The UAE has called for remote work and distance learning to be implemented on Thursday and Friday as the country prepares for heavy rain and thunder.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday issued the guidance for all schools and universities and the public and private sector.
Weather-related directives were then issued by authorities in each emirate which followed NCEMA's instructions.
The crisis authority said remote-working measures would apply to all staff, except those required to be physically present.
All roads leading to flood-hit areas should be closed in an effort to limit the impact of the adverse weather, the authority stated.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation advised private sector companies to apply flexible and remote work patterns on Thursday.
Distance learning had already been announced for all private schools in Dubai and Sharjah on Thursday and Friday because of expected extreme weather.
Officials announced that all government schools in the UAE would similarly introduce remote learning on both days.
However, key exams at some schools will still go ahead in-person, The National has learnt.
Heavy rainfall, thunder and lightning are forecast for parts of the UAE this week.
“With unstable weather predicted, all Dubai private schools, nurseries, and universities must offer distance learning on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3,” the Knowledge and Human Development Authority posted on X.
Sharjah authorities confirmed on Wednesday that all schools and universities in the emirate would also adopt distance learning on Thursday.
Government employees in the emirate will work remotely on Thursday, with the exception of those in roles that require a physical presence, Sharjah's government media office said.
The directive only covers Thursday as Sharjah operates a four-day week, in which schools and government departments are closed on Fridays.
Public parks will be closed on both days as a safety precaution.
The National Centre of Meteorology said stormy weather would hit parts of the country from Wednesday night until Thursday evening.
“[There will be] moderate to heavy rain in scattered areas with lightning and thunder at times, with the possibility of some hail, starting in the west on Wednesday night and extending over most regions of the country on Thursday,” the NCM said, according to state news agency Wam.
The NCM also said winds would reach speeds of 65kph on Thursday.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority has held meetings to prepare for the expected weather.
The authority said, on X, that it was “studying and evaluating the weather and their implications for areas that may be affected”.
Strict adherence to safety protocols was essential, said NCEMA, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall.
But NCM meteorologist Esraa Al-Naqbi told The National the current weather is typical and does not compare with the storm in April that brought much of the country to a standstill.
She said that, in contrast, the weather is only a single wave beginning on Wednesday evening which is set to cover the entire country on Thursday. It has been classified as moderate while the previous storm was considered moderate to strong.
Heavy rain hits Dubai and Abu Dhabi – in pictures
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Workers cut down a tree that was uprooted by the storm in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
A vehicle submerged on a waterlogged road in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
A fence is blown over during the storm in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Vehicles splash through the Dubai – Abu Dhabi motorway during the heavy rain in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National -
A vehicle drives through a flooded road on a wet day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Two men navigate Dubai's flooded roads on a raft made from gas cylinders. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Trying to keep flooding out of a business in Al Quoz, Dubai. According to some measurements, 158mm of rain fell in 24 hours. Antonie Robertson / The National -
One pedestrian is still smiling despite the flooding, in Al Quoz, Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Waves form in Dubai floodwaters. Nic Ridley/ The National -
Dark clouds over Aldar headquarters in Al Raha, Abu Dhabi. Evelyn Lau / The National -
Wrapped up for the elements in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
More storms are forecast for Dubai, with dark skies overhead. Nic Ridley/ The National -
A young boy goes for a walk on a rainy day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Heavy rain fell for several hours in Dubai on Tuesday morning, in what forecasters said was the first wave of stormy weather. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Lightning strikes in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Roy Cooper/ The National -
There were large puddles in Dubai after heavy rain overnight. Antonie Robertson/The National -
A cyclist travels amid clean-up efforts in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National -
A motorist's car is stranded on a flooded Dubai road, following torrential rain. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Clean-up efforts are under way in Dubai after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Dark clouds linger over Dubai with more adverse weather forecast. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Dark skies over Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. Zoya Thomas/ The National -
Forecasters warned of 'hazardous weather events' until Wednesday evening. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Workers clear standing water in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Drivers faced a difficult commute after heavy rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Clean-up efforts began in Dubai after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National
