Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit UAE: Flights cancelled, road traffic disrupted
-
Fatima Saif
- . December 19, 2025
- . Update: December 20, 2025 5:18 am
This year is also experiencing one of the most disruptive weather patterns in UAE history with thunderstorms and rains striking the cities of UAE, causing widespread cancellations, flooded roads, and safety warnings in various emirates. The residents have been advised to stay at home, stay out of flood-prone regions and minimise unnecessary movements as things remain volatile. Torrential rain, strong winds, lightning, and hails, which may happen occasionally, have been crippling the day-to-day lives since Dubai and Sharjah to Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. To protect the population, airlines, transport officials, schools, and businesses have taken emergency actions such as advice on remote work, cancellation of services, and events.
Flights Cancelled and Airport Operations Disrupted
When heavy rain and thunderstorms came down on UAE air space, some of the most popular airlines such as Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia cancelled or postponed a number of flights to regional and international destinations. The Dubai international Airport notified people of the possibility of delays caused by poor weather conditions and water build up on the road networks nearby. It was recommended that travellers should verify flights with airlines and provide more time before travels. There was a promotion of the Dubai Metro as a safer mode of transportation to the airport in case of flooding of the road as well.
Road Traffic, Public Transport, and Services Affected
Heavy rains had flooded streets in places like Al Majaz in Sharjah, Dubai Investment Park and within portions of Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. The police blocked major road exits, slowed the speed limits along the highways such as the Al Ain-Dubai road and advised motorists to drive cautiously. RTA also suspended services on intercity buses to Sharjah and Ajman and food delivery companies ceased operations in various areas to ensure the safety of riders.
Remote Work, School Advisories, and Event Suspensions
To curb the spread of the crisis, the Ministry of Human resources and Emiratisation recommended that companies in the private sector should consider remote working in places where feasible. In Abu Dhabi, community events were suspended, and the education authorities of the city of Dubai advised the private schools to avoid outdoor activities. It also led to the closure of weekend camps, family workshops, parks, and beaches, which demonstrated the severity of the situation when it was accompanied by heavy rain and thunderstorms striking communities in the UAE.
Safety Alerts and Tragic Incident
The police and civil defence in the emirates gave out several safety warnings to ensure residents do not cross flooded wadis and roads because of the danger of flash floods. Unfortunately, an Indian expatriate aged 27 died in Ras Al Khaimah after a wall collapsed under the impact of lots of rain thus highlighting the risks involved in extreme weather conditions.
Weather Outlook
National Meteorology Centre has predicted that the conditions will remain unstable till the weekend with probabilities of rainfall, thunderstorms, heavy winds and rough seas. People are encouraged to follow official messages and always be more safety conscious.
