Dubai rain: Remote work ordered, beaches closed as police activate emergency response

Dubai Police announced full readiness to respond to emergencies expected during the upcoming period of unstable weather conditions, with extensive deployment of land and marine rescue teams across the emirate.

Colonel Khalid Al Hammadi, Director of the Search and Rescue Department at the General Department of Transport and Rescue, confirmed that teams are positioned at 22 strategic locations—13 land rescue points, including Hatta, and 9 marine rescue points along Dubai’s coastline—to ensure rapid response to incidents arising from changing weather conditions.

Dubai rain warnings

Land rescue teams are equipped with specialised 4×4 vehicles, rescue trucks, and advanced tools including hydraulic lifting equipment, cutters, saws, and other modern rescue technologies.

In addition, 120 cranes have been made available in cooperation with Emirates Auctions to support emergency operations requiring heavy lifting.

Marine rescue teams are on full alert and operating around the clock, patrolling coastal areas and valleys to ensure swift intervention when required. These teams are supported by specialised rescue boats, jet skis, trained lifeguards, and professional divers capable of handling a wide range of maritime emergencies.

Colonel Al Hammadi urged the public to follow safety instructions and official updates issued by Dubai Police and other government authorities. He encouraged residents to call 999 in case of emergencies and to provide clear and accurate location details to assist responders.

He concluded by wishing everyone safety and security during the expected weather conditions.

Remote work in Dubai

Under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Government of Dubai announced remote working for employees of all its entities on Friday, December 19, due to weather conditions.

The decision applies to all Dubai government employees, except for roles that require on-site presence at the workplace. The private sector has also been encouraged to implement remote working to ensure public safety.

Separately, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation urged private sector establishments in areas most affected by the prevailing weather conditions to implement remote work on Friday, 19 December, for roles whose nature permits it, in order to preserve employee health and safety.

The Ministry also urged all private sector entities nationwide to exercise caution and implement all necessary occupational health and safety measures during the current period of adverse weather conditions, and to adhere to directives issued by local authorities in each emirate regarding business operations.

Weather forecast: rain, strong winds, and rough seas

The National Centre of Meteorology forecast that the weather will be unstable and partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with the formation of convective clouds over scattered areas of the country, accompanied by rainfall of varying intensity.

Rainfall may be accompanied by lightning, thunder, and hail over limited areas, alongside a noticeable drop in temperatures.

Winds will be southeasterly, shifting to northwesterly, moderate to fresh and occasionally strong, particularly with convective clouds, causing blowing dust and sand and reducing horizontal visibility. Wind speeds will range from 20 to 40kmph, reaching up to 60kmph.

Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf will be rough to very rough at times, while the Sea of Oman will be rough, especially during convective cloud activity.

Public closures across Dubai

In response to the prevailing weather conditions, Dubai Municipality announced the closure of public beaches and parks across the emirate on Thursday, December 18, and Friday, December 19, to ensure public safety.

Global Village also announced that it will be closed and all activities suspended from Thursday, 18 December, until further notice, to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.