UAE weather updates: Rain, hail, lightning hit parts of Abu Dhabi, Ministry of Interior urges caution, latest
Rough seas and reduced visibility are expected to persist in UAE before conditions ease later in the week
Timeline
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Dubai’s RTA and partners work round the clock to keep roads safe during bad weather -
Dubai’s RTA steps up operations to manage roads and traffic amid wet weather -
Abu Dhabi emirate braces for severe weather from Thursday night to Friday afternoon -
UAE set for more heavy rain and storms through Saturday -
Sharjah Police closes Al Awza Street in Al Dhayd due to heavy rainfall -
Sharjah City Municipality works around the clock to tackle flooding -
NCM issues convective cloud warning for parts of UAE -
MoHRE: Weather safety guidance issued for employers -
Flash floods block road to Sharm Al-Fujairah -
Dubai Police: Don’t hesitate to call for help -
Drive safely and plan ahead during rainy conditions: RTA -
NCEMA: Early warning system helps keep communities prepared -
NCM warns of heavy rain and downburst winds across UAE until 8pm -
NCM issues flash flood alert for northern and eastern UAE until 8pm -
NCM issues rainfall accumulation alert for scattered areas until 8pm today -
NCM reminds residents to take precautions as hail hits parts of the UAE -
Authorities reassure public that loud storm sounds are weather-related, not a security threat -
NCEMA urges public not to confuse thunder and lightning with security threats -
NCM issues safety guidelines as convective clouds develop over the UAE -
Hail reported in northern Fujairah as storm system pushes eastward
Live Updates
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Dubai’s RTA and partners work round the clock to keep roads safe during bad weather
Teams from the Roads and Transport Authority and their partners at the Joint Weather Conditions Command Room are maintaining continuous operations to manage the impact of adverse weather across Dubai.
Through real-time coordination and swift on-ground response, they are working to ensure road safety and uninterrupted traffic flow while staying ready to address any weather-related incidents as they arise.
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Dubai’s RTA steps up operations to manage roads and traffic amid wet weather
The Roads and Transport Authority has ramped up its field and operational presence across Dubai in response to ongoing rainfall and unsettled weather conditions.
Specialised teams and equipment have been deployed to monitor road safety, traffic movement, and public transport across the emirate, as part of a coordinated system built on real-time surveillance, rapid response, and close collaboration with strategic partners to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
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Abu Dhabi emirate braces for severe weather from Thursday night to Friday afternoon
The National Centre of Meteorology has issued a weather alert for Abu Dhabi emirate, warning of harsh conditions from 10pm on Thursday, 26 March, until 4pm on Friday, 27 March.
Residents across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra can expect intermittent rainfall of varying intensity, localised hail, and strong gusty winds carrying dust and sand that will significantly reduce visibility.
The public is urged to drive cautiously and observe reduced speed limits, stay away from valleys, keep first aid kits on hand, and have backup light sources readily available.
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UAE set for more heavy rain and storms through Saturday
The UAE is forecast to see continued unsettled weather with heavy rainfall in multiple waves until March 28.
Thursday evening into Friday will bring the final wave, beginning over western regions before sweeping through Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, and later the northern, eastern areas and Al Ain, with heavy rain, lightning, thunder, and isolated hail expected before conditions ease overnight Friday.
Saturday will see skies gradually clearing, though strong northwesterly winds, falling temperatures, and blowing dust may reduce visibility.
Rough seas are anticipated across both the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman, particularly near storm clouds.
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Sharjah Police closes Al Awza Street in Al Dhayd due to heavy rainfall
Sharjah Police has announced the temporary closure of Al Awza Street (Suhaila) in Al Dhayd City, affecting traffic from Ras Al Khaimah towards Al Manama and from Al Dhayd City towards Masafi, following rainfall and rising water levels in the Suhaila valleys.
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Sharjah City Municipality works around the clock to tackle flooding
Sharjah City Municipality maintains 24/7 operations at full capacity, managing stormwater buildup, keeping roads clear, and protecting both residents and infrastructure.
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NCM issues convective cloud warning for parts of UAE
The UAE’s National Center of Meteorology issued Update 3 at 14:30 on March 25, 2026, warning of convective cloud activity across several emirates from 14:45 to 18:45.
The eastern regions – including Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and Khasab – are under an orange “Be Prepared” alert, meaning hazardous weather is expected and residents should follow official guidance.
Parts of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Nahd are under a yellow “Be Aware” advisory, urging caution for those engaging in outdoor activities.
