Rain in UAE: Parks, beaches, tunnels closed as emirates braces for severe weather

Parts of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other emirates reported light to heavy rainfall on Friday evening (March 8) as authorities warned of severe weather conditions during the weekend. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced in a press briefing on Thursday (March 7) that severe weather conditions are expected to peak on Friday evening and continue until noon on Sunday (March 10), with heavy rain, lightning, thunder and occasional hailstorms. Authorities have urged residents to stay at home and avoid going out except in cases of “extreme necessity”. As the country braced for severe weather conditions, authorities announced road and beach closures, event cancellations, as well as fines for law breakers.

Abu Dhabi parks, beaches closed

The Abu Dhabi Municipality closed all parks and beaches in the capital starting on Friday. The closure is expected to remain until weather conditions ease.

Sharjah parks closed

Authorities in Sharjah also closed all parks in the emirate, and announced that parks will reopen when the weather conditions improve.

Al Ain tunnels closed

The Integrated Transport Centre of Abu Dhabi closed all tunnels in Al Ain as well as underpasses on external roads as a precaution starting at 10pm on Friday. The authority said that the closures will remain “until further notice”.

Roads to valleys, mountains closed

Across the UAE, authorities have closed all roads leading to valleys and mountains. The road closures will remain while the severe weather persists.

Global Village fireworks suspended

Dubai’s Global Village has suspended its fireworks shows for March 8 and 9, adding that evening fireworks will resume on March 10.

Football matches postponed

The UAE Football Association also postponed football matches that were set to take place from March 8 to 10 across the UAE. The association said that new dates will be announced.

BAPS Hindu temple urges devotees to stay home

Officials of the newly opened BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi have urged the public to stay home and avoid visiting the temple during the weekend due to unstable weather conditions. “Regarding the severe weather conditions for the next few days and in line with announcements from the government authorities, we request all devotees and visitors to refrain from travelling to the Mandir and offer their prayers from the safety of their own homes,” according to BAPS Hindu Mandir in a statement.

Fines for violators

Meanwhile, the NCEMA warned UAE residents that legal action will be taken against those who do not follow safety measures during adverse weather conditions. Gathering near valleys and dams during rain will result in a fine of Dh1,000 and six black points for motorists. Driving that results in obstruction of rescue efforts and traffic operations will result in a Dh1,000 fine and a 60-day confiscation of the vehicle plus four black points. Entering flooded valleys will result in a Dh2,000 fine plus a 60-day vehicle impoundment and 23 black points in the driver’s traffic record. Taking photos or videos while driving will result in a Dh800 fine and four black points. ICA/PIA/Expat Media ALSO READ: 10 fines to avoid during severe UAE weather
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