wave of unstable weather affect Abu Dhabi and Dubai, bringing rainfall that could be heavy at times.

According to a senior meteorologist at the National Centre of Meteorology, the system will unfold in several phases over the next two days, with periods of rain, strong winds, and possible hail as a major weather system moves through the region.

“The first main wave of unstable weather will begin affecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai after midnight, bringing varying intensities of rainfall that could be heavy at times,” Said Dr Ahmed Habib, a senior meteorologist at the NCM.

He noted that the country is currently under a state of atmospheric instability, a condition that allows rain clouds to form, intensify, and produce rainfall at any point during the day or night.

Can pay be cut due to absence during rain?

Can an employer deduct your salary if you miss work because of heavy rain?

If the weather prevents you from coming to work, this situation is considered beyond your control. Meanwhile, UAE labour law and official resolutions encourage employers to be flexible during extreme weather.

Employers may allow remote work, paid leave, unpaid leave, or even adjust working hours in such circumstances.

If your employer cannot let you work due to weather, they are generally expected to pay your salary for that period.

Steps you should take

• Let your employer know why you couldn’t attend work — show evidence (photos, messages, news reports) of flooding or road closures that stopped you.

• If your employer still deducts your salary, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Waterlogged roads in Ras Al Khaimah

Abdul Rahim, a realtor in Ras Al Khaimah, said waterlogging on a few roads has made commuting difficult for residents and affected daily business activity in some areas.

“Water is clogged on a few roads, and it has made the commute a bit difficult,” he said. “Some business establishments have remained closed because water has seeped into their shops. They are waiting for the water on roads to recede before reopening.”

He added that while the rain had eased by morning, the after-effects of the overnight downpour were still being felt across neighbourhoods, particularly in low-lying commercial areas.

MOI issues advisory about stepping outdoors

The Ministry of Interior have urged residents to prioritise their safety during ongoing adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and fluctuating temperatures. The authority have issued a series of safety guidelines for the public to follow during this period.

Officials emphasised that travel and venturing outdoors should be avoided. “Go out when absolutely necessary,” said the MOI advisory, and warned against venturing out during strong winds.

Motorists are strongly advised drive safely, including reducing speed, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, and remaining calm and cautious while on the road.

Delivery companies monitoring situation

Several delivery companies across the UAE said they are closely monitoring the situation on the ground regarding the changing weather.

A statement by Deliveroo said that their team is continuing to receive updates on the ground from their agency riders and operations teams. “Riders are also encouraged to assess the driving conditions in their area and temporarily log out if they feel unsafe driving,” read the statement.

At Keeta, the priority is always rider safety, said Mike Wang, Head of Logistic. “Everyone’s safety is a shared responsibility, and we continuously monitor official guidance from relevant authorities to ensure we operate responsibly and with care,” he said.

Waterfall gushes near Jais mountain

The mountains of Ras Al Khaimah are coming alive amid heavy rains as waterfalls made their way with full force through the cracks of the mountains located at the foot of Jebel Jais.

Normal flight operations as of now

Dubai International Airport (DXB) are having normal operations as of Thursday morning, a DXB spokesperson confirmed to Khaleej Times’s Assistant Editor Angel Tesorero.

UAE-based airlines have also not recorded any flight delays coming in and out the country. “As of now, operations are normal,” said the spokesperson from flydubai, adding, “We will keep you posted of any further developments.”

Emirates has not sent any advisory but said any update will be posted immediately on their website. Air Arabia and Etihad have also not reported any flight delays.

RAK residents get phone alerts

RAK police sent out an alert to residents on their mobile phones, warning them about the changing weather conditions, heavy rain, and strong winds. Authorities cautioned people to be careful around ponds and streams. 

Overnight rains cause property damage

Rahim, a resident of Ras Al Khaimah, said that it was raining heavily at night and the residents were caught off guard, before easing by morning.

He described hours of relentless rain and strong winds continued through the night. “Last night, the downpour was very heavy and it kept coming down for a long time,” he said.

“By morning, the intensity reduced, but the sky is still very cloudy. In a few areas, trees have fallen because of the strong winds. Some houses also had their water tanks fall, and there has been property damage in parts of the neighbourhood.”

Cars damaged in Ras Al Khaimah

Another resident, Suwish Araham, said the impact of the storm became clear only after daybreak, when people stepped outside and surveyed their surroundings.

“In the morning, we noticed that a few cars had been damaged,” he said. “Some vehicles were hit by falling tree branches and debris during the night. It all happened suddenly, so most people had no idea until they came out in the morning.”

He added that the damage was not limited to vehicles alone. In some areas, footpaths were littered with broken branches, while parking spaces were partially blocked by debris that had been blown or washed down by water and and winds. A few cars parked close to trees and along residential pathways appeared to have borne the brunt of the impact, he said.

