UAE issues safety guidelines, travel advisories due to unstable weather

Authorities in the UAE have issued safety guidelines as unstable weather continues to impact several parts of the country.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a yellow and orange alert for most parts, adding that rainfall of varying in intensity, along with winds of up to 50 km per hour, will impact visibility.

Sea conditions will be light to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

Residents are advised to avoid valleys, flood-prone and low-lying areas, as well as mountainous regions, and going out to sea. Motorists have been advised to exercise caution on the roads and reduce speed. 

Safety Guidelines During the Expected Weather Conditions:
•​ Stay away from valleys, flood-prone areas, and places where rainwater may accumulate
•​ Stay away from mountainous areas
•​ Avoid going to sea
•​ Exercise caution while driving and reduce speed
•​Follow official… pic.twitter.com/2JEsVyAJrH

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 22, 2026

Dubai and Abu Dhabi posted a list of emergency numbers that the residents can dial for assitance.

In an emergency, members of the public are reminded to contact the relevant authorities for support and assistance. pic.twitter.com/akevgHyQTd

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 23, 2026

Contact emergency services when needed
- Dubai Civil Defense: 997
- Dubai Ambulance: 998
- Dubai Police: 999
•​Dubai Electricity and Water Authority: 991
•​Roads and Transport Authority: 800 9090
•​Dubai Municipality: 800 900
•​Dubai Health: 80060 pic.twitter.com/qzovqpMuZi

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 22, 2026

Emirates Airline and Air Arabia also issued travel advisories, urging passengers to allow "extra time" for their commute to the airport due to the unstable weather conditions in the UAE.

Air Arabia said the weather “may affect its operations at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah” and urged passengers to check the airlines' official websites for regular updates on flight schedules. 

Dubai is expecting adverse weather conditions between 23 and 27 March 2026. If you’re travelling with us out of @DXB during this period:

✈️ Check the status of your flight at https://t.co/yehFUeWZQq before travelling to the airport.
⌚️Aim to arrive at at least 2 hours before… pic.twitter.com/pKAl9ltpyf

— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 23, 2026

✈️ Travel Advisory

Adverse weather is forecast across the UAE starting today and over the coming few days. This may affect our operations at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah airports.

Please allow extra time for your journey and ensure you:

• Check your flight status… pic.twitter.com/tglAUiugKd

— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) March 21, 2026

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority also posted a statement on social media platform X assuring the public that missile alerts will still be active, and not to mistake these sounds with adverse weather conditions.

For the latest updates, residents are encouraged to follow official channels and guidance from government authorities.

Clarification regarding the current weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/RsXSK1H5jd

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 23, 2026

The weather conditions are forecast to continue until Friday, March 27.