UAE on high alert as heavy rain, strong winds and travel disruptions continue

The UAE is experiencing unstable weather today as a low-pressure system continues to affect much of the country, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and hail in some areas. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast this pattern to persist through Friday, with scattered showers and varying rain intensity across emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the northern regions. Winds are moderate to strong at times, stirring dust and reducing visibility, while sea conditions remain rough along the coast.

This unsettled weather follows days of rain and cloud activity, and residents should expect spotty downpours and wet conditions throughout the day.

Safety warnings issued nationwide

Authorities across the UAE have issued strong safety advisories, urging residents to remain cautious:


The National Centre of Meteorology advised people to avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms and stay updated through official channels.

Police departments in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah warned motorists to reduce speed, maintain safe distances and avoid flooded roads, stressing that water-logged streets can be deceptively dangerous.
Civil Defence teams across several emirates remain on standby, responding to weather-related incidents and assisting affected areas.

Residents were also advised to stay away from wadis and low-lying areas, where fast-moving water poses serious risks.

Weather conditions across UAE cities

• Dubai: Heavy rainfall was reported in multiple areas, leading to water-logged streets and traffic slowdowns. Some intercity transport services were suspended, while authorities urged residents to limit travel unless necessary.
• Sharjah & Ajman: Several neighbourhoods experienced localized flooding, with rainwater accumulating near residential zones and main roads. Civil defence teams issued repeated warnings against crossing submerged roads.
• Abu Dhabi: Rainfall ranged from light to moderate, with strong winds at times. Authorities cautioned drivers about slippery roads and reduced visibility, especially during peak commute hours.
• Northern Emirates: Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain saw intermittent heavy showers, with rough sea conditions reported along coastal areas.

UAE transport update

If you were planning to commute between emirates today, you might need to rethink your schedule. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially suspended intercity bus services to Sharjah and Ajman until further notice. This decision was made to keep passengers safe as visibility drops and water accumulates on major highways. While public buses within Dubai are still operating, the RTA warns that commuters should expect significant delays.

The disruption isn't just on the roads; it has reached the skies as well. At Dubai International (DXB), Emirates and flydubai have been forced to cancel or reschedule multiple flights due to the unstable conditions. Passengers are being urged to check their flight status online before even heading to the airport, as access roads are also facing heavy traffic and localized flooding. In Abu Dhabi, Zayed International Airport is also on high alert, with authorities advising travelers to allow extra time for their journey.

What to expect next?

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the umbrella-weather isn't going away just yet. The unstable conditions are expected to persist throughout Saturday, December 20, particularly in coastal, northern, and eastern areas. Winds could reach speeds of up to 50 km/h, and the seas will remain rough, making any maritime activity dangerous.

As the UAE navigates this stormy period, the sense of community resilience is high. Authorities continue to provide minute-by-minute updates on social media, reminding everyone that while the rain may be heavy, the safety measures in place are even stronger.