Dubai rains: Heavy rain and thunderstorms sweep across UAE, residents asked to stay indoors, flood alerts issued
Residents have been advised to stay indoors as much as possible and closely follow official updates, as the National Centre of Meteorology said unstable weather conditions are expected to continue into the weekend.
Dubai Police has advised residents to stay indoors as heavy rain hit the city, raising safety concerns across the desert nation. The warning came on Thursday, a year after record rainfall flooded parts of the city. In an alert sent to residents’ mobile phones, Dubai Police urged people to be careful and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary until midday Friday, according to Agence France-Presse.
The National Centre of Meteorology said heavy rain warnings are in place for Thursday and Friday, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
According to a report by Khaleej Times, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence has also asked people to remain alert due to changing weather conditions. Authorities advised residents to take precautions and stay away from areas that are prone to flash floods.
Meanwhile, dramatic visuals emerged on social media platform X showing the iconic Burj Khalifa almost completely hidden behind thick clouds as rain and mist covered the city skyline.
الإمارات : الان هطول اأمطار الخير على مدينة العين #منخفض_البشاير #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة
19/12/2025 pic.twitter.com/IEui2WZR4m— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) December 19, 2025
Abu Dhabi issues advisory
The Abu Dhabi Media Office has urged residents to strictly follow safety guidelines as unstable weather continues in parts of the emirate.
In its advisory, the office asked motorists to obey updated speed limits, avoid wadis and areas prone to flooding, and take extra care while driving during the adverse weather conditions.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced the suspension of all community events across the emirate from December 18 to 19, citing anticipated unstable weather and the priority of public safety.
Gulf states and authorities on alert
Several Gulf countries have gone on alert as heavy rain is forecast across the region. Along with the United Arab Emirates, weather warnings have also been issued in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence has asked residents to remain cautious, take safety measures, and stay away from areas that are vulnerable to flooding during the rain.
Videos shared on social media show the Burj Khalifa and other tall buildings disappearing behind thick clouds, highlighting the severity of the weather in Dubai.
The warnings come after last year’s extreme weather. In April 2024, the UAE saw record rainfall that caused widespread flooding in Dubai and other cities. Roads were submerged, homes were flooded, and operations at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international travel, were badly disrupted due to poor stormwater drainage.
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