UAE weather: Unstable conditions hit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and beyond
Roads, airports, and public spaces impacted by rainfall and wind
DUBAI/ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing widespread unstable weather conditions, with heavy rainfall, strong winds and thick cloud cover affecting multiple emirates.
Temperatures have dropped sharply, while visibility on roads has been drastically reduced in several locations. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel as the unstable conditions are expected to persist until Friday.
Overcast skies dominated the country all morning, with intermittent sunlight failing to break through dense cloud cover. Across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates, sudden downpours have led to water pooling on streets, while emergency services remain on high alert.
Dubai
By around 2:45pm on Tuesday, heavy rainfall swept through Dubai, causing a sudden drop in visibility. Dubai Police confirmed that between 6am on Monday and 6am on Tuesday, their Command-and-Control Centre received 17,494 emergency and non-emergency calls, reflecting the impact of the unstable weather.
Residents and motorists were advised to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, avoid flooded roads, and follow traffic rules closely. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) also reminded road users to monitor live updates and remain alert to changing conditions.
Road users are advised to slow down, stay alert, and follow road safety guidelines in rainy conditions.#YourSafetyOurPriority pic.twitter.com/KEWMHwgWo9
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 24, 2026
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, offered followers a glimpse of the rain-soaked city as he drove through the outskirts, highlighting the wet conditions and reflective desert landscapes.
Dubai Municipality confirmed that field teams are on high alert to manage emergencies across all areas, while the RTA’s Silver Command Room is monitoring road conditions and public transport operations in real time.
في الميدان وعلى أهبة الاستعداد… خطط استباقية ومنظومة تشغيلية متكاملة لضمان أعلى مستويات السلامة والأمان للجميع! #سلامتكم_أولويتنا pic.twitter.com/3MqE0TRByX
— بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) March 24, 2026
Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, authorities temporarily reduced speed limits on key roads, including:
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Intl Road: 80 km/h (Al Nouf Bridge – ICAD)
- Maktoum Bin Rashid Road: 100 km/h (Al Mafraq Bridge – Ghantoot)
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Road: 100 km/h (Al Falah – Seih Shuaib)
- Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road: 100 km/h (Al Shahama – Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Bridge)
Abu Dhabi Police intensified patrols and deployed field teams to monitor traffic incidents caused by rainfall. Residents were specifically advised to avoid valleys, flood channels, and areas prone to water accumulation.
الإمارات : الان أمطار مع برق ورعد على أبوظبي #أخبار_الإمارات #منخفض_العزم #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) March 24, 2026
24/03/2026 pic.twitter.com/HY1bQeNmSr
The Al Dhafra Region Municipality mobilised field crews to safeguard infrastructure, protect residents, and ensure smooth road operations, while coordinating closely with strategic partners.
Sharjah
Sharjah experienced sudden heavy rain in the afternoon, leading to water pooling on streets. Public parking fee exemptions have been extended until further notice, initially implemented on March 23, to assist residents amid the ongoing weather disruption.
The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority intensified field readiness, deploying specialised machinery and personnel to flood-prone zones, valleys, and vital locations. A round-the-clock monitoring system ensures rapid emergency responses across the emirate.
Other emirates
Ajman: Ajman Municipality shared videos of rainfall, describing the showers as rains of mercy and beauty enhancing public spaces.
Ras Al Khaimah: Authorities announced a temporary closure of Jebel Jais due to heavy rain and strong winds, urging visitors to avoid travelling to the mountain until conditions stabilise.
الإمارات : الان جريان وادي البيح في رأس الخيمة #أخبار_الإمارات #منخفض_العزم #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) March 24, 2026
24/03/2026 pic.twitter.com/tiCXLBPbJH
Al Ain and Al Dhafra: Al Ain and other regions received heavy downpours, with municipal teams actively monitoring water levels and clearing drainage systems to prevent flooding.
الإمارات : شاهد قوة السحب على دبي الان #أخبار_الإمارات #منخفض_العزم #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) March 24, 2026
24/03/2026 pic.twitter.com/3SIHcDPsvw
Temperature variations
The UAE saw significant temperature fluctuations:
- Highest temperature: 30.5°C in Budaiya Dafs and Island Border Guard (Al Dhafra region)
- Lowest temperature: 9.8°C on Jais Mountain, Ras Al Khaimah
#أقل درجة_حرارة سجلت على الدولة صباح هذا اليوم 9.8 درجة مئوية على جبل جيس (رأس الخيمة) الساعة 05:30 بالتوقيت المحلي لدولة الإمارات.#The_lowest temperature recorded over the country this morning is 9.8°C in Jais Mountain (Ras Al Khaimah) at 05:30 UAE Local Time. pic.twitter.com/yTmI0IZVSA
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) March 24, 2026
Cloud systems moving in from the west contributed to convective rain clouds, leading to thunder, lightning, and cooler conditions in affected regions.
Marine and public safety alerts
Authorities emphasised avoiding marine activities, swimming, or standing near water bodies due to the risk of turbulent seas and flooding. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) also advised avoiding affected coastal waters to minimise health risks from contamination.
Residents were warned not to use mobile or wired phones outdoors during thunderstorms and to avoid power lines, lamp posts, trees, or metal structures. Construction sites were instructed to remain clear during this period.
Air travel advisory
Passengers travelling from UAE airports, including Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, and Ras Al Khaimah Airport, were advised to allow extra time for journeys between March 23-27.
Airlines such as Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia issued updates on flight status, check-in procedures, and contact details to ensure safe travel amid adverse conditions.
Traffic and emergency services
The UAE’s Civil Defence Authorities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, deployed specialised emergency crews, flood management teams, and rapid response units across key urban areas. Motorists were urged to follow official traffic advisories, drive carefully, and remain alert.
Electricity and water authorities, including DEWA and SEWA, provided guidance for safe resolution of power outages, encouraging residents to use certified technicians or Smart Response digital services to report faults.
Weather forecast
The National Centre of Meteorology expects unstable weather conditions to continue across the UAE until Friday, with rainfall of varying intensity and strong winds in multiple regions. Residents are advised to stay updated through official channels and adhere strictly to safety instructions to minimise risks.