Dubai Police warned residents to stay indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary as heavy rain was forecast from Thursday into Friday. The National Center of Meteorology predicted widespread showers across the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Earlier rains already caused street flooding, and experts say last year's record downpours were likely worsened by human-driven climate change.
Dubai Police Urge Residents to Stay Indoors Ahead of Heavy Rain Warning
Vehicles negotiate a flooded road in Dubai on December 18, 2025 (Giuseppe CACACE)(Giuseppe CACACE/AFP/AFP)
Dubai Police on Thursday issued an urgent advisory asking residents to stay indoors unless travel is "absolutely necessary" as heavy rainfall was forecast across the United Arab Emirates. The warning followed earlier showers that caused localized street flooding in the Emirati city.
For your safety, please remain cautious as unstable weather conditions are expected in the coming hours, and avoid going out unless it is absolutely necessary until midday on Friday, read the police alert sent to residents' phones.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) said widespread rain was expected from Thursday into Friday, with Dubai and the capital Abu Dhabi among the areas likely to be affected. Authorities cautioned that sudden downpours can quickly produce flash flooding, especially in areas with limited drainage.
Other Gulf states also reported heavy showers on Thursday. Saudi Arabia and Qatar experienced significant rainfall, and flooding in Qatar forced the cancellation of an Arab Cup match.
Last April, record-breaking rains battered the UAE, inundating homes and turning streets into rivers. The deluge — the heaviest since national records began 76 years ago — disrupted operations at Dubai International Airport and killed at least four people, including three Filipino workers and one Emirati. Experts pointed to inadequate storm drainage as a factor that worsened the damage.
A study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group concluded that human-driven global warming from fossil fuel emissions "most likely" intensified last year’s extreme downpours across the UAE and Oman.
What Residents Should Do
Officials urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, secure loose outdoor items, stay away from flooded roads and low-lying areas, and follow updates from Dubai Police and the NCM. Drivers were reminded not to attempt crossing flooded streets.
