The desert metropolis of Dubai is currently grappling with intense weather conditions as heavy rains, lightning and thunder have swept through the emirate. On Thursday evening, a public safety alert was sent directly to residents' mobile phones via the National Early Warning System, urging the public to avoid going out unless "absolutely necessary" until midday Friday, December 19.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) warned that a deep low-pressure system is moving across the Arabian Peninsula, bringing unstable weather to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the northern emirates. Forecasts indicate scattered heavy rain, wind speeds of up to 65 km/h, and a significant drop in temperatures.
مباشر : دبي تعانق السحاب في منظر جميل #منخفض_البشاير #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) December 18, 2025
18/12/2025 pic.twitter.com/7rlszsDoQ3
The impact has been immediate:
- Traffic & Transport: Localized flooding has been reported on several roads, with authorities advising motorists to reduce speeds and maintain safe distances to prevent aquaplaning.
- Remote Work: Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has directed government offices to shift to remote work for Friday, December 19, to ensure employee safety.
- Public Safety Measures: Parks, beaches, and popular tourist destinations like Global Village have been temporarily closed. Residents are also cautioned against using sewage drains to dispose of rainwater to avoid system blockages.
It rains in Dubai. How? They are artificially seeding the clouds using sodium iodide and dry ice. This makes rain droplets to fuse together by adhesion and it falls. More middle-east countries are implementing this technique to fight draught. pic.twitter.com/S7QF7FXv9L
— Theaspiringcreator (@Theaspirintouch) December 18, 2025
These storms come nearly 20 months after the record-breaking floods of April 2024, prompting high vigilance from emergency services across the UAE to mitigate risks and ensure public safety during the ongoing inclement weather.
