Expo 2020 Dubai officials say they are keeping a close eye on the weather after Cyclone Shaheen hit Oman on Sunday.
Expo spokeswoman Sconaid McGeachin said the team would issue advisories to the public if heavy wind and rain struck parts of Dubai.
“We understand that, later this afternoon, it may hit the Al Ain area and [other parts of] the UAE," she said.
"So yes, please do follow what is going on in case there are any closures to certain parts of the [Expo] site or any effects to visitors coming in.”
-
High waves break on a seaside promenade in Muscat as Cyclone Shaheen hits Oman. Rescue teams had to help dozens of people leave their homes in some coastal areas. All photos: AFP -
Women take pictures of high waves breaking on the seaside promenade in the Omani capital. -
High waves break on the seaside promenade in Muscat. Oman declared a two-day national holiday on Sunday and Monday, urging people to stay indoors. -
High waves break in Muscat. Some waves to hit the Omani coast were 12 metres high. -
Some of the cyclone's winds reached 120 kilometres an hour. -
High waves break on the Mutrah seaside promenade in Muscat. -
High waves break on the Mutrah promenade in the Omani capital. -
The popular seafront area of Mutrah is one of the worst-hit parts of Oman so far. -
High waves break on the Mutrah seaside promenade in Muscat.
Expo officials used Instagram to advise people to check online before visiting the site over the coming days.
"Anyone planning to visit Expo 2020 Dubai on Sunday 3 or Monday 4, October should check (www.expo2020dubai.com), Expo 2020 Dubai's social pages, or the National Centre of Meteorology's website (www.ncm.ae), before leaving home," officials said.
When the world’s fair held a test event last week, Ms McGeachin said the site was hit by a sandstorm that tore through the city, so the team has already dealt with the fallout from bad weather.
Although vast areas of the Dubai South site are open to the elements, Expo's pavilions and covered areas offer shelter from wind and rain.
At a televised briefing by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority on Saturday night, forecasters said the coast around Fujairah, along with Al Ain, would be worst affected.
High winds from the cyclone will be felt on land at about noon in Fujairah and Al Ain, which is expected to experience significant rainfall, said Mohamed Al Abri from the National Centre of Meteorology.
Al Ain city, the area between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and the area between Dubai and Al Ain will be the worst affected when the storm moves south-west.
