Dubai Municipality (DM) said it responded to more than 2,180 weather-related calls across the emirate during the recent spell of unstable weather that affected large parts of the UAE. Reports ranged from water accumulation on major and internal roads to issues in residential neighbourhoods, public areas and parks.
The heavy rainfall, which spread across several emirates last week, led to widespread flooding and weather-related disruptions. In some areas, trees were uprooted and structures collapsed, while mountainous regions such as Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais were closed for several days as a precaution.
In Dubai, municipal teams were deployed as part of coordinated emergency field operations aimed at protecting public safety and ensuring the continuity of essential services. Officials said the response prioritised the functionality of major road networks while addressing waterlogging in residential streets and public spaces.
“Guided by its leadership, Dubai Municipality prioritises public safety and the continued operation of key road networks and residential areas,” a spokesperson for the civic body said. The municipality added that its teams worked around the clock to minimise disruptions caused by the rainfall.
According to DM, response efforts focused on maintaining traffic flow, ensuring access to residential communities, removing weather-related obstructions and conducting cleaning and drainage works in affected locations. Special attention was given to areas that had experienced water accumulation during previous storms.
The municipality stressed that the latest response reflected improvements made following the unprecedented rainfall event of April 2024. That storm, described as the heaviest rainfall in the UAE’s 75-year recorded history, saw more than 250 millimetres of rain fall within 24 hours, overwhelming drainage systems and causing extensive infrastructure damage.
The April floods prompted a comprehensive review of Dubai’s stormwater management systems, exposing vulnerabilities in drainage networks and emergency coordination. Since then, authorities have implemented a series of interim and long-term measures to strengthen the city’s resilience to extreme weather.
“Lessons from the April 2024 rainfall informed enhancements to drainage preparedness, including interim and long-term measures implemented through targeted projects in previously affected areas,” the DM spokesperson said.
These measures included upgrades to drainage networks, expanded pumping capacity and improved coordination between emergency response teams and infrastructure departments. Officials said the improvements have enhanced the municipality’s ability to manage heavy rainfall while maintaining service continuity.
In November last year, Dubai announced emergency preparedness plans and confirmed that around 90 per cent of areas affected by the April floods had undergone extensive upgrades. These works were aimed at reducing the risk of water accumulation and improving response times during severe weather events.
During the recent rainfall, municipal teams were able to respond more efficiently to reports of flooding, particularly in areas that had previously experienced prolonged waterlogging. Authorities said this demonstrated tangible progress in the city’s stormwater management strategy.
Elsewhere in the UAE, the recent weather system caused disruptions beyond Dubai. Several emirates reported flooded roads, damaged infrastructure and temporary closures of tourist sites. In Ras Al Khaimah, authorities closed Jebel Jais, the country’s highest peak, for several days due to safety concerns.
Climate experts have warned that intense rainfall events may become more frequent in the region due to changing climate patterns. Although the UAE has traditionally been characterised by arid conditions, scientists say warming temperatures are increasing the likelihood of extreme and unpredictable weather.
As a result, authorities across the country are accelerating investments in resilient infrastructure and emergency preparedness. In Dubai, officials say continued upgrades to drainage systems and coordination mechanisms remain a priority.
Dubai Municipality said it will continue to monitor weather conditions closely and refine its response strategies to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The municipality also urged the public to report water accumulation and weather-related hazards promptly to help teams respond quickly.
With climate risks expected to grow, officials emphasised that proactive planning, infrastructure investment and public cooperation will be key to minimising the impact of future extreme weather events across the emirate and the wider UAE.