As it happened: UAE rescue teams battle floods, severe weather; rains to continue tomorrow

The severe weather conditions forecast to strike the UAE over the weekend began on Saturday, March 9.

Heavy rain and thunder lashed several parts of the country overnight, with many residents waking up to showers, dark skies and strong winds.

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Everyone had been advised to stay indoors. Events were cancelled and popular leisure spots were closed.

As bad weather peaked on Saturday, March 9 — Khaleej Times brought residents the latest updates from across the UAE.

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11.20pm: Signing off

It's good night from Team KT for now. We'll be back with all the latest in the morning, so be sure to check back in when the sun is up (hopefully, sooner than later). Stay safe!

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11.15pm: A quiet night settles, rain expected tomorrow

As the night comes to an end on a day hit by heavy rains, thunderstorms and lightning, the NCM issued a country-wide orange alert. Despite today being the peak for turbulent weather across the UAE, residents have been warned of rainfall tomorrow as well.

Authorities across emirates were seen pumping water from streets, managing traffic and many even braving floods and severe weather to rescue people stuck in overflowing wadis. Teams have been working around the clock to ensure smooth travel and safety for residents today, as well as tomorrow.

Many residents were transported back in time to March 9, 2016, when the Emirates experienced adverse conditions — except this time, authorities have taken measures beforehand, ensuring life doesn't come to a halt in the bustling country.

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10.35pm: Will it rain tomorrow?

Residents who are hoping to enjoy the weekend in the outdoors tomorrow, be aware since there is a chance of rainfall during the day.

As per the NCM, weather tomorrow will be clear to partly cloudy and occasionally cloudy in some areas with a chance of rainfall eastward and southward during the day. Temperatures are expected to rise with humidity expected at night.

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10.21pm: Medical fitness centres to remain closed

Sharjah's Municipality announced the continued closure of medical fitness centres tomorrow, Sunday, March 10 due to unstable weather conditions.

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10.12 pm: Residents reach out for help

As water fills up their yards and furniture is submerged in their homes, residents in Dubai's Green Community Motor City reached out to Khaleej Times to bring their situation to light. Hoping to get help from authorities, they said flooding has not yet subsided in their locality and tankers that were supposed to pump out water have not yet arrived.

In a video shared with KT, a villa can be seen filled with water inside the community.

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9.57pm: RTA deploys teams across city

Teams in Dubai have been working round the clock to ensure motorists and residents can easily travel to their destinations during unstable weather.

Dubai authorities deployed a total of 2,300 personnel from across various entities to respond to emergencies and mitigate the impact of heavy rains that struck the UAE this weekend.

Teams were equipped with over 700 units of equipment including 250 tankers, 300 rainwater pumps, over 180 emergency vehicles, field survey vehicles, machinery and other heavy equipment to deal with water-logged conditions.

Dubai Police reported receiving a total of 10,232 calls today between 6am and 3pm on its emergency and non-emergency hotlines.

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9.45pm: Dubai residents out and about

As rains came to a halt in most parts of Dubai, some residents decided to make most of the quiet and cold night by meeting up with friends and family.

Some residents stepped out and to grab a bite at local eateries in Karama.

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9.24pm - Car damaged in Fujairah? Here's how to attain a police certificate

If your car has been damaged due to heavy rains, flooding or winds in Fujairah, police in the emirate have created a simple route for motorists to attain a police certificate.

Firstly, they must access the 'Fujairah Police' application and then select the 'certificate for whomever it may concern'.

Motorists have to then attach a picture of the vehicle along with its license plate and vehicle ownership.

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9.05pm: Sheikh Hamdan hails cops, authorities

Taking to his Instagram stories, Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan posted a video thanking police officials, traffic safety personnel, officials at RTA and workers who were on the scene helping pump out water from streets.

Watch the video below:

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8.44pm: Own a farm? Take these precautions

There's something for everyone. With unstable weather, farm owners and workers have to take extra precaution, since it's not only their lives at stake, but also that of their livestock.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi revealed measures such individuals can take to ensure safety during these times.

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8.20pm: Safety tips at home

With forecast for a rainy day tomorrow as well, authorities have advised residents to take precautionary measures while being indoors.

