Dubai rain: Road closures, schools shut, events cancelled

RTA road closures

RTA and concerned authorities are working to clear the water from the affected areas. Until then, motorists are urged to drive safely and be cautious of flooded roads.

• Garn Al Sabhka tunnel has been closed from both directions, traffic has been diverted and motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.

• The Al Asayel Street, Latifa Bint Hamdan Street intersection has been closed. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes.

Dubai Police alerts

Dubai Police issued a statement urging motorists to be extra cautious, adhere to safety rules and reduce driving speed during the rain and unstable weather.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police alerted that motorists should be aware of changing road-weather conditions over the next few days.

Vehicle check:

• Tires
• Brakes
• Windshield wipers
• Lights

Points of safety:

• Sufficient space and distance between drivers
• Fasten seat belts
• Pay attention to the road and signages
• Refrain from taking pictures while driving
• Refrain from using handheld devices while driving
• Review weather forecasts and reports through accredited media and authorities before commuting
• Reduce speed and drive with caution
• Turn on low-beam lights when visibility is reduced

“Motorists are also advised to follow weather forecasts via official channels and be ready to comply with instructions issued by relevant authorities,” Maj. Gen. Al Mazroui concluded.

Ministry of Interior alerts

The UAE Ministry of Interior has issued a series of alerts during time of unstable weather across the country.

• Make sure to listen to weather bulletins from official sources.
• Check the vehicle and the windshield, brakes, wipers and tires.
• Avoid speeding at all times.
• Stay away from floodplains, valleys and watershed.
• Drive calmly and carefully.
• Follow advices and instructions from concerned authorities.

Global Village closed, Mahmoud El Esseily concert cancelled

Dubai rain has led to the cancellation of Mahmoud El Esseily’s concert in the city’s Global Village.

Egyptian singer Mahmoud El Esseily was due to perform at Global Village in Dubai on Wednesday, but the event has been cancelled at short notice.

In a statement, Global Village said: “This decision means tonight’s planned performance of Mahmoud El Esseily is cancelled.

“While we share their disappointment, the comfort and well-being of our guests is our key priority.

School closures

Schools in parts of the UAE will switch to home learning amid safety concerns over rain and unstable weather.

Heavy rain in the UAE continues to disrupt the country with motorists being warned about safety and some schools even closing for the rest of the week.

Schools in Sharjah and Fujairah sent children home at noon on Wednesday and cancelled scheduled field trips.

Ras Al Khaimah has announced schools will switch to remote learning due to concerns over safety amid unstable weather conditions.

Hailstorms

Residents reported hail in Abu Dhabi’s Madinat Al Riyad and Sharjah’s Qatah areas.

Weather forecasts

Rain is forecast in the coming days until Friday, where the weather will reportedly be stable.

Showers, along with thunder and lightning are forecast in the coming days, including overnight on Wednesday into Thursday morning.

Temperatures are expected to dip to 14ºC on the coast and 3ºC in the mountain regions of UAE.

On Tuesday, the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) warned UAE residents to stay cautious while driving as rains engulf parts of the nation.

In an advisory issued on Tuesday, the NCM warned residents to:

• Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, drive with caution, and remain vigilant and alert to ensure the safety of all road users.
• Turn on low-beam headlights when visibility is reduced.
• Follow weather forecasts via official channels and be ready to comply with instructions issued by relevant authorities.