UAE weather: What motorists must do as rain floods roads
Authorities issue urgent road safety advisories amid storms
DUBAI – Motorists across the UAE were urged to exercise heightened caution on Friday as heavy rain and thunderstorms caused flooding, reduced visibility and road closures in several emirates. Police and transport authorities issued multiple advisories warning drivers to avoid waterlogged areas and limit travel unless necessary.
Several roads in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates were affected, with vehicles stranded on flooded streets and traffic moving slowly during peak hours.
#Alert_#NCM pic.twitter.com/ytkJkSYMXi
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) December 18, 2025
Road conditions
In Sharjah, streets in Al Majaz, Al Khan and Al Wahda were submerged, while Umm Al Quwain Police announced the closure of Exits 93 and 110 on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road until further notice. In Dubai, parts of Sheikh Zayed Road near Jumeirah and Dubai Mall were temporarily blocked, causing tailbacks.
في ظل هطول أمطار الخير، تواصل فرق شرطة دبي تواجدها الميداني على مدار الساعة، لتنظيم الحركة المرورية وتعزيز سلامة أفراد المجتمع، ضمن منظومة عمل متكاملة واستجابة ميدانية سريعة.#سلامتكم_أولويتنا pic.twitter.com/VfF0RbyJ8N
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 19, 2025
Dubai Police reported waterlogging in areas including Hor Al Anz, Al Nahda and Dubai Investment Park, while residents in Muhaisnah reported damage after ground in an unpaved area gave way.
Speed adjustments
Abu Dhabi Police activated a variable speed reduction system on the Al Ain–Dubai road, limiting speeds to 100 km/h in affected sections. Drivers were instructed to follow electronic signage and adjust speed according to conditions.
Police guidance
Dubai Police advised motorists involved in minor accidents during rainy conditions to pull over safely and use the ‘On Your Way’ service to report incidents without obstructing traffic. Drivers were warned against sudden braking, speeding or attempting to drive through floodwater.
Sharjah Police also urged employers and workers at outdoor sites to prioritise safety and suspend activities where conditions posed a risk.
Public transport
Dubai’s RTA suspended intercity bus services to and from Sharjah and Ajman, while emergency response teams were deployed across the emirate to manage traffic and assist stranded vehicles.
#Update:
— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 19, 2025
RTA informs you that intercity bus services to and from Ajman and Sharjah are suspended until further notice, due to the current weather conditions.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Authorities reiterated that even shallow floodwater can be dangerous and urged drivers not to underestimate the force of moving water.