The United Arab Emirates (UAE) faced a wave of disruptions as heavy rains and thunderstorms swept across the region, leading to flight cancellations, school closures, and work-from-home directives.
An orange alert was issued due to the intensifying weather conditions, impacting daily life in the UAE. Dubai, a major travel hub, experienced flight disruptions with several inbound and outbound flights being cancelled or delayed. Dubai Airport reported diversions and cancellations, urging travelers to anticipate road congestion and consider using the Dubai Metro for airport transfers.
In response to the weather warnings, the UAE government took proactive measures. Schools shifted to distance learning, and government employees were advised to work from home on May 2 and May 3. Private schools, nurseries, and universities in Dubai also switched to online classes during this period.
Emirates and other airlines faced operational challenges, leading to flight rescheduling and delays. Passengers were advised to check for updates and allow extra travel time due to potential road blockages caused by the inclement weather.
Other airlines operating in the UAE, such as Flydubai, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet, also reported disruptions in their flight operations across Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi. Road advisories were issued, urging travelers to plan for additional travel time and monitor flight status updates.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reassured the public that while the weather conditions were severe, they were not expected to replicate the flooding witnessed in April. Authorities emphasized preparedness and urged caution during this period of unstable weather.
Sources By Agencies