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Stay indoors, avoid wadis, beaches: UAE authorities issue key safety advice amid unstable weather

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Authorities have urged residents across the UAE to exercise caution as unsettled weather conditions bring the risk of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds in scattered areas. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued safety advice, warning people to stay indoors where possible, avoid wadis and follow official instructions as weather conditions develop.

Unsettled weather conditions are forecast across the UAE today, with the NCM warning of intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds in scattered areas.

Dubai Police warned the public on X: “Avoid beaches, sailing, wadis, and flood-prone areas. Drive with extreme caution and follow all instructions from authorities.”

Skies will be partly cloudy to overcast. These clouds could bring rain of varying intensity, accompanied in some locations by thunder, lightning and the possibility of hail.

Friday, Dec 19:

Unstable weather dominates Friday, with partly cloudy to overcast skies and heavy, stormy clouds forming across parts of the UAE.

Saturday: Rain eases, but scattered showers may hit northern and eastern areas. Winds could stir up dust. Afternoon is clearer, but seas will stay rough.

Sunday: Calmer skies with low clouds and a slight chance of drizzle in some areas. Most regions should see sunshine.

Safety advice for residents:

  • Stay away from wadis and low-lying areas where water can accumulate
  • Avoid mountainous regions
  • Refrain from going to sea
  • Drive carefully and reduce speed on wet or dusty roads
  • Follow updates from official government channels

Travel alert as airport traffic peaks
The weather disruption comes at a critical time for travellers. December 2025 is projected to be the busiest month ever at Dubai International Airport (DXB), with more than 8.7 million passengers expected.

Saturday, December 20, is forecast to be a peak travel day, with passenger numbers likely to exceed 309,000. Combined with unstable weather, travellers may face delays.

Passengers are advised to:

  • Leave for the airport earlier than usual due to possible road congestion on major routes such as E11 and E311
  • Expect longer queues at check-in and security
  • Monitor flight updates, as heavy rain or thunderstorms may cause minor operational adjustments

Travellers moving between emirates or heading to DXB or DWC are urged to stay informed through official weather and airport channels.

Emergency contact numbers

  • Civil Defence: 997
  • Ambulance: 998
  • Dubai Police: 999
  • DEWA: 991
  • RTA: 800 9090
  • Dubai Municipality: 800 900
  • Dubai Health Authority: 800 60

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Flying during FIFA World Cup? This Dubai airline will show every match live 

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Football fans travelling with Emirates this summer won’t have to worry about missing any FIFA World Cup 2026 action. Dubai’s flagship airline Emirates, has announced that it will broadcast every match of the tournament live onboard its flights through Sport24, its dedicated live sports channel available on the award-winning ice entertainment system.

Passengers will be able to follow every moment of the world’s biggest football tournament while flying at 40,000 feet. The move ensures customers can stay connected to the action no matter where they are travelling, with live coverage available throughout the competition.

Emirates said the complete FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast schedule is featured its ice magazine, allowing passengers to plan their journeys around key fixtures and follow their favourite teams during the tournament.

The live coverage will be available on most Emirates aircraft equipped with Sport24 and Sport24 Extra, although availability may vary depending on aircraft type and route. Selected FIFA World Cup matches will also be shown in Emirates Lounges across Dubai, giving travellers additional opportunities to catch the action before departure.

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Dubai’s RTA to build one of its largest pedestrian and cycling bridges in city

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Dubai is set to strengthen its position as a global leader in smart urban mobility by constructing one of the emirate’s largest pedestrian and cycling bridges.

Stretching 730 metres across Dubai–Al Ain Road, the landmark structure will connect the rapidly growing communities of Liwan and Dubai Silicon Oasis, offering residents a safer and more convenient way to travel. The project forms part of the Roads and Transport Authority’s wider plan to build 31 new pedestrian bridges and tunnels across the city by 2030, enhancing connectivity, road safety and sustainable transportation.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a five-year plan that will introduce new pedestrian crossings at key locations across the emirate. The projects will be developed along major roads, including Sheikh Zayed Road, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Ittihad Road, and Omar bin Al Khattab Street, helping residents and visitors move more safely and efficiently throughout the city.

Enhancing safety and connectivity

The expansion aims to improve accessibility, strengthen links between residential communities and public transportation networks, and provide safer crossing options for pedestrians. Authorities selected project locations following detailed studies that assessed population growth, pedestrian movement patterns, public transport access, and proximity to commercial and tourist destinations.

Landmark bridge

One of the standout projects currently under development is a 730-metre pedestrian and cycling bridge that will cross Dubai–Al Ain Road. The structure will serve as a critical connection between Liwan and Dubai Silicon Oasis, two rapidly developing communities that continue to attract residents and businesses.

Once completed, the bridge will become one of the largest pedestrian and cycling crossings in Dubai, offering a safer and more convenient route for commuters, cyclists, and residents.

Advanced safety features

The upcoming bridges and tunnels will incorporate modern safety technologies, including firefighting systems, emergency alarms, remote monitoring capabilities, and dedicated cycling lanes. These enhancements are designed to improve user safety while supporting Dubai’s ambition to achieve zero traffic fatalities.

As the city continues to expand, the new pedestrian infrastructure projects are expected to play a key role in promoting sustainable mobility, reducing road risks, and strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in smart urban development.

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Kuwait launches 15-year residency visa: How it compares to UAE Golden Visa

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Kuwait has unveiled a new long-term residency programme that will allow eligible foreign investors and business leaders to live in the country for up to 15 years, marking one of the region’s latest efforts to attract international capital and strengthen economic growth.

The residency scheme is designed to provide greater stability for investors looking to establish, operate and expand businesses in Kuwait, while supporting the country’s broader plans to diversify its economy and enhance its competitiveness as an investment destination.

Who can apply?

Under the new framework, residency permits of up to 15 years will be available to:

  • Foreign investors meeting approved investment criteria
  • Immediate family members of eligible investors
  • Senior executives accredited by approved investment entities
  • Recognised business partners linked to qualifying investment projects

Authorities say the programme aims to encourage long-term commitments from investors while creating a more attractive business environment.

Investment requirements

To qualify, applicants must satisfy a number of conditions set by Kuwaiti authorities.

Eligible investors must own or be associated with investment entities licensed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). Businesses must also maintain active operations within Kuwait and comply with national workforce requirements, including quotas related to the employment of Kuwaiti citizens.

The framework requires a minimum investment capital of KD1 million in approved business activities. In addition, licensed investment entities must maintain a total investment value of at least KD5 million.

Officials believe these requirements will help attract high-quality investments that contribute to economic development and job creation.

How it compares with UAE Golden Visa

One of the most prominent examples is the UAE’s Golden Visa programme, which was launched in 2019 and offers eligible individuals residency of up to 10 years.

The scheme is available to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, exceptional students, creatives and humanitarian contributors. It allows holders to live, work and study in the UAE without requiring a national sponsor, while also enabling them to sponsor family members.

The programme has become a key pillar of the UAE’s strategy to attract talent, innovation and long-term investment, helping cement its reputation as one of the region’s leading destinations for business and residency.

Kuwaiti authorities said the programme builds on existing investment legislation and forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise Kuwait’s business and regulatory environment.

Kuwait’s latest move reflects a growing trend across the Gulf, where governments are introducing long-term residency options to attract investors, entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals.

Countries across the region have increasingly adopted residency programmes designed to encourage foreign investment, support economic diversification and attract global talent.

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