Dubai and Sharjah Police have issued a warning advising drivers to remain alert and cautious on the roads as changing and unstable weather conditions may affect visibility, road safety, and overall driving conditions across both emirates.
Dubai and Sharjah Police Urge Motorists to Exercise Caution Amid Unsettled Weather.
Dubai Police have issued a public advisory cautioning residents and visitors about unsettled weather conditions expected to affect the emirate over the next several hours on Thursday, December 18. The alert forms part of ongoing efforts by authorities to ensure public safety during periods of changing weather and to reduce the risk of accidents or emergencies linked to adverse conditions.
In their message, Dubai Police urged the community to take the warning seriously and to remain vigilant as weather patterns may shift rapidly. Members of the public were strongly advised to avoid coastal areas during this period, particularly beaches, as rough sea conditions and strong winds could pose significant danger. Recreational marine activities, including sailing and boating, were also discouraged, with authorities highlighting the risks associated with unstable seas and reduced visibility.
The advisory further emphasized the importance of steering clear of valleys, wadis, and areas known to be vulnerable to flooding. Low-lying locations, which can quickly become hazardous during rainfall due to water accumulation, were specifically mentioned as places residents should avoid. Authorities warned that sudden water flow in these areas can occur without much notice, making them especially dangerous for pedestrians and motorists alike.
Motorists were also reminded to take extra care while driving. Dubai Police stressed the need for reduced speed, increased following distance, and heightened awareness of road conditions, particularly in areas that may experience water pooling or poor visibility. Drivers were encouraged to remain attentive, avoid distractions, and follow all traffic regulations to minimize the risk of accidents during the unsettled weather.
In addition, the police called on residents to closely follow instructions and updates issued by relevant authorities, including emergency services and weather monitoring agencies. Staying informed through official channels was highlighted as a key step in ensuring personal and public safety. Authorities reiterated that cooperation from the community plays a crucial role in managing weather-related risks and preventing unnecessary harm.
Dubai Police concluded their advisory by reminding the public that such precautionary measures are issued with the well-being of everyone in mind. By taking preventive steps, exercising caution, and adhering to official guidance, residents can help ensure their own safety as well as that of others during periods of unpredictable weather.
Sharjah Police have recently issued an official advisory aimed at ensuring public safety on the roads in light of ongoing unstable weather conditions affecting the emirate. The warning, part of a coordinated effort with other authorities in the UAE to minimize accidents and injuries, specifically addressed drivers and residents traveling across various parts of Sharjah. Police emphasized the need for heightened caution due to anticipated rainfall, which can reduce road visibility, increase slipperiness, and create hazards that require careful driving. Motorists were strongly urged to adjust their driving behavior to accommodate these conditions, including maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, reducing speed, and remaining alert at all times while on the road.
Authorities also advised drivers to avoid areas prone to natural hazards, including dams, valleys, and low-lying locations, which can become dangerous during periods of heavy rain or strong winds. These areas are especially susceptible to water accumulation or sudden flooding, posing significant risks to both vehicles and pedestrians. Police noted that adherence to such guidance is essential not only for personal safety but also for the safety of other road users, particularly in areas where conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly.
The advisory from Sharjah Police comes amid a broader set of weather alerts issued across the UAE in recent days. Federal and local authorities have been closely monitoring meteorological developments and have repeatedly cautioned residents about a variety of adverse conditions expected in different parts of the country. These include intermittent rainfall, gusty winds, low visibility due to fog or dust, and unstable conditions in coastal and inland areas. Collectively, these alerts are intended to help communities prepare for sudden changes in weather and to encourage proactive measures that reduce risk.
Highlighting the human factors that contribute to accidents during such conditions, Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic, emphasized the dangers of risky driving behaviors. He specifically warned against distractions such as the use of mobile phones or filming while driving, practices that significantly increase the likelihood of collisions. According to Brigadier Suwaidan, even experienced drivers can face heightened danger during unstable weather if they fail to focus fully on the road. The combination of reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, and inattentive driving dramatically raises the risk of accidents, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
The traffic chief’s message also served as a reminder that safe driving is a collective responsibility. Drivers are not only accountable for their own safety but also for the well-being of passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists sharing the road. By adhering to traffic regulations, adjusting driving to suit prevailing conditions, and avoiding unnecessary risks, road users contribute to a safer environment for all. Authorities have emphasized that these measures are not merely advisory but are critical components of a comprehensive public safety strategy designed to minimize accidents and protect lives.
Sharjah Police also encouraged residents to stay updated with real-time information regarding road conditions and weather developments. This includes following official channels, weather bulletins, and alerts issued by traffic authorities, which often contain crucial guidance for navigating challenging conditions safely. Motorists were urged to plan their journeys carefully, allowing extra time for travel, choosing alternative routes if necessary, and avoiding travel in areas identified as particularly hazardous during periods of heavy rain or strong winds.
The broader context of these warnings reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to proactive safety measures in response to environmental hazards. The combination of rapid urban development, high traffic volumes, and variable weather patterns necessitates a high degree of vigilance and preparedness from both authorities and residents. By promoting awareness and enforcing safety guidelines, Sharjah Police and other agencies aim to reduce the likelihood of accidents while maintaining smooth traffic flow and protecting public infrastructure.
Moreover, the warnings serve as an educational opportunity for the public to better understand the specific challenges posed by different types of weather. For instance, rain may not only reduce visibility but also affect tire traction, increase stopping distances, and create puddles that can lead to hydroplaning. Strong winds can affect vehicle stability, particularly for high-profile vehicles such as trucks and buses, while fog or dust storms can obscure traffic signals, road markings, and other vehicles. Being aware of these risks allows drivers to take informed precautions, such as slowing down, maintaining greater distances, using headlights appropriately, and avoiding sudden maneuvers.
Brigadier Suwaidan’s emphasis on avoiding distractions is particularly relevant in today’s digital era, where the temptation to check messages, make calls, or film content while driving is widespread. He noted that even minor distractions can have severe consequences when combined with unstable weather, as drivers may not have adequate time to react to hazards. His guidance encourages a culture of responsible driving, highlighting the importance of focus, patience, and adherence to traffic rules as fundamental principles for road safety.
In addition to individual behavior, authorities are also coordinating monitoring and emergency response measures to support motorists during adverse conditions. Traffic patrols, emergency response teams, and public safety announcements are part of a wider network of measures designed to ensure timely assistance for drivers who may encounter difficulties, including stranded vehicles, minor collisions, or hazardous road conditions. By combining public awareness, law enforcement, and rapid response infrastructure, Sharjah Police and other UAE authorities aim to minimize disruption while maximizing safety.
The warnings also underscore the shared responsibility between residents, expatriates, and visitors in maintaining road safety. The UAE attracts people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and authorities consistently emphasize the need for everyone to understand and respect local rules and guidance regarding driving and public safety. Following advice related to weather conditions is one way to demonstrate this shared commitment to community well-being, ensuring that all road users—regardless of experience or familiarity with local conditions—can navigate safely.
In conclusion, Sharjah Police’s advisory represents a comprehensive effort to protect lives and prevent accidents during periods of unstable weather. By urging drivers to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, avoid vulnerable areas such as dams and valleys, refrain from risky behaviors like using mobile phones or filming, and follow instructions issued by authorities, officials are providing practical guidance that can significantly reduce the likelihood of incidents. Coupled with broader weather alerts issued across the UAE, these measures form part of a proactive public safety strategy designed to safeguard residents, visitors, and motorists alike. Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, emphasizing that preparedness, vigilance, and responsible driving are essential in ensuring that roads remain safe during challenging weather scenarios.
