UAE weather: What counts as working hours during heavy rains, thunder?

Employees in the UAE private sector may be eligible to have their travel time recognised as part of their formal work schedule

Staff Writer

December 19, 2025

Driving in rain UAE — Image used for illustrative purposes only. Image: Canva

Article summary

AI Generated

The UAE is experiencing severe weather, prompting remote work and safety precautions. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has stated that travel time may be included in work hours during bad weather if certain conditions are met, as per Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022.

Key points

The UAE is facing severe weather, including heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Authorities advise caution, with remote work implemented for safety reasons.
Travel time may count as work hours during bad weather, as per UAE law.

The UAE is currently experiencing severe weather conditions, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail affecting many parts of the country.

In response, federal and emirate-level authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and take necessary precautions. Remote work arrangements have been implemented across numerous public and private sector organisations to ensure safety during this period of unstable weather.

For those required to attend the workplace physically, adverse weather can cause road congestion, resulting in significantly extended journey times for staff commuting to and from their offices.

When does travel time count as working hours in the UAE?

However, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has provided guidance on this matter, confirming that employees in the private sector may be eligible to have their travel time recognised as part of their formal work schedule under certain circumstances under Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022.

According to Article 15 of the Cabinet Resolution, travel time between an employee’s home and place of work may be included within official working hours under the following conditions:

The period the worker spends inside the mode of transport in the event of bad weather and in response to the warnings by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) concerning weather changes and fluctuations.
The period the worker spends inside the mode of transport provided by the employer in the event of a traffic accident or sudden malfunction.
The parties’ explicit agreement on such in the contract.

Current weather conditions across the UAE to remain unstable on Friday

The NCM predicted unsettled conditions on Friday, December 19, with skies ranging from partly overcast to heavily clouded. Convective cloud formations are expected across various parts of the Emirates, bringing precipitation of differing intensities.

These showers may feature electrical storms, thunder and hailstones in certain localities, whilst temperatures are anticipated to decline noticeably.