The United Arab Emirates is bracing for severe weather conditions, with the national meteorology department issuing a high-level alert. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has declared an orange alert for heavy rainfall across the country on Friday, December 19, 2025. The unstable weather system is forecast to bring thunderstorms, lightning, and even hail to several regions.
Weather Warnings and Safety Precautions
Authorities have urgently called on all residents to exercise extreme caution. The Abu Dhabi Media Office has emphasised that public safety is the top priority and advised people to closely follow all official updates and safety guidelines. The forecast indicates that strong winds accompanying the storms will likely stir up dust and sand, significantly reducing horizontal visibility on roads and in open areas, creating hazardous travel conditions.
Transport and Aviation Disruptions
The severe weather is already causing significant disruptions to air travel. Major airlines have proactively issued advisories to passengers. Flydubai has recommended travellers plan for extra time to reach Dubai International Airport due to expected traffic delays caused by the inclement weather. In a more stringent advisory, Emirates has asked customers departing from Dubai to arrive at the terminal a full four hours before their flight's scheduled departure to accommodate potential processing delays.
Emergency Preparedness in Action
Local municipalities have activated their emergency protocols to manage the situation. Dubai Municipality has confirmed that its comprehensive emergency response system is now fully operational on a 24/7 basis. This system is supported by specialised teams with advanced training and is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and logistical support to respond swiftly to any incidents arising from the heavy rains and storms.
As the UAE faces this spell of unstable weather, the key advice from all authorities remains for residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and monitor only official channels for the latest developments. The orange alert signifies that hazardous weather events are forecast, and the public must be prepared.
