Today’s Weather in the United Arab Emirates: Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Lead to Several Flight Cancellations

On Wednesday, the country’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) elevated the readiness and preparedness levels of the national system to deal with the situation. While these rains are expected to be less severe than the unprecedented downpour that hit the country last month, the public is urged to take precautions. On April 14-15, extreme rainfall battered regions of the Arabian Peninsula, with Dubai experiencing the heaviest rains on record since 1949.

Dubai-based Emirates airline announced the cancellation of several flights on Thursday due to bad weather across the UAE as movements at Dubai International Airport (DXB) were reduced. The airline has also waived rebooking charges to help stranded passengers. The Ministry of Interior recommended activating remote learning on Thursday and Friday for all educational institutions, with decisions to be made by the competent authorities at the federal level and officials of local emergency management teams, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and the Emirates Schools Establishment.

The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with NCEMA, decided to close all roads leading to areas prone to flash floods, water accumulations, and dams during the weather conditions. Residents were advised to work remotely on Thursday and Friday, except for vital jobs that require presence at the workplace and those involved in response and recovery efforts. In addition to moderate to heavy rain in scattered areas, authorities warned about the possibility of small hail in certain regions.

Some flights were disrupted, and events were postponed due to the inclement weather conditions. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said its flight from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) was diverted to Al-Ain due to adverse weather conditions. In Dubai, the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) announced the temporary suspension of accepting requests for the entry and departure of wooden dhows in Dubai.

Dubai Metro announced the extension of operating hours ahead of expected weather conditions, but reduced the number of stops for these trains. The Emirates airline’s spokesperson recommended adding extra travel time to reach the airport and using Dubai Metro where possible due to heavy thunderstorms forecasted in Dubai on May 2. The authorities have also been advised not to sail and avoid valley areas, torrential rains, and low-lying places.

They have been asked to exercise caution while driving vehicles and adhere to the instructions of the competent authorities.