UAE weather: Dubai returns to normalcy after heavy rainfall
Public services and transportation resume following storm disruptions
DUBAI – Dubai witnessed a dramatic weather shift on Friday, as heavy overnight rain and thunderstorms swept across the city.
Several areas faced severe waterlogging, disrupting commutes and prompting authorities to suspend public services temporarily. Intercity buses from Dubai to Ajman and Sharjah, as well as the Dubai-Sharjah ferry, were halted, while schools and workers were advised to avoid outdoor activities.
By midday, however, the city began to return to normal. Global Village, which had closed due to the rain, reopened, and mosques welcomed worshippers for Friday prayers outdoors as the weather cleared. Temperatures dipped slightly, with the highest recorded at 23.3ºC at Khor Fakkan Port in the early morning.
Team work
Dubai Municipality reported deploying 2,280 field workers and supervisors, alongside 392 engineers and leaders, to monitor and rectify the situation. A further 55 call centre staff assisted in handling reports of flooding and road hazards. Teams worked across key streets, including Al Safa and City Walk, clearing water accumulations and reopening blocked roads.
The Control and Command Centre operates 24/7, overseeing field conditions and responding to emerging situations while coordinating with relevant teams to ensure swift action. This helps safeguard the community and maintain smooth operations across the emirate in all conditions pic.twitter.com/xWF2LxiBqa
— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) December 19, 2025
Dubai Police maintained round-the-clock operations, managing traffic and ensuring public safety. Meanwhile, RTA activated its joint Flood Management Room to monitor roads, while Abu Dhabi Police intensified patrols to oversee water-prone areas, tunnels, and wadis.
Transportation
Flights at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) returned to normal after cancellations and delays in the early hours. Passengers impacted were provided hotel accommodation, lounge access, and ground transport support. Emirates and flydubai confirmed the majority of flights were back on schedule, with only a limited number of connecting flights still being cleared.
Operations have returned to normal following the recent weather disruption. Flights are operating as planned, with only a limited number of connecting flights still being cleared.
— DXB (@DXB) December 19, 2025
Please check your flight status with your airline and plan your journey in advance using real-time…
Meanwhile, road travel remained affected. Waterlogged streets were reported in Al Barsha, Karama, Al Nahda 2, and Abu Hail. Some residents shared photos of stranded vehicles, while Uber fares surged, with trips from JVC to Al Quoz costing Dh139-Dh182 instead of the usual Dh60-70. Ferry services between Dubai and Sharjah were also temporarily suspended.
#Update#RTA informs you that ferry services between Dubai and Sharjah are temporarily suspended due to current weather conditions. Thank you for your understanding.
— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 19, 2025
Community and public spaces
As normalcy returned, Dubai Municipality reopened all public beaches, parks, and open-air markets, urging residents to adhere to safety measures.
Due to the improvement in weather conditions in the emirate, #DubaiMunicipality announces the reopening of beaches, public parks, and its open-air markets, with activities returning to normal.
— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) December 19, 2025
We kindly ask everyone to continue adhering to safety measures. pic.twitter.com/Ybi1VdgYkC
Abu Dhabi also resumed access to its public parks and beaches. However, certain destinations remained closed, including Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais, following landslides that stranded more than 300 people overnight. Authorities cleared the blocked roads by late morning.
Residents continued to exercise caution, particularly around waterlogged areas, while social media praised the rapid and coordinated response. Images and videos highlighted Dubai Municipality and RTA teams working through flooded streets, restoring normal traffic flow, and helping stranded motorists.
Safety and precautions
Authorities emphasised caution even as conditions improved. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment warned against swimming in puddles or pools after rainfall due to potential contamination. Dubai Police launched online services for vehicle damage certificates to assist insurance claims, reducing the need for in-person visits.
Schools in Dubai were advised to avoid outdoor activities, while driver testing and licensing centres in several emirates postponed operations. Sharjah Police provided similar safety guidance, particularly at work sites. Life Camps Winter Edition activities and Family Day workshops were postponed, with rescheduled dates to be announced.