Flooded roads in Dubai after heavy rain lashed the emirate on April 16. The National Centre of Meteorology said more rain is expected in most regions in the UAE on Wednesday and Thursday. Antonie Robertson / The National
Flooded roads in Dubai after heavy rain lashed the emirate on April 16. The National Centre of Meteorology said more rain is expected in most regions in the UAE on Wednesday and Thursday. Antonie Robertson / The National
Flooded roads in Dubai after heavy rain lashed the emirate on April 16. The National Centre of Meteorology said more rain is expected in most regions in the UAE on Wednesday and Thursday. Antonie Robertson / The National
Flooded roads in Dubai after heavy rain lashed the emirate on April 16. The National Centre of Meteorology said more rain is expected in most regions in the UAE on Wednesday and Thursday. Antonie Robe

UAE weather task force sets out action plan with heavy rain and thunder expected


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A national weather task force has held key talks on efforts to mitigate the impact of storms set to sweep across the Emirates on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Joint Weather and Tropical Assessment Team – which includes the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, the Ministry of Interior and the National Centre of Meteorology – underlined the need to prioritise public safety during the expected adverse weather, state news agency Wam reported on Tuesday night.

The NCM has forecast heavy rain, thunder, lightning and hail, beginning on Wednesday evening and extending to “most regions of the country” on Thursday.

The weather centre said, however, that conditions would be “less severe” than the historic deluge which lashed the country last month, causing widespread flooding, damage to homes and property and major disruption to public transport and flights.

NCM meteorologist Esraa Al-Naqbi told The National the current weather affecting the country is typical and does not compare with the storm that wreaked havoc in April.

She said that, in contrast, the weather is just 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.

The Windy weather app projects rain and thunder to persist in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from the early hours of Thursday into the evening.

Pre-emptive action

Distance learning was directed for all private schools in Dubai on Thursday and Friday due to the expected extreme weather.

“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, Dubai's private education regulator, posted on X on Tuesday.

Officials also announced that all government schools in the UAE would similarly introduce remote learning for pupils on both days.

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 Ministry of Interior said the weather was expected to have a “moderate to high impact on different parts of the country”.

The ministry urged the public to exercise caution during the unstable weather.

Police in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have called on motorists to be vigilant when driving during hazardous weather.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has taken steps to ensure roads and dams are braced for the stormy weather.

Measures have included draining water to reduce pressure and accommodate new rainfall, and cleaning water drains.

The authority said it would closely monitor dams and valleys in an effort to avert flooding.

Conditions to ease

The NCM said cloud cover would decrease on Friday on Saturday, although there remained a possibility of light to moderate rainfall, which may be heavier in some southern and eastern regions.

The Ministry of Interior stressed that authorities were “continuously monitoring the developments and updates of the weather situation”, in light of the fact many parts of the UAE are still recovering from the severe storms on Tuesday April 16.

April storms aftermath in UAE – in pictures

  • Persistent flooding along the D65 exit from Sheikh Zayed Road in April 16, 2024, leading into Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    The storm left cars marooned on flooded streets. Antonie Robertson/ The National
  • Many areas became impassable due to the flooding. 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 worker cuts through a downed tree with a chainsaw after a major storm in Dubai. AP
  • A car drives through floodwaters in Dubai. AP
    A car drives through floodwaters in Dubai. AP
David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

The specs

Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 180hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 250Nm at 3,00rpm

Transmission: 5-speed sequential auto

Price: From Dh139,995

On sale: now

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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Company%20Profile
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THE POPE'S ITINERARY

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe

Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads

Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike

They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users

Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance

They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians

The biog

Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar

Nationality: Emirati

Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology

Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels

Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs

Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends

Paris Can Wait
Dir: Eleanor Coppola
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard
Two stars

RIVER%20SPIRIT
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeila%20Aboulela%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Saqi%20Books%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What to watch out for:

Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways

The hulls of three ships will be used for the roof

The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history

Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure

Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used

Updated: May 01, 2024, 7:24 AM