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UAE residents have been urged to exercise caution after heavy rain and thunder swept across large parts of the country on Monday, causing significant travel disruptions for motorists.
Authorities issued multiple safety alerts as flooding affected roads and communities.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation called on private sector companies to enhance safety measures, particularly for employees working outdoors or commuting to and from workplaces.
“The safety of workers is a priority, and adherence to occupational health and safety requirements is a shared responsibility that ensures business continuity within a safe working environment,” the ministry stated.
Meanwhile, Emirates Airline advised travelers to allow extra time for journeys to Dubai International Airport and to monitor flight statuses closely due to the adverse weather conditions.
Road diversions were put in place on a number of routes as a result of the heavy rainfall, including the entry to Yas Island.
Police in Abu Dhabi reduced speed limits to 100kph on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road – from Al Nouf to Gareen Al Aish – and Salama Bint Butti Street Road, from Zayed City to Liwa, as a safety measure.
Dubai urges public to follow safety rules
Dubai Media Office stressed the need to abide by key safety measures during rainy weather – and said heavy fines would be imposed for those who flout the rules.
The media office warned that people gathering near valleys, dams and other flood-prone areas could face fines of up to Dh1,000 ($272) and have six black points added to their driving licence.
Entering flooded valleys, regardless of water level or degree of danger, carries a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points and can see vehicles being seized for 60 days.
Anyone fond to have obstructed authorities managing traffic or emergency response efforts can be fined up to Dh1,000, have four black points added to their licence and face vehicle seized for 60 days.
The NCM also called on people to exercise caution during bouts of heavy rainfall and to avoid flooded areas.
It shared video footage on social media of motorists navigating waterlogged roads and fast-flowing water filling valleys in the Northern Emirates.
In a further alert, it advised the public to take care when driving during treacherous weather conditions and to avoid being in open and elevated areas during thunder and lightning.
People were also warned against swimming or diving in the sea during the unstable weather.
Heavy rain is forecast for Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Northern Emirates until at least Friday, with winds expected to reach speeds of up to 50kph.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) warned that strong wind gusts could lift sand and dust, causing reduced visibility across parts of the UAE.
The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has been closely monitoring the situation, following consultations with the Ministry of Interior and the NCM.
On Monday, NCEMA reassured the public, emphasizing that any safety threats would be communicated promptly through its early warning system.
The NCM added that unstable weather conditions are expected to continue until at least Friday, March 27, with rain of varying intensity. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution on the roads during this period.
