UAE weather: Rains pound Dubai, Sharjah, other emirates; police urge drivers to take extra caution

The UAE braces for another day of unstable weather, with residents in different parts of the emirates waking up to large swathes of overcast clouds and a rainy Friday morning.

While students at multiple schools are learning from home, it's business as usual for most residents who are on the last day of their work week.

Traffic on some streets has been impacted and authorities have been issuing advisories to ensure public safety.

With our team on the ground and online, Khaleej Times will be guiding you through the day, bringing you updates in real time:

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7pm: Rainstorm in the desert

Strong wind and rain strike the desert community of Damac Hills 2 (Akoya Oxygen). Here's a video shared by Storm Center:

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6.25pm: Rain of different intensities lash the Emirates

Heavier showers hit various emirates, from Dubai to Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.

Sharjah's Suhail and Al Khoros; Ras Al Khaimah's Al Ghail; Fujairah's Al Hanyah areas are among those that saw heavy rain, according to NCM.

Here's a view from Sharjah's Al Qarayen region:

Residents in Dubai's Jaddaf neighbourhood also reported a downpour, while Hatta witnessed light showers.

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6pm: Traffic diversion announced

Traffic has been diverted from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road to Tripoli Street (towards Emirates Road), the Dubai Police announced.

The authorities said the alternative route was assigned due to water puddles in the area.

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5.20pm: Heavy rain in Sharjah

A downpour has been recorded in Al Dhaid in the central region of Sharjah.

Here's a video posted by Storm Centre:

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5pm: Beware of traffic obstruction

Pools of rainwater are obstructing traffic on the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road towards Dubai, the Sharjah Police say. Drivers are urged to use alternative roads.

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4.31pm: Rainbow spotted in Abu Dhabi

While it is still raining hard in some parts of the country, in the UAE Capital, a beautiful rainbow has already emerged. KT reader Melbin shares this photo from the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad):

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4pm: Global Village is back!

Dubai's popular festival park Global Village reopens today after a two-day closure due to heavy rain.

In a tweet, the attraction confirmed that it will stay open until 1am today.

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3.30pm: Duty comes first

KT reader Sinas Seethi shares how workers at a warehouse in Dubai's Qusais Industrial Area 1 continue loading up shipments even as the rain poured:

ALSO READ:

• UAE: Ministry calls on private firms to prioritise employee safety during rains

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3.03pm: A moment of serenity

Though extra caution must be taken during unstable conditions, the rainy weather does bring joy and a sense of nostalgia to many UAE residents.

It is during these days that we can soak up amazing views and moments of serenity. Here's an example, a beautiful view of the Blue Mosque (Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai):

ALSO READ:

• 'Everyone looks happy': Dubai rains bring nostalgia, joy to residents

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2.45pm: Road check

Here's the current traffic situation on some key roads in Dubai:

>> Downtown Dubai

>> Al Khail Road

>> Airport tunnel

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2.20pm: Rain gets heavier in several parts of Dubai

Moderate to heavy rains are recorded in some parts of Dubai, including Al Qusais and Jumeirah.

Roads around Al Qusais wear a deserted look amid the downpour:

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1.50pm: A blessed Friday

Today's Friday prayers are marked with the blessing of rain. The faithful at Circle Mall Mosque in Dubai's Jumeirah Village Circle are visibly happy even as they were running for cover:

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1.30pm: Yellow, orange alerts issued

The NCM has placed Dubai, Ajman, and parts of Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Abu Dhabi on yellow alert — which means residents who are planning to head outdoors have to be on the lookout for dangers.

Parts of Liwa and the seas off the UAE coast are on orange zone, which means hazardous weather events are expected.

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12.55pm: Road check

Here's the traffic situation on some key roads and streets in Dubai:

The clip was shared by weather-related social media account Storm Center.

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12.25pm: Ordering in? Expect delays

Various delivery apps' advisories about expected delays are still up on their platforms. Due to the current weather conditions, riders may not be able to bring orders on time.

When the rain starts pouring, many will have to take shelter and wait for the showers to subside before they hit the road again. Here's a view of a street in Dubai:

ALSO READ:

• 'No delivery is worth a life': Why some Dubai firms suspend services during heavy rains

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11.48am: Some students dispersed early for the 2nd day in a row

An Indian school in Al Warqa ended the day at 10.45am, instead of 12pm. One school in Dubai's Al Quoz dispersed students as early as 11am — "to avoid traffic congestions and late drop-offs".

Some school transport operators have also alerted parents, saying that kids would be picked up and driven home earlier than usual.

Here's the situation on a road in Al Quoz this morning:

READ MORE HERE:

• UAE rains: Some Dubai schools disperse students early for second day straight

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11.33am: On the road today? Remember the rules

Police teams in Dubai and Sharjah have sent out advisories on traffic rules that must be followed during bad weather:

>> Do not drive with the hazard lights on.

>> Slow down.

>> Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

>> Make sure your tyres are in good condition.

Here's a view of the Sharjah ring road:

ALSO READ:

• Driving in UAE rains or foggy weather? 12 traffic violations to know that could invite fines of up to Dh2,000

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11.09am: Authority issues a reminder

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) urges the public to avoid spreading rumours and rely only on official sources for updates and announcements.

Exercise caution and remain vigilant until the weather conditions improve, it added.

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10.40am: A view from the mountains

Wondering how the country's highest peak looked in this weather?

The National Center of Meteorology shared this clip earlier in the morning:

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10.15am: Planning a Friday night out? Prepare for the cold

Over the past few days, the weather has been chilly enough to switch the air-conditioner off.

But if you're planning to head out tonight, remember to bring a jacket and an extra scarf, as temperature could dip to as low as 16ºC in Abu Dhabi and 15ºC in Dubai and 3ºC in mountainous regions.

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9.44am: Road closure announced

Dubai's Asayel Street will be closed in both directions between Al Maraba’a St. and Kahraman St. due to rainwater accumulation, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said.

Check out the alternative routes here:

• Dubai road closure alert: RTA announces traffic diversion due to waterlogging

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9.30am: Dark clouds hover over Dubai

Overcast conditions prevail as drivers hit the road during the morning rush hour.

Here's a snap taken by KT photographer Shihab:

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