Rains batter UAE: Residents work from home, adjust commute as weather intensifies

[Editor's note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest updates on unstable weather in the UAE]

Ongoing unstable weather across the UAE on December 18 prompted residents in Dubai and nearby areas are taking extra precautions, adjusting work and commuting routines. In some cases, people are taking measures to protect vulnerable animals in their communities.

Some residents opted to work from home after assessing safety concerns. Mariam Ali, who lives in Shawka and works in Al Quoz, said her decision was influenced by uncertainty about weather and childcare arrangements.

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“Last night, the daycare sent a message asking whether it would open or close today based on the expected weather,” she told Khaleej Times. “Based on the decision of most parents, my son’s daycare is closed today. So I had to work from home, which I believe is best for the safety of the children and staff, especially as we don’t know how the weather will develop.”

At 11.06am, Mariam said conditions in Shawka remained calm but added that staying home felt safest.

These measures come as authorities urged private-sector companies across the UAE to exercise caution on Thursday and Friday, December 18 and 19, due to expected unstable weather.

In a statement, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation stressed the importance of protecting workers’ health and safety, particularly those engaged in outdoor roles where continuing operations may be challenging during adverse weather.

Others changed how they commute — Sara, who lives in Al Barsha near the Mall of the Emirates and works in Dubai Marina, decided to take the metro instead of driving. She took the call after her challenging experience during 2024's April rains, when she was unable to leave work due to traffic congestion and poor road conditions.

“Even though I worried the metro might stop operating, I didn’t want to risk my new car,” she said. “Last year was enough of a lesson.”

Weather has already intensified in parts of the country, with residents in several areas waking up to heavy rain, hail and overcast skies. Eastern regions, which are usually the first to be affected, have seen heavy showers and flowing valleys since early Thursday.

After midnight, the first main wave of unstable weather is expected to affect Abu Dhabi and Dubai, bringing periods of heavy rain.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology, the system will unfold in several phases over the next two days, with rain, strong winds and possible hail as a major weather system moves through the region. Conditions are expected to continue into Friday, December 19, 2025.

Some residents also took steps beyond their routines to ensure vulnerable groups were not left exposed. Chiku Singh, a Dutch-Indian expat living in Dubai, said he spent the night installing feeding stations for stray cats across his community.

“With the dust storm and heavy rain approaching, I was out late storm proofing feeding stations so the stray cats aren’t left exposed to heavy rain and wind,” he said.

Employers were asked to assess risks carefully and ensure full compliance with occupational health and safety requirements during working hours and while employees commute to and from work sites.