UAE weather: Violent storms sweep Sharjah and RAK; unstable conditions across Dubai, Abu Dhabi
Authorities issue alerts as rough seas, hazardous roads halt delivery riders amid unstable weather
DUBAI – Winter made a dramatic arrival across parts of the UAE as residents woke to heavy rain, hailstones and turbulent skies, marking a sharp intensification of unstable weather conditions.
Several emirates reported strong winds, thunderstorms and sudden temperature drops, while flowing valleys and damaged structures highlighted the force of the system. Authorities issued a series of alerts urging caution on roads, at sea and in mountainous areas as the unsettled conditions were forecast to continue into Friday, December 19.
The eastern and northern regions were among the first to be affected, with rainfall beginning in the early hours of Thursday. According to the National Centre of Meteorology, varying intensities of rain accompanied by lightning, thunder and hail were recorded over limited areas, driven by active convective cloud formations linked to a regional low-pressure system.
Storm impact
Ras Al Khaimah bore the brunt of the severe weather, with strong winds and heavy rainfall battering industrial zones and coastal areas.
Warehouses and shops sustained visible damage as metal cladding and exterior panels were torn loose and scattered across nearby roads. Footage shared online showed debris strewn along streets, underscoring the intensity of the gusts that accompanied the storm.
The impact extended beyond built-up areas. Ghalila valley was seen gushing during the early morning hours as rainwater surged through the mountainous terrain under thick grey cloud cover..
Other parts of the emirate, including the corniche and Coral Island, experienced heavy downpours mixed with hail and powerful wind gusts.
Temperatures dropped sharply amid the showers, with the lowest reading in the country recorded at 9.2°C on Jais Mountain at 3.45am. The chill was accompanied by brisk winds, adding to the wintry feel across higher elevations.
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Development Department postponed the opening of the Lamsat Wataniah 2025 Exhibition until further notice, citing safety concerns due to the ongoing rain and wind. New dates are expected to be announced once conditions stabilise.
UAE weather
Unstable weather was not limited to Ras Al Khaimah.
Heavy rain and strong winds were also reported in Umm Al Quwain and Khorfakkan, while Sharjah experienced intense rainfall driven by advancing convective cloud formations associated with the Al Bashayer low-pressure system.
أمطار غزيزة على الحمرية في الشارقة .#الشارقة_للأخبار #الإمارات #الشارقة pic.twitter.com/2dS9sq3KCX
— الشارقة للأخبار (@Sharjahnews) December 18, 2025
Live observations confirmed heavy showers over Khorfakkan, with Al Hamriyah also recording rainfall accompanied by gusty winds and reduced visibility.
الإمارات : مباشر الان أمطار غزيرة على خورفكان #منخفض_البشاير #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) December 18, 2025
18/12/2025 pic.twitter.com/oI9oKWgwUi
Dubai and Abu Dhabi saw cloudy to overcast skies, intermittent showers and noticeably cooler temperatures. Forecasts indicated daytime temperatures ranging between 19°C and 28°C in Abu Dhabi, 19°C and 27°C in Dubai, and 18°C and 27°C in Sharjah.
Meteorologists said the unsettled conditions were part of a broader weather pattern affecting the Middle East. A period of low-pressure systems over the region has brought repeated rainfall over the past week, with the current system expected to intensify before gradually easing over the weekend. Thunderstorms that affected Saudi Arabia during the day were forecast to move eastwards towards the UAE and Qatar by night.
Sea warnings
Marine conditions deteriorated alongside the stormy weather. The National Centre of Meteorology issued a yellow alert for the Sea of Oman, warning of rough seas with wave heights reaching up to six feet between 8am and 10pm on Thursday. Active northwesterly winds were forecast to reach speeds of up to 40km/h, making conditions hazardous for small vessels.
In the Arabian Gulf, offshore wave heights were expected to climb higher during periods of strong winds and cloud activity, with rough to very rough sea conditions forecast. Authorities urged fishermen and recreational sailors to remain vigilant and avoid heading out until conditions improved.
Police advisories
Police and transport authorities across the UAE issued repeated warnings as rainfall and strong winds increased risks on roads and in open areas. Dubai Police advised residents and visitors to stay away from beaches, refrain from sailing, and avoid valleys, flood-prone zones and low-lying areas where water could accumulate quickly.
#Alert | In light of the anticipated weather conditions in Dubai, we encourage you to prioritize your safety. Please avoid beaches, sailing, valleys, and areas prone to floods. When driving, exercise extreme caution, and follow instructions provided by the authorities. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/h9lL14JfWN
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 18, 2025
Motorists were urged to exercise caution, reduce speed and adhere strictly to instructions issued by relevant authorities. Emergency contact numbers were reiterated to ensure quick access to assistance during the adverse weather.
Sharjah Police issued similar guidance, calling on drivers to maintain safe distances, slow down on wet roads and avoid dams and valleys. The force highlighted the increased risk of accidents during rainfall and poor visibility.
Abu Dhabi Police also cautioned road users, urging them to check weather conditions before setting out, reduce speeds and leave sufficient space between vehicles. Drivers were reminded of the dangers of distraction behind the wheel, including using mobile phones or filming while driving, particularly during adverse weather.
Transport disruptions
In the capital, the Integrated Transport Centre called on delivery motorcycle riders to strictly adhere to the suspension of movement and services during unstable weather conditions. The directive was issued to reduce the risk of accidents as rain, gusty winds and slippery roads persisted across the emirate.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority announced the temporary closure of the Hatta Festival on Thursday and Friday, citing public safety concerns amid the deteriorating weather. Residents and visitors were advised to follow official updates before travelling to mountainous or outdoor event locations.
Dubai Municipality also shared a set of safety guidelines, urging residents to secure electrical connections, clear internal rain drains, fasten outdoor furniture and avoid walking near unstable structures, trees or construction sites. People were asked to report water accumulation or fallen trees through official channels.
Weather outlook
Forecasters said unstable conditions were expected to persist through Friday, with scattered rain, lightning and hail possible in some areas. Winds were forecast to remain moderate to fresh, occasionally strengthening enough to stir dust and sand and reduce horizontal visibility.