Dubai deploys special patrols, emergency crew to monitor traffic during rains

Dubai Police has deployed a number of patrols, while Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has positioned more than 2,000 staff to respond to any emergencies due to the unstable weather conditions.

Dubai Police said its office "remain on the ground round-the-clock to manage traffic and keep the community safe".

As rain continues across parts of Dubai, @DubaiPoliceHQ officers remain on the ground around the clock to manage traffic and keep the community safe.#YourSafetyOurPriority pic.twitter.com/FSqgiIJdUm

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 19, 2025

The Joint Flood Management Room in Dubai has brought together "several government entities along with representatives of real estate developments" to focus on "addressing rainwater accumulation" across several parts.

Colonel Khalid Al Hammadi, Director of the Search and Rescue Department, said teams have been positioned at 22 strategic locations — 13 land rescue points, including Hatta, and 9 marine points along Dubai’s coastline to ensure a rapid response to any weather-related incidents. These units are equipped with advanced rescue vehicles, hydraulic tools and heavy-lifting cranes provided in partnership with Emirates Auctions.

The Joint Flood Management Room in Dubai focused on addressing rainwater pooling brings together several government entities along with representatives of real estate developments. pic.twitter.com/AVhtGaqpJZ

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 18, 2025

The RTA said over 2,500 employees from the technical, engineering, labour and operating teams will be overseeing rain-related issues. The authority has also deployed 30 contractors, 325 fixed and mobile pumps, 25 traffic diversion vehicles, 360 tanks and 2 rapid intervention vehicles to tackle emergencies.

Check out #RTA’s coordinated response to the heavy rainfall, prioritising your safety and ensuring your safe arrival to your destinations.#YourSafetyOurPriority pic.twitter.com/jrrSG1jrga

— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 19, 2025

A yellow and orange weather alert has been issued for the UAE until 2.45pm on Friday, with residents advised to avoid driving during rainy conditions unless "absolutely necessary".

pic.twitter.com/sLncaMxvEG

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) December 19, 2025

The RTA announced the temporary suspension of intercity buses to and from Ajman and Sharjah, and ferry services between Dubai and Sharjah on Friday due to the weather conditions. 

#Update:
RTA informs you that intercity bus services to and from Ajman and Sharjah are suspended until further notice, due to the current weather conditions.
Thank you for your cooperation.

— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 19, 2025

In an advisory, drivers have been advised to remain alert, turn on low-beam lights when visibility is low, and follow weather reports closely. 

#Alert_#NCM pic.twitter.com/ytkJkSYMXi

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) December 18, 2025

In a post on social media platform X, Abu Dhabi Police advised motorists to follow the changing speed limits displayed on electronic signs across the roads. 

Residents are urged to follow official safety updates and call 999 in case of emergencies, providing clear location details.

#Urgent | #Attention#AbuDhabi_Police call on motorists to exercise caution due to the rainy weather and to follow the changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards. Drive Safely. pic.twitter.com/rx2kjUPSnd

— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) December 18, 2025