Uprooted trees amid showers

Ahmed Al Mansoori, a Ras Al Khaimah resident, said the weather conditions intensified rapidly after rainfall began around midnight and continued until about 6am.

Northern districts, including Shamal, Khor Khwair, Al Shaam and Al Jeer, experienced particularly severe conditions.

“It started with rain, hail and strong winds, and the situation quickly escalated in these areas,” he said. “The rainfall was extremely heavy and was accompanied by a violent storm that caused widespread damage.”

Al Mansoori said strong winds led to trees breaking, palm trees being badly damaged and, in some cases, falling onto home garages. “Small sheds made of wood and metal were completely destroyed, rubbish bins were blown into the streets, and water entered some homes through windows, balconies and under doors,” he added.

Will it rain? 

Meanwhile in Dubai, there is no sight of rain yet, as residents eagerly wait with cloudy skies hovering above them.

On Sheikh Zayed Road, which sees heavy traffic during the morning and evening peak hours, the roads are dry with a grey overcast above.

Act of compassion

Motorists and drivers are being advised to take precaution due to the hazardous weather conditions across the country.

A video shared by Storm Centre shows a car driver helping a Talabat delivery rider who fell off his bike in Ras Al Khaimah as heavy rains and strong gusts of wind hit the emirate.

Alert for private sector companies

UAE has urged private sector companies across the country to be careful and take precautions at work on Thursday, December 18, and Friday, December 19, due to the expected weather conditions.

Unstable weather across region

A period of low-pressure systems over the Middle East has brought heavy rainfall over the last week. Conditions will intensify on Thursday, with thunderstorms expected to hit the region. While the storm will affect Saudi Arabia during the day, it will move eastwards towards the UAE and Qatar by night, according to BBC Weather.

Temperature forecast today

Temperatures in the UAE will range between 19ºC and 28ºC in Abu Dhabi, 19ºC and 27ºC in Dubai, and 18ºC and 27ºC in Sharjah, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Heavy rains in Umm Al Quwain, Khor Fakkan

Heavy rains and strong winds were also seen in Umm Al Quwain and Khor Fakkan.

No distracted driving

Abu Dhabi’s police urged road users to check weather conditions before driving, reduce speeds on the roads, and leave sufficient distance between vehicles. Motorists were also reminded of the danger of taking photos or being preoccupied with anything other than the road, stressing the necessity to adhere to the specified speed indicated on the signposts and electronic guidance boards on the roads.

Hail in Ras Al Khaimah

Hail hit parts of Ras Al Khaimah during the early morning hours.

Waves to reach 6ft

The NCM has also issued a yellow alert for rough conditions in the Sea of Oman, with wave heights expected to reach 6ft in depth, from 8am to 10pm today, along with active northwesterly winds reaching up to a speed of 40km/hr.

 Ghalila valley overflows 

RAK’s Ghalila valley was seen gushing during the early morning hours, as grey clouds hovered above.

RAK authority cancels event

The emirate’s economic development authority has already postponed the opening of the Lamsat Wataniah 2025 Exhibition until further notice due to the showers, with new dates set to be announced as soon as possible.

Sharjah Police issue warning

Sharjah Police issued a warning, urging drivers to be careful due to rain, maintain a safe driving distance and reduce speed due to increased risk of accidents. They also asked drivers to avoid dams and valleys.

Rain batters shops in RAK

In Ras Al Khaimah, the rainfall and strong winds were seen battering warehouses and shops, leaving them broken, with their metal exterior strewn across roads.

Heavy rains in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, surrounded by mountains, also saw hail and heavy rains across its city areas like the corniche and Coral Island, accompanied by strong gusts of wind.

Delivery riders to limit movement

Delivery drivers in the Capital were advised to strictly adhere to the suspension of movement and services during unstable weather conditions.

Lowest temperature recorded

Amid the showers, temperatures in the country dipped to a low of 9.2°C in Jais Mountain at 3.45am.

Dubai Police issue warning

Police authorities across the UAE have issued warning to residents, motorists and delivery drivers amid the hazardous weather.

Dubai Police advised the public to stay away from beaches and refrain from sailing, avoid valleys, flood-prone areas and low-lying locations, exercise caution while driving, and adhere to instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

The authority also reminded residents of emergency contact numbers available to them during this turbulent period.

Unstable weather intensifies

Winter has arrived in the UAE as residents across parts of the country woke up to hail, heavy rains and overcast skies, signalling the intensification of unstable weather in the Emirates.

The eastern areas of the country, which are first to take the hit of such weather, have already been witnessing flowing valleys and heavy showers since the early morning hours of Thursday, December 18.

Unstable weather conditions are set to continue, with different intensities of rainfall accompanied with lighting and thunder and hail over limited areas in the country, as per the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The turbulent weather is expected to continue into Friday, December 19, 2025.

Khaleej Times is bringing you all the latest updates as weather conditions intensify across the UAE.

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