Ongoing unstable weather across the UAE on December 18 prompted residents in Dubai and nearby areas to take extra precautions, adjusting work schedules, commuting routines, and daily plans as conditions worsened across parts of the country.
Heavy rain, strong winds, and the possibility of hail led many people to prioritise safety, while authorities urged employers to remain flexible and vigilant as the weather system moved through the region.
Some residents chose to work from home after assessing travel risks and family needs. Mariam Ali, who lives in Shawka and works in Al Quoz, said uncertainty around weather conditions and childcare influenced her decision.
She explained that her son’s daycare had contacted parents late the previous night, asking whether it would open depending on expected conditions. Following discussions among parents, the facility decided to close for the day.
“Based on the decision of most parents, my son’s daycare is closed today,” Mariam told Khaleej Times. “So I had to work from home, which I believe is best for the safety of the children and staff.”
At around 11.06am, Mariam said conditions in Shawka remained calm. Despite this, she felt staying home was the safest option given forecasts warning of sudden weather changes.
Authorities echoed these concerns, urging private-sector companies across the UAE to exercise caution on Thursday and Friday, December 18 and 19, due to expected unstable weather conditions.
In a statement, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation stressed the importance of protecting workers’ health and safety, particularly for those in outdoor roles where operations may become challenging during adverse weather.
The ministry called on employers to assess risks carefully and ensure full compliance with occupational health and safety requirements, including during employees’ commutes to and from work sites.
Others adjusted how they travelled rather than their work arrangements. Sara, who lives in Al Barsha near the Mall of the Emirates and works in Dubai Marina, opted to take the metro instead of driving.
Her decision was shaped by memories of April 2024’s severe rains, when flooding and congestion left her stranded at work for hours due to impassable roads and traffic chaos.
“Even though I worried the metro might stop operating, I didn’t want to risk my new car,” she said. “Last year was enough of a lesson.”
Weather conditions have already intensified in several areas, with residents waking up to heavy rain, hail, and overcast skies. Eastern regions, typically affected first, reported heavy showers and flowing valleys early Thursday.
According to forecasts, the first main wave of unstable weather was expected after midnight, affecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai with periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The National Centre of Meteorology said the system would unfold in several phases over the next two days, bringing rain, gusty winds, and possible hail as a major weather front moves across the UAE.
Conditions are expected to persist into Friday, December 19, prompting continued caution from authorities and residents alike as forecasts are closely monitored.
Beyond work and commuting, some residents took extra steps to protect vulnerable groups within their communities. Chiku Singh, a Dutch-Indian expat living in Dubai, focused on safeguarding stray animals.
He spent the night installing storm-proof feeding stations for stray cats across his neighbourhood, ensuring food and shelter remained accessible despite approaching rain and wind.
“With the dust storm and heavy rain approaching, I was out late storm-proofing feeding stations so the stray cats aren’t left exposed,” he said.
As unstable weather continues, residents across the UAE remain alert, balancing daily responsibilities with safety concerns while authorities reinforce guidance aimed at minimising risks during the challenging conditions.