UAE rains: Private sector, government employers urged to let staff work from home

The UAE’s disaster management authority has called on private and government sector employees to let their employees work from home as unstable weather conditions peak in the country. The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has recommended that remote work be activated for employees, except those whose presence is vital to carry out their jobs or those involved in recovery efforts.

However, this is just a recommendation, with the decision left to the authorities concerned.

This came as the UAE raised its “alert level” and enhanced its “readiness” to deal with the foul weather.

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After the previous storm that took place on April 16, authorities are diligently studying the effects of such weather conditions on certain areas in the country.

The authority has announced that the UAE will close all roads leading to valleys, flooded areas and dams. Residents have been told to stay away from mountain and desert areas, and the sea, over the next few days.

The NCM has said that the upcoming unstable weather will not be as intense as the one on April 16, when the country was pounded with a year’s worth of rains in a single day. Hundreds of flights were cancelled then, while schools went online for days after as multiple areas and streets remained flooded. Public transport services were disrupted, while some motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles on flooded roads as their engines died.

The NCEMA has urged residents to adhere to all guidelines and instructions issued by the authorities concerned.

The authority recommended that schools across the country apply distance learning. However, it has left the decision to local disaster management teams. Dubai and Sharjah have already announced remote learning at all schools on May 2-3.

Though the country has been receiving varying intensity of rains over the last two days, unstable weather conditions are expected to peak on May 2 and 3. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Wednesday (May 1) will see some rains and possibly small-sized hail. The next couple of days will see moderate to heavy rains in different areas, with lightning and thunder at times. The NCM has also forecast hail in different areas.

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