Heavy rains in UAE: Public parks, outdoor attractions close as unstable weather hits country

[Editor's note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest updates on unstable weather in the UAE ]

As unstable weather sweeps the UAE, public parks, beaches and outdoor attractions have been temporarily closed by authorities. Some events have been cancelled or postponed as well.

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The closures come as authorities take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, as the heavy rains are expected to intensify into thunderstorms on Thursday night and Friday morning.

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Public parks, beaches

Dubai Municipality said that public parks, beaches and open-air markets would be closed on Thursday, December 18 and Friday, December 19.

Sharjah Municipality has closed public parks in the emirate for two days, Thursday, December 18 and Friday, December 19.

All parks in Ajman have been closed as well, announced Ajman Municipality on Thursday. The authority said that the parks would reopen once the weather stabilises.

Attractions, museums

Dubai Safari Park also announced that it would be closing its doors on "for the comfort and safety of... guests and animals" on Friday, December 19. Sharjah Safari Park made a similar announcement as well.

Global Village has been closed on Thursday, December 18, as well. The attraction said that it will remain shut until further notice, in light of predicted instability on Friday.

Al Shindagha Museum closed to the public on 5pm on Thursday, citing weather conditions. The museum said that it is monitoring the situation and will decide whether or not they will reopen on Friday accordingly.

Events

Simbang Gabi, the traditional Filipino outdoor mass that runs for nine days before Christmas, is cancelled in Dubai on Thursday, December 18, “due to the current weather conditions and heavy rainfall,” St Mary’s Catholic Church announced on Thursday.

The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development earlier announced that it would postpone the Lamsat Wataniah 2025 Exhibition until further notice due to the unstable weather. It added that the new date for the event would be announced as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Family Day Initiative of Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has been postponed until December 27. The workshop was supposed to be held at Ummi Habiba’s happiness farm.

Activities at Al Sarooj Park in Al Ain have also been postponed until further notice. The new date will be announced through the park's official channels.

Weather conditions across the UAE continue to destablise as a low-pressure system descends on the region, causing heavy rains, strong winds and thunderstorms. Waterlogged roads have led to traffic and difficult commutes.

Supreeta Balasubramanian

supreeta@khaleejtimes.com