UAE travel disrupted by heavy rain as flights, buses and roads affected
Airlines urge passengers to check flight status
DUBAI – Travel across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) faced widespread disruption on Thursday as heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds impacted roads, airports and public transport services.
Authorities and airlines issued multiple advisories urging residents and travellers to plan ahead and remain cautious.
Flight advisory
Airlines including Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia and Etihad Airways advised passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
Dubai is expecting adverse weather conditions on 26 and 27 March 2026. If you’re travelling with us out of Dubai International Airport during this period:
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 26, 2026
✈️ Check the status of your flight at https://t.co/xggvnZCmrM before travelling to the airport.
⌚️Aim to arrive at least 2… pic.twitter.com/yg8CD9EXWY
Travellers departing from Dubai International Airport were specifically instructed to:
- Arrive at least two hours early
- Monitor updates online
- Ensure contact details are updated for notifications
Sharjah Airport also warned of potential delays and urged passengers to confirm schedules with airlines.
Sharjah Airport advises all passengers to stay up to date on the latest flight information due to weather conditions that may affect some flight schedules.
— مطار الشارقة (@sharjahairport) March 26, 2026
We advise passengers to contact their airlines directly to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
Bus suspension
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority announced the temporary suspension of bus services to Sharjah and Ajman starting at 7pm.
Dear Sharjah & Ajman bus users,#RTA informs you that bus services to Sharjah and Ajman will be temporarily suspended starting today at 19:00 due to weather conditions and water accumulation on roads.
— RTA (@rta_dubai) March 26, 2026
Our teams are currently working in coordination with the relevant authorities…
The decision was taken due to water accumulation on roads and safety concerns. Authorities confirmed that services will resume once conditions improve.
Road conditions
Road networks across the UAE were affected by rainwater accumulation and reduced visibility.
Dubai Police issued alerts for Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, particularly near Al Qusais, where waterlogging created hazardous conditions.
#TrafficUpdate | Motorists are urged to exercise caution due to water accumulation on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, toward Sharjah, near the Al Qusais area. pic.twitter.com/Z63VPRHLf3
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 26, 2026
In Sharjah, multiple roads were temporarily closed due to flowing wadis and heavy rainfall.
What motorists need to know
Authorities stressed the importance of safe driving during adverse weather.
Motorists were advised to:
- Reduce speed
- Maintain safe distance
- Use headlights
- Avoid distractions
- Police also warned against dangerous practices such as stopping in tunnels or driving through flooded areas.
Special advisories
Delivery riders were urged to halt operations during heavy rain due to the increased risk of accidents.
Tourists and hikers were advised to avoid valleys and mountainous areas, particularly where water flow is strong.
Emergency support
Municipal teams and police worked continuously to manage traffic flow, remove stalled vehicles and respond to emergencies.
Sharjah deployed recovery vehicles, while Dubai authorities used real-time systems to monitor flooding and coordinate responses.
Ongoing monitoring
Authorities continue to monitor travel conditions closely, with updates issued regularly. Travellers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adjust plans accordingly.