Heavy rain and thunderstorms sweep UAE, disrupting travel and daily life
Authorities urge nationwide caution
DUBAI – Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds continued to sweep across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, causing widespread disruption to travel, public services and daily routines.
Several roads were flooded, flights were cancelled or delayed, and authorities across multiple emirates urged residents to stay indoors and avoid flood-prone areas as unstable weather conditions continued.
الإمارات : استمرار جريان وادي البيح في رأس الخيمة #منخفض_البشاير #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) December 19, 2025
19/12/2025 pic.twitter.com/Kmw686LvNC
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said the unsettled conditions were caused by an extension of surface and upper-air low-pressure systems, bringing convective cloud formations, rainfall of varying intensity, lightning, thunder and occasional hail. Temperatures dropped noticeably in several areas, with the lowest recorded at 8.5°C in Al Ghewaifat in the Al Dhafrah region during the morning hours.
Weather outlook
According to the NCM, Friday’s forecast included partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rainfall across coastal, northern and eastern regions. Winds were moderate to fresh, strengthening at times and causing blowing dust and reduced visibility. Sea conditions were rough to very rough in the Arabian Gulf and rough in the Sea of Oman.
Coastal and island areas recorded temperatures between 24°C and 28°C, internal regions between 25°C and 30°C, while mountainous areas saw temperatures drop to between 17°C and 22°C. Humidity levels ranged widely, reaching up to 90 percent in some locations.
Flooding reported
Heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in several parts of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Roads in Sharjah’s Al Majaz, Al Khan Bridge and Al Wahda Street were submerged, leaving vehicles stranded and slowing traffic movement.
الإمارات : الان أمطار الخير على طريق وشاح الذيد في الشارقة #منخفض_البشاير #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) December 18, 2025
18/12/2025 pic.twitter.com/Az3n1cqu1I
In Dubai, streets in Al Nahda, Hor Al Anz, Muhaisnah, Dubai Investment Park and DIFC experienced flooding, with some residents reporting water entering homes.
Flooding in Dubai, UAE early this morning. pic.twitter.com/P1ctovuz88
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) December 19, 2025
In Ras Al Khaimah, wadis including Wadi Bih continued to flow, while wadis in Tawiyin north of Fujairah and Wadi Shuka in the eastern region were also reported to be active.
الإمارات : الان جريان وادي البيح في رأس الخيمة ووادي شوكة بالمنطقة الشرقية #منخفض_البشاير #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) December 19, 2025
19/12/2025 pic.twitter.com/4z5DxsiCXN
Authorities repeatedly warned residents to stay away from wadis and low-lying areas due to the risk of sudden water surges.
Emergency response
Municipal and emergency teams were deployed across affected areas, with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority activating its Joint Flood Management Room. Field teams and rapid response units were dispatched to manage rainwater accumulation and assist stranded motorists.
في كل موقع، تقف فرق #بلدية_دبي على أهبة الاستعداد، تبذل جهودًا ميدانية متواصلة للتعامل مع آثار التقلبات الجوية بسرعة وكفاءة. من تصريف تجمعات المياه إلى الاستجابة الفورية للبلاغات، يعمل الميدان بلا توقف حفاظًا على سلامة الجميع وضمان استمرار الحركة بسلاسة في مختلف مناطق الإمارة. pic.twitter.com/7i5lqP0Asw
— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) December 19, 2025
Sharjah Civil Defence warned of flash floods and urged residents not to walk or drive through flooded areas. Parents were advised to keep children away from rainwater pools, while motorists were urged to stick to familiar routes and follow official instructions.
Casualty reported
Tragically, a 27-year-old Indian expatriate, Salman Fariz, lost his life in Ras Al Khaimah after a wall under construction collapsed during heavy rain. Authorities have reiterated safety warnings for outdoor work sites and construction zones during adverse weather.
Public advisories
Dubai Police and Sharjah Police issued safety advisories, urging motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution due to reduced visibility, slippery roads and strong winds. Abu Dhabi Police activated variable speed limits on the Al Ain–Dubai road, reducing speeds to 100 km/h in affected sections.
Residents were advised to limit unnecessary travel, monitor official updates and seek emergency assistance through designated hotlines if required.