Downpours Lash UAE as Residents Modify Work and Travel Plans

Unsettled weather conditions sweeping across the UAE on December 18 have prompted residents in Dubai and surrounding areas to rethink their daily routines, with many opting for remote work, altering travel plans, and taking additional safety measures as rainfall and strong winds intensify.

Across several communities, people reported adjusting their schedules after monitoring weather updates and assessing potential risks. For some families, decisions were shaped by childcare arrangements and concerns about commuting during uncertain conditions.

Mariam Ali, a resident of Shawka who works in Al Quoz, said she chose to work from home after weighing the unpredictability of the weather alongside her childcare responsibilities. According to Mariam, her son’s daycare reached out to parents late Wednesday night to determine whether it would operate the following day given the weather forecast.

“The daycare asked parents if they felt it was safe to open,” she told insider18. “Most parents agreed it would be better to close, especially since the weather could worsen. With that decision made, working from home felt like the safest option for everyone involved.”

Although conditions in Shawka were still relatively calm by mid-morning, Mariam said staying indoors provided peace of mind. “Even if it looks fine now, the uncertainty makes it better to be cautious,” she added.

Her decision reflects a broader trend seen across the country as authorities urged private-sector employers to remain flexible and prioritise employee safety during the period of unstable weather. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued guidance encouraging companies to carefully assess working conditions on Thursday and Friday, December 18 and 19, particularly for staff whose roles involve outdoor duties.

In its statement, the ministry stressed the importance of safeguarding workers’ health and wellbeing, noting that adverse weather could make certain tasks unsafe or difficult to carry out. Employers were advised to comply fully with occupational health and safety regulations, both during working hours and while employees commute to and from job sites.

While some residents stayed home, others adjusted how they travelled. Sara, who lives in Al Barsha near the Mall of the Emirates and works in Dubai Marina, decided to use public transport instead of driving. Her choice was heavily influenced by her experience during last year’s severe April rainfall.

“During the rains in 2024, I got stuck at work because the roads were completely congested,” she told insider18. “It was stressful, and I didn’t want to put myself — or my new car — at risk again.”

Although she admitted feeling slightly concerned about potential disruptions to metro services, Sara said she ultimately felt it was a safer alternative. “Last year taught me a lesson. I’d rather be cautious than regret it later,” she said.

Weather conditions have already worsened in several parts of the UAE, with residents waking up to heavy rainfall, hail, and cloudy skies in multiple locations. Eastern regions of the country, which are typically among the first to experience such systems, reported significant rainfall and flowing valleys from early Thursday morning.

Meteorologists have warned that the unstable system is expected to intensify further. After midnight, a major wave of weather activity is forecast to move across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, bringing periods of heavy rain that could impact road conditions and visibility.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology, the weather system will develop in multiple stages over the next two days. Residents can expect strong winds, intermittent rain, and the possibility of hail as the system progresses. These conditions are expected to persist into Friday, December 19, 2025.

Beyond work and travel considerations, some residents took extra steps to protect vulnerable animals within their communities. Chiku Singh, a Dutch-Indian expatriate living in Dubai, said he spent hours preparing feeding stations for stray cats ahead of the worsening weather.

“With heavy rain and strong winds expected, I wanted to make sure the cats had dry and secure places to eat,” he told insider18. “I was out late reinforcing feeding areas so they wouldn’t be exposed to rain or debris during the storm.”

Such acts of preparedness reflect the wider sense of caution seen across the UAE as residents brace for continued unsettled weather. Authorities have repeatedly reminded the public to stay informed through official weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall, and remain vigilant, particularly in flood-prone areas.

As the system moves through the country, flexibility, preparedness, and community awareness remain key, with residents and employers alike adapting to ensure safety during the challenging conditions.