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Heavy rains in Dubai: Police deploy 22 rescue teams; 120 cranes on standby for emergencies

Residents have been urged to follow official safety instructions and weather updates

Published: Thu 18 Dec 2025, 3:44 PM

Updated: Thu 18 Dec 2025, 4:02 PM

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

A total of 120 cranes, along with 22 land and marine rescue teams, have been deployed across Dubai as authorities step up emergency preparedness ahead of unstable weather conditions.

Dubai Police said the measures include 13 land rescue points, including Hatta, and nine marine rescue points along the emirate’s coastline, ensuring rapid response to incidents linked to heavy rain, flooding or strong winds.

Colonel Khalid Al Hammadi, Director of the Search and Rescue Department at the General Department of Transport and Rescue, said the cranes were made available in cooperation with Emirates Auctions to support emergency operations that may require heavy lifting, such as vehicle recovery or infrastructure related incidents.

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He added that land rescue teams are equipped with specialised 4x4 vehicles, rescue trucks and advanced tools, including hydraulic lifting equipment, cutters and saws, to deal with complex emergencies during severe weather.

Marine rescue teams are operating around the clock and are patrolling coastal areas and valleys. These teams are supported by rescue boats, jet skis, trained lifeguards and professional divers to handle a wide range of maritime emergencies.

Residents have been urged to follow official safety instructions and weather updates, and to call 999 in case of emergencies, while providing clear and accurate location details to help responders reach incidents quickly.