UAE hit by heavy rains again: Flights cancelled, schools and offices closed due to Dubai weather

Heavy rainfall has returned to the United Arab Emirates, causing chaos and disruption across the region. With several flights being cancelled and schools and businesses implementing work-from-home policies, the impact of the inclement weather is being felt by residents and travelers alike.

The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Friday as heavy rains and thunderstorms continue to lash the UAE. The authorities have urged caution and advised people to stay indoors as the weather conditions are expected to worsen.

In response to the adverse weather conditions, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has instructed all private schools, nurseries, and universities to switch to distance learning. Additionally, companies have been asked to allow employees to work from home to ensure their safety and well-being. The decision to implement these measures comes as a precautionary step to minimize the risk of accidents and disruptions caused by the heavy rainfall.

Dubai, in particular, has been severely affected by the heavy rains, leading to the closure of parks and beaches. Government employees have been instructed to work from home on May 2 and May 3 to avoid unnecessary travel and exposure to the harsh weather conditions.

The impact of the heavy rainfall is also being felt in the aviation sector, with several airlines reporting disruptions to their flight operations. Emirates and Flydubai have cancelled multiple flights due to the bad weather, while other airlines such as IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet have also reported delays and cancellations.

The recent flooding in Dubai has highlighted the vulnerability of the city’s drainage systems, with many residents experiencing damage to their homes and vehicles. In April, Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, had to deploy 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to clear water from its grounds.

As the weather conditions continue to deteriorate, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has warned of a rise in temperature and humidity in the coming days. The temperature is expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius in Abu Dhabi and 35 degrees Celsius in Dubai, with light to moderate winds potentially causing dust and sand to blow over the region.

Despite the challenges posed by the heavy rainfall, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and travelers in the UAE. By implementing precautionary measures and advising people to stay indoors, they aim to minimize the impact of the inclement weather and prevent any further disruptions to daily life.

As the situation continues to evolve, residents are urged to stay informed and follow the guidance of local authorities to stay safe during this period of heavy rainfall in the United Arab Emirates.