Picture for illustrative purposes only .EXPAT MEDIA

Dubai Police issued a new weather warning on Thursday evening (December 18), urging residents to remain cautious as unstable weather conditions are expected to continue overnight and into Friday. In a citywide SMS alert, Dubai Police told residents: “For your safety, please remain cautious as unstable weather conditions are expected in the coming hours, and avoid going out unless it is absolutely necessary until midday on Friday (December 19).” The warning comes as Dubai braces for heavy rain, thunder and lightning, prompting major safety measures across the emirate. Earlier, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, announced that all Dubai government employees will work remotely on Friday (December 19), except those whose roles require on-site presence to maintain essential services. The directive was issued as the National Centre of Meteorology forecast continued unstable weather across the UAE until Friday, with yellow and orange weather warnings currently in place over the Dubai coastline. Sheikh Hamdan also encouraged private sector companies to adopt remote working arrangements wherever possible to prioritise employee safety during the adverse weather. The move aligns with guidance from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which has urged private sector companies across the UAE to exercise caution and take all necessary precautions at workplaces on Thursday and Friday. MoHRE highlighted the importance of safeguarding workers’ health and safety, particularly those working at outdoor sites where operations may be affected by rain, strong winds and reduced visibility. The ministry also stressed that occupational health and safety requirements must be strictly followed, both at work sites and during employees’ commutes, as wet and slippery conditions significantly increase risks on the roads. Earlier on Thursday morning, Dubai Police sent a separate citywide alert advising the public to avoid beaches, refrain from sailing, stay away from valleys and flood-prone areas, and follow official instructions at all times. Motorists were urged to drive with extra caution as water is expected to accumulate on roads, making driving conditions more hazardous. Dubai Police advised drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling, particularly tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers and lighting systems. Drivers were also reminded to be especially careful on external roads, bends and low-lying areas where water tends to collect, and to adjust their speed according to road conditions. As a result of the unsettled weather, the traditional Filipino Simbang Gabi Mass scheduled for Thursday evening at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai was cancelled. The Mass would have been the fourth night of the nine-day Simbang Gabi series held annually ahead of Christmas. Church officials said the decision was made in compliance with official directives and to ensure public safety. “In line with the directives from the Community Development Authority, and due to the current weather conditions and heavy rainfall, all parish events and activities are cancelled until further notice,” St. Mary’s Catholic Church said in a statement. “For everyone’s safety, parishioners are kindly advised to remain at home and avoid any gatherings during this period. We will strictly comply with all official instructions and will share updates as soon as further guidance is issued. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please stay safe and keep each other in prayer.” Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to stay informed through official channels and to cooperate fully with safety advisories as the UAE experiences the latest spell of unsettled weather.

5-day UAE weather forecast

Thursday, December 18 Unstable weather, partly cloudy to cloudy, with convective clouds over scattered areas bringing varying intensities of rainfall, lightning, thunder and hail in limited areas. Moderate to fresh winds, strong at times with clouds, causing blowing dust and sand and reduced horizontal visibility. Friday, December 19 Unstable weather, partly cloudy to cloudy, with convective clouds and rainfall of varying intensity, accompanied by lightning, thunder and hail over limited areas. Significant decrease in temperatures. Moderate to fresh southeasterly winds becoming northwesterly, strong at times with clouds, blowing dust and sand and reducing visibility. Wind speeds of 20–40 km/h, reaching up to 65 km/h. Sea rough to very rough at times in the Arabian Gulf and rough in the Oman Sea. Saturday, December 20 Partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with a chance of convective cloud formation and rainfall over coastal, northern and eastern areas. Moderate to fresh northwesterly to southwesterly winds, causing blowing dust and sand. Wind speeds of 15–30 km/h, reaching 40 km/h. Sea rough in the Arabian Gulf and rough to moderate in the Oman Sea. Sunday, December 21 Partly cloudy in general, with low clouds over islands, coastal and western areas and a chance of light rainfall. Humid at night and Monday morning over some internal western areas. Light to moderate southwesterly to northwesterly winds, freshening at times and causing blowing dust. Wind speeds of 10–25 km/h, reaching 35 km/h. Sea rough to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and moderate to slight in the Oman Sea. Monday, December 22 Fair to partly cloudy, with clouds over islands and some western areas. Humid at night and Tuesday morning over some internal western areas. Light to moderate northeasterly to southeasterly winds, freshening at times during the day. Wind speeds of 10–20 km/h, reaching 35 km/h. Sea slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea. ICA/CAM/Expat Media | Source: National Centre of Meteorology
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page