Residents living in buildings and homes must take the following measures:

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7.40pm: Free parking in Ajman

Ajman's Municipality announced free parking for motorists in the city due to prevailing unstable weather conditions.

The free parking has been declared from 5pm to 10pm on Saturday, March 9.

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7.27pm: Back to usual

Dubai's RTA announced the return of traffic to normal on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Due to heavy rains earlier, the authority had warned motorists of increasing traffic on the busy road, along with advising them to take alternate routes.

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7.10pm: Lighter rains in Umm Al Quwain

In comparison to the unstable weather conditions in most parts of the UAE, residents in Umm Al Quwain experienced scattered showers.

Authorities closed off some roads as they worked on draining water ponds on roads and return them to safer conditions.

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6.40pm: Overflowing underpass, flooded streets in Sharjah

Streets in Sharjah were filled with residents moving around throughout the day, in comparison to much more empty streets across other emirates. In videos shared with KT, people were out and about despite roads and footpaths being flooded in Sharjah's Yarmouk area.

In another video, an underpass is seen overflowing due to excess water from streets above.

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6.10pm: Colourful umbrellas come out

Colourful umbrellas, sheets of plastic and carrier bags were just some of the shields that residents utilised as they made their way through flooded streets.

In pictures captured by KT journalist Muhammad Sajjad, Sharjah residents are seen getting across through ponds of water, with some holding up their pants and others walking hand in hand.

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5.43pm: Dubai wadis overflow, authority takes action

As wadis in Dubai's Hatta region overflowed, dams helped divert the flow in the area.

Hatta resident, Banaris, shared videos of Leem lake and Wadi Hab overflowing during the day. "Dams made the situation way better, thank God. This is around 11.30 -12pm, but it is still raining."

Dubai Police's rescue teams have already reached the area to handle any emergency situations.

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5.20pm: Lightning strikes the iconic tip

How can any rainy spell go without an iconic picture of lightning striking Dubai's Burj Khalifa. As rains mellowed down in some parts of the country, lightning took over in the evening. With a cloudy sky around it, Burj Khalifa had its own moment in the spotlight.

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5.08pm: Roads turn into rivers

Neighbourhoods across Dubai were flooded, as cars were seen submerged halfway. Some residents even covered their car tops with fabrics and materials to avoid damage to their vehicles.

In videos shared with KT by readers in Karama, Mirdif and Garhoud, residents are seen driving through partially-filled streets in their vehicles.

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4.51pm: A sight for sore eyes

In some areas of UAE, as rains came to a halt and skies started slowly clearing up, residents were able to witness a stunning rainbow, with all seven colours lifting up an otherwise dull, grey sky.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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3.35pm: Eight years ago...

In an uncanny coincidence, the adverse weather condition the UAE is experiencing today, happened exactly the same day – March 9 – eight years ago.

But unlike now when it’s a weekend and authorities have forewarned residents days ahead of the impending storm, it was a Wednesday back in March 2016 and the incessant rain brought life to a halt across the country.

That day in 2016, the country was affected by strong storm and heavy rain, accompanied by hail. Raindrops iced up and fell as hail in some parts of the country on that day as well.

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3.30pm: Stunning moment lightning strikes Dubai South

KT Photographer Neeraj Murali captured an iconic moment when lightning struck a residential area in Dubai South.

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3.23pm: Orange alert area expanded

The NCM has taken to social media to put up an updated map of the area where an alert has been issued.

The authority has now expanded the area under the orange alert, where residents are expected to 'be alert'.

3.15pm: Water seeps into homes across Dubai

Water has been seeping into homes across Dubai, with several residents complaining of leaks in their houses.

French expat Christine Quartier La Tente shared her frustration, saying: “It's a real struggle for tenants and owners. We're constantly sealing windows, and waterproofing roofs more than once, and even then, new leaks keep popping up, often due to structural issues. Locating and fixing these problems takes time – it takes many rainy seasons to check it all and get it sorted.”

Christine has found a creative way to collect water from the ceiling. She attached a yarn to the ceiling, guiding water into a bucket.

Most Dubai residents that have found water seeping into their homes through the door. Springs resident Juliette Dupont and Jumeirah Islands resident Anjali Garg woke up and found water in their homes – after which they placed towels under their doors.

