By Desmond Nleya
The severe weather conditions forecast to strike the UAE this weekend have begun.
Heavy rain and thunder have lashed several parts of the country overnight, with many residents waking up to showers, dark skies and strong winds.
Everyone is advised to stay indoors. Events were cancelled and popular leisure spots were closed.
With the bad weather expected to peak today — Khaleej Times brings you the latest updates from across the UAE.
4.36pm: Authority denies rumours
The National Centre of Meteorology has denied the reports claiming that the surface depression is over, clarifying that there is no truth to these circulating rumours.
“This news is not true. Currently, the country is still affected by the surface depression. As at the moment, we are experiencing heavy rain in Abu Dhabi and Dubai,” stated weather forecaster Maha Al Hashemi from the National Centre of Meteorology to the ‘Direct Line’ program broadcast.
4.32pm: Finding the silver lining
As several UAE residents chose to stay home as rain battered the country, some Muhaisnah residents decided to have fun in the downpour in Dubai.
In a video shared with KT, many of them are seen taking to the streets, joined by youngsters as they play ball while waddling through almost knee-deep water.
4.20pm: A rare sight
Sharjah resident Zaheer had gone for a drive along the Mleiha area when he spotted this “river” in the middle of the desert. He stopped to take a video of this rare sight.
4.12pm: UAE-wide orange alert
Orange alert has now been raised for all emirates. This means hazardous weather events are expected across the country.
Just half an hour ago, the orange warning was placed on some areas. Now, almost the entire UAE is covered:
4pm: Rains across the capital city
At 3pm, Reem Island and other parts of the Abu Dhabi islands started to experience heavy rain accompanied by strong gusts of wind. Meanwhile, parts of outer Abu Dhabi, such as Al Falah, Shakhbout, and Khalifa A, only had mild to moderate rain and wind.
Videos taken by KT journalist Ahmed Waqqas Alawlaqi show rainfall across parts of Abu Dhabi.
While residents in Abu Dhabi City experienced light spells of showers, heavy rainfall has been reported in Khalifa City, Mohamed bin Zayed City, and other suburban areas like Bani Yas and Al Shamkhah
“It was heavily cloudy for the past few hours. Heavy rainfall started at 3 pm. But it has lessened in intensity. However, we will not face a flood-like situation as Khalifa City and other places have an efficient drainage system in place,” Jijo Joseph, a resident from Khalifa City, said.
With the local authorities urging community members not to leave their homes unless “absolutely necessary”, several residential areas wore a deserted look.
“It was overcast since morning. We have packed food essentials for the next two days. We are staying at home but also enjoying this brief rain from our windows,” Hakkim, a resident living in Hamdan, a popular place in the Abu Dhabi, said.
3:48pm: RAK dam overflows
A road leading to Ras Al Khaimah’s Wadi Shawka has been closed as the dam overflows.
Taking to X, RAK’s police alerted residents of the closure through a video showing police cars blocking the adventure spot. The authority has given warnings to residents to refrain from venturing to these spots
