Following the recent flooding in the United Arab Emirates, heavy rains have returned to the country, prompting cautionary measures and disruptions. Dubai, in particular, has been affected, with government employees being advised to work from home on May 2 and May 3 due to the unstable weather conditions. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued an orange alert as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall lash the UAE, with the peak of the unstable weather pattern expected to occur on May 2-3.
In response to the weather forecast, the UAE has implemented various safety measures. Schools have shifted to online learning, and companies have been encouraged to allow employees to work remotely. Public spaces such as parks and beaches have also been closed.
Dubai International Airport has experienced flight cancellations and delays due to the adverse weather. Five inbound flights were diverted overnight, and nine arrivals and four outbound departures were canceled. Airport authorities advised travelers to allocate extra time for their airport journeys and consider using the Dubai Metro to access Terminals 1 and 3.
Several airlines operating in the UAE have also announced flight disruptions due to the weather. Emirates has canceled multiple flights, while Flydubai, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet have reported delays and potential impacts on their operations.
Amidst the weather-related disruptions, authorities in the UAE have emphasized their preparedness to handle the situation. The country’s disaster management authority has reiterated the readiness of relevant agencies to implement necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the unstable weather conditions.