Transport authorities on Tuesday urged the public to temporarily limit their use of the Dubai Metro during peak hours following widespread disruption to services caused by last week's unprecedented storms.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority sent the plea to users of its mobile app as efforts continue to restore all routes affected by the adverse weather.
A number of stations on the Green and Red lines of the citywide network were taken out of operation due to heavy flooding.
The UAE experienced its largest single day of rainfall in 75 years last Tuesday, with a major clean-up operation still in full force one week on.
"We encourage you to reduce using the Metro during peak hours," the RTA message stated.
"Plan your trips ahead, use alternative stations and public transport until all stations return to normal operation."
The RTA said it appreciated the "co-operation and understanding" of commuters "during these challenging times".
Disruption to services
The RTA said on its website all 20 stations on the Green Line of the transport network and now back up and running.
A reduced schedule is still in operation on the larger Red Line, which features 35 stations, with trains not stopping at several stations.
Dubai Metro is in service on the line from Centrepoint station to Expo 2020 station and UAE Exchange stations, but is not stopping at the Onpassive, Equiti, Mashreq and Energy stations.
Travellers boarding at Centrepoint are advised that trains will be switched at Business Bay and Al Khail stations, with replacement bus services being laid on.
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Persistent flooding along the D65 exit from Sheikh Zayed Road in April 16, 2024, leading into Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Delays took place as work continued to clear roads of excess water. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Many drivers had no choice but to abandon their waterlogged vehicles and take their chances on foot due to the record rainfall. Antonie Robertson / The National -
The UAE was hit by unprecedented flooding on April 16, 2024, than it would expect to receive in more than a year, official figures revealed. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Standing water is removed in Dubai after a major storm. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Many cars were abandoned in Dubai due to the flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National -
There was significant damage in parts of Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
The aftermath of heavy flooding in Dubai, with debris and abandoned cars on the street. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Some roads remained waterlogged in parts of Dubai after the storm. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Children play with their bicycles along a waterlogged street in Dubai's Al Furjan district. Pawan Singh / The National -
Workers cut a tree uprooted by heavy rains on Tuesday in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Water is drained from a flooded road in Al Furjan after the storm. Pawan Singh / The National -
A flooded street in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, after the rain. Victor Besa / The National -
Heavy rain in Dubai made parts of Sheikh Zayed Road impassable. Antonie Robertson/The National -
The storm left cars marooned on flooded streets. Antonie Robertson/ The National -
Many areas became impassable due to the flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Drivers abandoned their cars at the side of roads amid high floodwaters. Antonie Robertson/ The National -
People attempt to navigate the floodwaters in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National -
A flooded section of road near Sheikh Zayed motorway after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson / The National -
People in Dubai walk from their cars after high floodwaters made the road impassable. Antonie Robertson / The National -
A partially submerged car following the heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Recovery work gets under way after the rain in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Large puddles and areas of water in Al Bandar in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Work begins after the rain in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Recovery work gets under way in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Some minor damage in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
A man washes away debris after the rain in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Work gets under way after heavy rain hit Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Passengers check flight information on screens at the Dubai International Airport. AFP -
A worker cuts through a downed tree with a chainsaw after a major storm in Dubai. AP -
A car drives through floodwaters in Dubai. AP
Sheikh Hamdan hails flood response
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, on Tuesday praised the emirate's response to the extreme weather.
He emphasised the emirate's ability to overcome challenges as he chaired a meeting of Dubai's Executive Council.
He commended the efforts of government and emergency response teams, including the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, and the solidarity of the public.
“Dubai has once again demonstrated the strength and cohesiveness of its society; one that is based on unity, solidarity and readiness to face and overcome challenges," Sheikh Hamdan said, in comments carried by state news agency Wam.
"Dubai is blessed with its people and, on behalf of the leadership, we say: thank you.”
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan directed government departments to develop a comprehensive action plan to deal with extreme weather events.
More than 25,000 personnel and volunteers were involved in the emergency response, in addition to about 5,000 security patrols, emergency vehicles, tankers, buses, and water pump operators.
