Torrential downpours, lightning and strong winds disrupt traffic in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as clean-up operations continue amid regional tensions.
Heavy rainfall and powerful thunderstorms swept across the United Arab Emirates on Thursday night and into Friday, triggering flash floods, waterlogged roads and major traffic disruptions in several emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The unstable weather system brought intense downpours, lightning, thunder and strong winds, with some areas recording significant rainfall in a short period. Municipal teams and emergency services were deployed across the country to pump out water, clear roads and assist stranded motorists as low-lying areas and urban streets turned into rivers.
In Sharjah, one of the hardest-hit emirates, videos and images showed vehicles inching through deep floodwaters, with major roads heavily congested. Similar scenes were reported in parts of Dubai, where overnight rain flooded highways and side streets, forcing police and recovery teams onto the roads before dawn. Downtown Abu Dhabi also experienced flooding near key areas such as Al Wahda, affecting intersections and parking zones.
The National Centre of Meteorology had issued warnings for thunderstorms, heavy rain and reduced visibility, urging residents to exercise caution, particularly in wadi areas and exposed urban zones. Hail was reported in some northern emirates, adding to the hazardous conditions.
Traffic chaos and flight disruptions:
The storms caused widespread traffic problems, with slow-moving vehicles and temporary road closures in multiple locations. Authorities activated emergency protocols, including the use of pumping trucks to drain accumulated water from highways and residential areas.
Dubai Airports warned passengers of possible delays due to the weather, while some flights faced disruptions amid the reduced visibility and stormy conditions. Commuters in the northern emirates, including Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, also reported significant delays.
Clean-up operations were underway on Friday as the weather began to ease in some parts of the country, though authorities cautioned that further showers could not be ruled out. Temperatures dropped noticeably, offering a brief respite from the usual March heat.
Extreme weather backdrop in the Gulf region:
The UAE, which typically experiences arid conditions, has seen an increase in extreme rainfall events in recent years, partly attributed to climate change and urban development that limits natural drainage. The latest episode echoes the record-breaking floods of April 2024 but occurred on a somewhat smaller scale.
Officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of following safety guidelines during such events, including avoiding flooded roads and staying indoors when lightning is present.
The heavy rain arrives as the wider Middle East grapples with escalating conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, adding another layer of strain on infrastructure and emergency services already managing regional security concerns.
No major casualties or serious injuries were immediately reported from the weather event, though authorities continued to monitor the situation closely.
Residents were advised to check official weather updates and traffic alerts from local authorities as clean-up efforts continue into the weekend.