Early on Friday, Dubai Police issued a public safety warning as heavy rain, thunder, and lightning were recorded across parts of the United Arab Emirates.
In a public alert shortly before 6.30 am, Dubai Police said the emirate was experiencing “adverse weather conditions.”
“Stay clear of beaches and area prone to flash floods. Drive with care and heed the advice of authorities. Stay safe.”
Weather website Windy showed rain across much of the country, including Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, and parts of Dubai.
The UAE’s National Center of Meteorology issued a yellow and orange weather alert. It said moderate rain had been recorded over Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, the Abu Dhabi areas of Al Bahyah, Al Rahbah, and Ghantoot, in the Al Dhafra region, and scattered areas of Dubai. Heavy rainfall had been recorded across Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah.
Residents across the country took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) early Friday to show pictures of heavy downpours and lightning light up the sky.
The UAE’s National Ambulance Service also urged residents to stay safe.
“As some parts of the country experience unstable weather conditions and rainfall, we remind you to take extra precautions and stay safe. This includes being extra cautious when driving in the rain and avoiding potentially hazardous areas such as valleys, running streams, and water ponds.”
On Thursday, the UAE government urged the private sector to allow flexible working on Friday ahead of the predicted heavy rainfall.
On its social media channels, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said: “The Ministry calls on private sector companies across the UAE to apply flexible work patterns tomorrow, November 17, given the current weather conditions.”
“Necessary measures need to be taken by companies to ensure outdoor work, which is necessary to resume, complies with the occupational health and safety requirements.”
“Companies also need to ensure the health and safety of workers commuting to and from outdoor work locations.”
Abu Dhabi Police also took to social media advising motorists to exercise caution on the country’s roads.
“Abu Dhabi Police call on motorists to exercise caution due to the rainy weather and to follow the changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards,” the authority said on X.
Disruption on the roads is expected on Friday across the country.