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MoHRE: Weather safety guidance issued for employers
Due to current weather conditions and to maintain workforce safety and business continuity, employers are advised to follow these measures:
1. Work management and sites
- Evaluate risks at work sites, especially in exposed areas
- Postpone high-risk tasks where required
- Ensure drainage systems are functioning properly
2. Transport and workforce mobility
- Adjust working hours according to weather conditions
- Confirm that transport vehicles are prepared and suitable for use
- Instruct drivers to follow safe driving practices and avoid affected roads
3. Worker accommodations
- Prevent water from collecting inside or around accommodation areas
- Carry out regular checks on electrical systems
- Provide essential supplies and respond quickly to emergencies
4. Emergency response
- Put in place a clear emergency response plan
- Assign responsible personnel at each site for oversight and follow-up
- Coordinate with relevant authorities when needed
Workforce safety is a shared responsibility, and compliance supports business continuity under all conditions.
Emergency numbers:
Police: 999
Civil Defence: 997
Ambulance: 998 -
Flash floods block road to Sharm Al-Fujairah
Flash flooding is currently disrupting access to Sharm Al-Fujairah, with roads becoming impassable.
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Dubai Police: Don’t hesitate to call for help
If you encounter any situation that requires assistance, act immediately and seek support. You can call 999 for emergencies or contact 901 for general assistance.
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Drive safely and plan ahead during rainy conditions: RTA
Driving becomes more difficult during rainy weather.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) urges everyone to stay cautious, avoid unnecessary trips, and plan journeys in advance.
Stay safe by remaining attentive, driving responsibly, and keeping up with the latest updates through official social media channels. Every careful action helps ensure a safe arrival.
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NCEMA: Early warning system helps keep communities prepared
The early warning system is a proactive tool designed to notify the public and improve readiness for emergencies, the UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said via X.
Please follow instructions from official authorities and adhere to safety guidelines to stay protected.
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NCM warns of heavy rain and downburst winds across UAE until 8pm
The National Center of Meteorology has issued a rain alert for scattered areas nationwide, running from noon to 8pm today.
Cumulonimbus clouds are bringing heavy rainfall accompanied by downburst winds. Residents are urged to stay indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary travel.
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NCM issues flash flood alert for northern and eastern UAE until 8pm
The National Center of Meteorology has issued a flash flood alert for some northern and eastern areas of the UAE, in effect from 11:30am to 8pm today.
Cumulonimbus clouds are forming over the region, bringing light to moderate rainfall that could turn heavy at times, raising the risk of flash flooding. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay away from wadis and low-lying zones.
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NCM issues rainfall accumulation alert for scattered areas until 8pm today
The National Center of Meteorology has issued a rainfall accumulation alert covering scattered areas across the UAE from 11am to 8pm today, Wednesday, March 25. Residents are urged to exercise caution and keep away from areas where rainwater has collected.
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NCM reminds residents to take precautions as hail hits parts of the UAE
With hail reported across several areas, the National Center of Meteorology is urging the public to follow local authority instructions, monitor official weather channels, and be ready to act on guidance as conditions develop.
The NCM also calls on residents to rely only on its official reports and to avoid circulating rumours.
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Authorities reassure public that loud storm sounds are weather-related, not a security threat
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority is reassuring residents that the loud sounds accompanying today’s storm, including thunder, are entirely normal and expected under the current weather conditions.
The authority reiterates that any genuine threat would trigger immediate alerts through the National Early Warning System.
Residents are reminded to rely solely on official sources for information and to avoid sharing or circulating unverified content.
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NCEMA urges public not to confuse thunder and lightning with security threats
The UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority is reminding residents that the loud disturbances accompanying the current storm – including thunder and lightning – are weather-related and should not be mistaken for any form of external threat.
The authority stresses that if a genuine security threat were to arise, warnings would be issued immediately through the National Early Warning System.
In the meantime, residents are urged to act on safety instructions as soon as alerts are received, rely only on official sources for updates, and refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation.
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NCM issues safety guidelines as convective clouds develop over the UAE
The National Center of Meteorology is urging the public to follow safety precautions during the current convective cloud activity.
Residents are advised to drive carefully in the rain, stay away from wadis and areas prone to water accumulation, avoid open and elevated areas during lightning and thunder, and watch out for strong downdraft winds that can send debris flying and reduce visibility.
The NCM also calls on everyone to follow official bulletins and reports and avoid spreading rumours.
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Hail reported in northern Fujairah as storm system pushes eastward
Hailstones are now falling across Al Saadi, Al Tawain, and Wadi Kubb north of Fujairah.
More News
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Image: Bahrain’s Alba facility was subject to an attack from Iran on Saturday, March 28, 2026 -
Authorities have confirmed that falling debris from a successfully intercepted ballistic missile from Iran caused an incident in the vicinity of the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD). Image: Abu Dhabi Media Office
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