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3.05pm: Yellow, orange alerts issued till tomorrow

The National Centre of Meteorology has issued several alerts – its latest one asks residents to "be alert".

The authority has issued the alerts till 4pm, tomorrow. Take a look at the map of where the alerts have been issued below:

2.57pm: Captivating cloud cover

As the intensity of rainfall decreased in some parts of the country, visibility improved, giving way to wonderful sights.

Dark grey clouds covered skies as they changed hues from their usual calming blue.

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2.45pm: Drive carefully!

Navigating a rain-soaked afternoon can be treacherous, as one motorist learned on Al Safa Bridge. Just as he thought he had a clear view, a passing bus decided to give his windshield an impromptu car wash, momentarily blinding his vision.

Dubai Police has asked motorists to exercise caution when driving during the rains. The authority even put up several guidelines for residents.

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2.40pm: Heavy rains continue

The National Centre of Meteorology has taken to Instagram to update residents on the changing weather conditions.

It informed residents of rains being recorded in parts of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

The authority also uploaded this video of heavy showers pouring.

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2.30pm: Stuck at home? This Dubai resident can't step out of work

Afsha Noori, a businesswoman in Deira's Abu Hail was stuck in her shop due to the heavy rains.

"My team of tailors and I can't step outside as the footpath is flooded with water. We are planning to wait it out until the water level reduces."

They are hoping the rains stop soon, otherwise there's a risk of water entering the shop.

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2.24pm: Breathtaking views

KT reader Salem AlQaydi recorded the early morning rains creating waterfalls along Maliha mountains.

These streams were forming into wadis, irrigating foliage in desert areas and valleys.

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2.19pm: Traffic update from Dubai Police

In an update, Dubai Police has said that traffic has been diverted on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street from the Mirdif City Centre Bridge to Tripoli Street.

They also informed motorists of water accumulation on several roads including Amman Street, Aleppo Street, Al Nahda Street, Al Ittihad Street, Al Khawaneej Street, Al Yalayis Street, and Al Yalayis Street.

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2.10pm: The real superheroes battling the rain

Protecting heads with makeshift capes, wielding shovels to battle the deluge and unclog drains, these workers were the real superheroes during the rains.

"If we don't clear the mud, it will turn into a muddy stream and reach parking lots, causing problems," said an Indian worker outside a building in Business Bay. "We have a busy day as similar problems have been reported from other areas."

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2.03pm: Combatting the downpour

Workers deploy sandbags to prevent water from flooding the basement parking of a high-rise in Business Bay. The relentless downpour has led to water inundating parking lots, and in some cases, even homes.

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1.55pm: Marine transport resumes

Abras, ferries had been temporarily suspended early today, however, services have now resumed, the RTA has said in a post on Instagram.

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1.45pm: Finding the little joys!

As rains poured, cafes thrived on warm drinks, but for these little ones, the real delight was twirling umbrellas outside this charming Jumeirah spot!

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1.40pm: Parts of roads being blocked

As of 1.45pm, service roads around Sheikh Zayed Road were flooded. It has slowed down traffic considerably and now, security is on site blocking the road.

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1.33pm: Calls for help flood recovery teams

Irfan, a recovery car driver KT met at a petrol station just off Emirates Road, said he has been receiving several calls this morning to rescue cars caught in Dubai floods.

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1.25pm: Some parts of Abu Dhabi still dry

Some parts of Abu Dhabi are yet to experience the extreme weather.

KT reporter Ahmed Waqqas Alawlaqi said that it's business as usual in Al Muroor. The area is still relatively dry and delivery riders are still continuing to deliver orders as normal.

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1.15pm: Rain rain, go away? Residents get creative in taking cover

Umbrellas are now a thing of the past as several residents caught by the incessant rains use innovative ways to cover up.

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1.10pm: Some Sharjah residents struggle to return home

Ahmed Ibrahim, a Sharjah resident said he was unable to get to work and couldn't return home because Al Ittihad Street had been left flooded.

"The street was literally flooded. I went out at 9am because I had pending work that needed to be done, but I couldn't get there. I returned home at 11am because there were no public transport options or taxis available – or they did not accept passengers. I walked a very long way until I found a way to get home."

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1pm: Ajman residents face repercussions of heavy rains

• Dubai's Global Village to be closed due to unstable weather