Stay at home advisory issued as heavy rain hits UAE

The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) urged residents to stay at home and follow all safety guidelines as heavy rain left several parts of the UAE inundated.

"We emphasize the importance of staying at home and only leaving in cases of extreme necessity," the NCEMA reiterated.

They urged residents to "park vehicles in distant, safe and elevated locations away from areas prone to flooding, streams and water accumulation." 

#NCEMA emphasizes the importance of staying at home and adhering to safety guidelines during the weather condition and obtaining information from official sources. #YourSafetyYourResponsibility. pic.twitter.com/3NCefbn5tm

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) April 16, 2024

In Ras Al Khaimah, Exit 129 bridge has been temporarily closed as authorities clear the area of water logging.

Drivers have been advised to take the alternative route.

In Dubai, bus services have been delayed or cancelled due to heavy rain, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed on their social media platforms.

Are you a #PublicBus user?#RTA informs you of expected delays and cancellations of some trips across all public bus services due to rainy weather conditions. Follow our social media accounts for the latest updates, or call 8009090 to check trip schedules. #YourComfortMatters

— RTA (@rta_dubai) April 16, 2024

In Abu Dhabi, speed limits on several roads have been reduced and drivers alerted to be extra cautious on the roads.

#Urgent⁩ | ⁦#Attention ⁩ ⁦#Rain⁩
Speed reduction system activated to 100 Km/h on Al Ain - Dubai road (Al faqa - Masakin)

— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) April 16, 2024

⁦#Urgent⁩ | ⁦#Attention ⁩ #Rain⁩
Speed reduction system activated to 100 Km/h on (Sweihan - Al Hiyar ) road

— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) April 16, 2024

#Urgent⁩ | ⁦#Attention ⁩ ⁦#weather_Conditions⁩
Speed reduction system activated to 100 Km/h on Abu Dhabi - Al Ain road (Baniyas - Al Khaznah)

— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) April 16, 2024

Meanwhile, organisers of Middle East Energy have postponed its scheduled opening by a day "due to unprecedented weather conditions".

It will now open on Wednesday, April 17 at 10:00 am, and will be extended for an additional day on Friday, April 19.

Dubai's Mall of the Emirates also experienced disruptions to its regular operations as a result of the inclement weather conditions.

"The safety of our customers, staff and tenants is our foremost priority. The Mall remains open and we are directing customers away from affected areas," the mall operator told ARN News in a statement.