Heavy Rains Paralyse UAE, Forcing WFH, Travel Restrictions and Beach Closures

The United Arab Emirates faced severe disruptions from heavy rainfall and thunderstorms that began in Dubai on the evening of December 18, 2025, and intensified overnight into Abu Dhabi and other emirates on December 19. Streets in low-lying areas became waterlogged, with fast-moving floodwaters in northern valleys posing hazards to motorists, while social media videos captured submerged roads and vehicles struggling through inundated urban zones.

Authorities responded swiftly by directing all government employees in Dubai to work from home on December 19, strongly encouraging private sector companies to follow suit, and issuing similar advisories in Abu Dhabi. Public beaches, parks, tourist attractions including Global Village, and community events were temporarily closed as precautions, with residents urged to stay indoors until mid-afternoon and avoid non-essential travel, valleys, and flood-prone areas.

Transportation faced significant impacts, including flight delays and cancellations at Dubai International Airport, with airlines like Emirates, flydubai, and IndiGo warning passengers of disruptions due to thunderstorms. Road traffic slowed considerably, taxi services experienced delays, and some ferry routes were suspended, prompting increased police patrols and emergency teams on standby.

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This event echoes the record-breaking floods of April 2024 but highlights the growing frequency of intense rainfall in the desert nation, attributed to climate patterns. As conditions began easing later on December 19, with parks and beaches reopening in some areas, officials emphasised ongoing investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, including upgraded drainage and flood retention systems, to mitigate future risks amid holiday travel seasons.

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