Dubai rains: Remote work orders, beaches closed as police launch emergency response

Dubai Police has announced full readiness to respond to expected emergencies during the upcoming period of unstable weather conditions, with a wide deployment of land and sea rescue teams across the emirate.

Colonel Khalid Al Hammadi, Director of the Search and Rescue Department at the General Department of Transport and Rescue, confirmed that teams have been placed in 22 strategic areas – 13 land rescue areas, including Hatta, and 9 marine rescue areas near the coast of Dubai – to ensure a quick response to incidents caused by climate change.

Dubai rain warnings

Land rescue teams are equipped with special 4×4 vehicles, rescue trucks, and advanced equipment including water lifts, cutters, saws, and other modern rescue technology.

In addition, 120 cranes have been made available in partnership with Emirates Auctions to support emergency operations that require heavy lifting.

Marine rescue teams are on full alert and operate around the clock, patrolling coastal areas and villages to ensure quick intervention when needed. These teams are supported by specialized lifeboats, jet skis, trained lifeguards, and professional divers who can handle a variety of marine emergencies.

Colonel Al Hammadi urged the public to follow the safety instructions and official updates issued by the Dubai Police and other government authorities. He urged residents to call 999 in case of emergency and provide clear and accurate location information to assist responders.

He concluded by wishing everyone safety and security in this expected weather.

Remote work in Dubai

Under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, the Government of Dubai announced the remote working of employees of all its agencies on Friday, December 19, due to the weather.

The decision applies to all Dubai government employees, except for roles that require local presence at work. The private sector has also been encouraged to operate in remote areas to ensure public safety.

Separately, the Ministry of Labor and Emiratisation urged private institutions in the areas most affected by the current weather conditions to work long hours on Friday, 19 December, in roles allowed by their nature, in order to maintain the health and safety of workers.

The Ministry also urged all the private sector in the country to be aware and use all the necessary health and safety measures at work during this period of bad weather conditions, and to follow the instructions issued by the local authorities in each emirate regarding business operations.

Weather forecast: rain, strong winds, and rough seas

The National Center of Meteorology predicts that the weather will be changeable and partly cloudy at times, with the formation of variable clouds in scattered areas of the country, accompanied by rain of varying intensity.

Rain may be accompanied by lightning, thunder, and hail in limited areas, as well as a significant drop in temperatures.

Winds will be south-east, changing to north-west, moderate to fresh and strong at times, especially with variable clouds, causing blowing dust and sand and reducing horizontal visibility. Wind speeds will range from 20 to 40km/h, up to 60km/h.

Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf will be rough at times, while the Sea of ​​Oman will be rough, especially during cloud activity.

Public shutdown across Dubai

In response to the prevailing weather, Dubai Municipality has announced the closure of beaches and public parks across the emirate on Thursday, December 18, and Friday, December 19, to ensure public safety.

Global Village has also announced that it will be closed and all activities suspended from Thursday, December 18, until further notice, to ensure the safety of guests and staff.