- The UAE National Centre of Meteorology warns of heavy rain and storms until March 27.
- Fines of up to AED 2,000 apply for entering flooded valleys or obstructing authorities.
- Emirates has issued a travel advisory for Dubai International Airport until March 27.
- Dubai Police certificates are available for vehicle damage caused by weather conditions.
Heavy rain swept across the UAE on Monday, bringing with it flashes of lightning, claps of thunder, and a significant drop in temperatures, with rainfall ranging from light showers to heavy downpours affecting Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and several other areas simultaneously. The National Centre of Meteorology has confirmed that a surface low-pressure system combined with an extension of an upper-air low-pressure trough is driving the unsettled conditions, increasing cloud formation and the likelihood of convective rainfall over scattered areas. Unstable weather conditions will continue until March 27, with rainfall of varying intensity, strong winds, and a noticeable drop in temperatures expected across several regions. This is everything you need to know to stay safe, stay informed, and stay on the right side of the law this week.
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WEEK
The UAE is set to experience unstable weather from Monday March 23 to Friday March 27, with spells of rain of varying intensity, winds reaching up to 50 kilometres per hour, dust haze, reduced visibility, and light to moderate sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman. A chance of hail is also possible. Strong winds could lift sand and dust, reducing visibility and creating dangerous driving conditions across affected areas. Residents have been warned against swimming or diving in the sea, and against being in open and elevated areas during thunder and lightning.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority is closely monitoring developments, has prepared cross-sector readiness measures, and stands ready to activate business continuity plans where necessary.
DRIVING SAFETY GUIDELINES
Dubai Police and relevant authorities have issued the following driving guidelines that all residents must follow this week:
Before You Head Out:
- Check your brakes, tyres, lights, and windshield washer fluid before driving
- Make sure wipers are working properly and all windows and mirrors are clear
- Plan extra travel time as rain will slow traffic significantly across the city
While Driving:
- Reduce speed gradually and avoid sudden acceleration or overtaking
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead at all times
- Turn on headlights and maintain visibility at all times, using fog lights when needed
- Follow all traffic signals and avoid rushing at green lights
- Stay in your lane, especially inside tunnels
- Be careful at intersections as roads may be extremely slippery
- Only use hazard lights in genuine emergencies, as using them while driving in rain prevents you from alerting other drivers when actually needed
- Do not stop your vehicle on the road or near lane markings to avoid rear-end accidents
- After driving through any water, test your brakes immediately at low speed
- Avoid distractions while driving, including mobile phones and filming
Road Conditions to Watch:
- Avoid flooded roads entirely and never drive through deep or fast-moving water
- If water levels are high, turn back immediately and take an alternative route
- Drive with extra caution near tunnels and areas where water tends to collect
- Abu Dhabi Police has reduced speed limits to 80 kilometres per hour during adverse weather, and variable speed limits on electronic road signs must be followed at all times.
HOME AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has issued the following safety guidelines to ensure a safe and stable electricity supply throughout the wet weather period:
- Properly ground all electrical connections inside and outside the home
- Seal all openings in electrical conduit lines completely
- Ensure all outdoor electrical connections are waterproof and well insulated
- Replace any damaged or cracked electricity meter covers immediately
- Securely close all electrical panels throughout the property
Dubai Municipality has additionally advised residents to:
- Ensure all electrical connections inside the home or building are properly secured and insulated
- Clean internal rainwater drains in the home or building
- Use designated rainwater drains to dispose of any accumulated rainwater
- Avoid opening or using sewage manholes to drain rainwater
- Secure outdoor furniture firmly inside the home or building
- Remove tools, equipment, and materials that may be blown away from balconies or rooftops
For more details on electrical safety during the weather period, visit DEWA’s official website at dewa.gov.ae.
TRAVEL AND AIRPORT ADVISORY
Emirates has issued a formal travel advisory for passengers travelling to and from Dubai International Airport between March 23 and 27, 2026. All passengers are advised to:
- Check their flight status before heading to the airport
- Arrive at least two hours before scheduled departure
- Ensure contact details are fully up to date to receive the latest flight updates
- Contact Emirates customer service directly for assistance with delays or cancellations and alternative arrangements
Dubai Airport has also alerted travellers that adverse weather conditions are expected from March 23 to 27, with passengers advised to allow extra travel time when heading to both DXB and DWC airports and to check flight status directly with their airline before departing. Air Arabia has similarly warned that adverse weather may affect operations at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah airports during this period.
For real-time flight status, visit emirates.com/flightstatus.
VIOLATIONS AND FINES TO BE AWARE OF
The Dubai Media Office and relevant authorities have reminded the public that the following actions carry serious penalties during rainy weather conditions. Ignorance of these rules is not accepted as an excuse:
Entering flooded valleys during active water flow: Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points, and vehicle impoundment for 60 days
Gathering near flood-prone areas, dams, or wadis during rainfall: Dh1,000 fine and 6 black points
Obstructing emergency responders, rescue operations, or traffic management during severe weather: Dh1,000 fine, 4 black points, and vehicle impoundment for 60 days
The public is strongly urged to follow all safety guidelines and cooperate fully with relevant authorities at all times during this weather period.
IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS BEEN DAMAGED BY WEATHER
If your vehicle has been affected by the current weather conditions in Dubai, you can apply for a “To Whom It May Concern” certificate through Dubai Police. This certificate can be used for insurance purposes and official documentation of weather-related vehicle damage.
How to apply:
- Open the Dubai Police app
- Select “Request a Certificate”
- Choose “Natural Disasters” under the “To Whom It May Concern” services section
For assistance, contact Dubai Police on 901 for non-emergency queries or 999 for emergencies.
STAY INFORMED AND STAY SAFE
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority has confirmed it will issue guidance through its early warning system in the case of any threat to safety, and residents are urged to rely only on official sources for weather updates and safety information.
Key contacts and resources to save right now:
- Dubai Police: 901 (non-emergency) / 999 (emergency)
- DEWA: dewa.gov.ae
- Emirates flight status: emirates.com/flightstatus
- NCM weather updates: Follow the National Centre of Meteorology on official social channels
The UAE’s wet week runs until Friday March 27. Stay indoors where possible, drive only when necessary, follow every official guideline abov. Stay safe, Dubai!
