UAE residents have been urged to be vigilant after heavy rain and thunder lashed large parts of the country on Monday, with motorists facing travel disruption.
Authorities issued a series of safety alerts in response to the hazardous weather conditions, which caused flooding on roads and in communities.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation called on private sector companies to step up safety measures to protect employees, particularly those operating outdoors, and those commuting to and from workplaces.
"The safety of workers is a priority, and adherence to occupational health and safety requirements is a shared responsibility that ensures business continuity within a safe working environment," the ministry said.
Emirates airline advised travellers to leave sufficient time for journeys to Dubai International Airport and to monitor the status of flights during the adverse weather.
Road diversions were put in place on a number of routes as a result of the heavy rainfall, including the entry to Yas Island.
Police in Abu Dhabi reduced speed limits to 100kph on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road – from Al Nouf to Gareen Al Aish – and Salama Bint Butti Street Road, from Zayed City to Liwa, as a safety measure.
Dubai urges public to follow safety rules
Dubai Media Office stressed the need to abide by key safety measures during rainy weather – and said heavy fines would be imposed for those who flout the rules.
The media office warned that people gathering near valleys, dams and other flood-prone areas could face fines of up to Dh1,000 ($272) and have six black points added to their driving licence.
Entering flooded valleys, regardless of water level or degree of danger, carries a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points and can see vehicles being seized for 60 days.
Anyone fond to have obstructed authorities managing traffic or emergency response efforts can be fined up to Dh1,000, have four black points added to their licence and face vehicle seized for 60 days.
The NCM also called on people to exercise caution during bouts of heavy rainfall and to avoid flooded areas.
It shared video footage on social media of motorists navigating waterlogged roads and fast-flowing water filling valleys in the Northern Emirates.
In a further alert, it advised the public to take care when driving during treacherous weather conditions and to avoid being in open and elevated areas during thunder and lightning.
People were also warned against swimming or diving in the sea during the unstable weather.
Heavy rain is forecast for Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Northern Emirates until at least Friday, with winds expected to reach speeds of up to 50kph.
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Heavy rain falls in Dubai on Monday, and more is expected in the days ahead. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The rain in Dubai caused some flooding. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
There was also some flooding in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Police in the capital temporarily reduced speed limits. Victor Besa / The National -
Heavy rain is forecast in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE until at least Friday. Victor Besa / The National -
Pedestrians get some shelter from the elements in the overpass at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Victor Besa / The National -
Motorists in Abu Dhabi and elsewhere have been asked to take extra care in the hazardous conditions. Victor Besa / The National -
Traffic in front of the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Victor Besa / The National
The NCM said strong gusts of wind could lift up sand and dust, leading to poor visibility.
The UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema) previously said it was monitoring developments closely after holding talks with the Ministry of Interior and the NCM.
Ncema on Monday moved to reassure the public over the prevailing weather, stressing that guidance would be issued through its early warning system in the case of any threat to safety.
The NCM said unstable weather was expected to persist until at least Friday, March 27 – including rain of “varying intensity” – while police have called on drivers to exercise caution on the roads.
