Authorities in the UAE have urged residents in areas affected by unstable weather to prioritise safety and perform Friday prayers at home. The decision comes as rain alerts have been issued across much of the country, with heavier showers expected from Thursday evening.

Mosques have been instructed to announce “Pray in your homes” after the call to prayer in affected areas. If mosques remain open, imams may combine prayers depending on weather conditions.

Officials are also advising motorists to drive carefully, reduce speed, and follow safety guidelines during the rainy conditions.

The move aims to protect public safety while ensuring religious practices can continue without risk.

The UAE skies have been looking especially dramatic lately. Moderate to heavy rain has been sweeping across parts of the country over the past few days, and it’s not done yet. Unstable weather conditions are expected to linger well into the weekend, with more showers, gusty winds, and dusty spells in the mix.

If anything, Friday looks like a heavy weather day, so it’s one of those weeks where keeping an eye on updates is vital.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued weather alerts across the UAE, warning of rain, strong winds, and dusty conditions continuing through Friday, with the most intense conditions expected at the end of the week.

The weather conditions now

• Yellow & Orange alerts are active
• Rain is expected across coastal and inland areas, day and night
• Winds may kick up dust and sand, reducing visibility (especially for drivers)

These conditions are being driven by convective clouds, basically, the kind that bring sudden rain and gusty weather.

Day-by-day forecast

Wednesday

• Partly cloudy to cloudy skies
• Scattered rain during the day
• Heavier showers are expected in the eastern regions and Al Ain at night
• Winds up to 50 km/h

Thursday

• Light rain early on
• Rain intensifies later in the day, especially in northern and eastern areas
• Showers may extend overnight to coastal regions
• Dusty winds likely

Friday 

• Heavy rains expected across most of the UAE
• Noticeable drop in temperatures 
• Strong winds up to 60 km/h
• Rough sea conditions 

Saturday

• Cloud cover across the country is expected to decrease, while winds become active to strong at times, particularly over the sea, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures. Conditions may lead to blowing dust and sand, resulting in reduced horizontal visibility in some areas.

Driving and sailing conditions

• Seas will be rough in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman
• Drivers should be extra cautious due to:
  • Reduced visibility
  • Wet roads
  • Blowing dust

Authorities are advising residents to:

• Avoid flood-prone areas and valleys
• Stay away from beaches during rough conditions
• Drive carefully and follow official updates
• Keep an eye on weather alerts before heading out

Emergency teams on high alert

Municipal, police and road transport teams are in action throughout the country:

• The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has strengthened its field readiness with field teams and specialised equipment that have been deployed across critical locations, flood-prone areas, and wadi beds in coordination with relevant authorities. 
• Emergency teams have also been working around the clock in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• In Al Dhafra, hundreds of cases were handled within hours, while in Dibba Al Hisn, teams are working to manage drainage and traffic
• Ajman has ramped up preparedness as part of nationwide efforts

From clearing waterlogged roads to monitoring drainage systems, response teams are making sure things stay under control.

Residents and visitors can expect a mix of rain, gusty winds, and dusty conditions, especially as the weather intensifies heading into Friday. Authorities are urging everyone to stay indoors where possible and prioritise safety during this period of unstable weather.

In response to ongoing unstable weather conditions, Sharjah City Municipality has announced an extension of its public parking fee exemption across the emirate. The decision, effective from Monday, March 23, will remain in place until further notice, offering temporary relief to residents and visitors.

The waiver applies to all standard public parking zones, including those that typically require payment on weekdays and official holidays. These areas are identifiable by blue informational signage installed throughout the city.

However, authorities clarified that smart parking yards are excluded from the exemption and will continue to operate under regular paid parking rules.

Officials have urged the public to stay informed through official communication channels, including the municipality’s social media platforms and helpline services, as weather conditions continue to evolve.

The move reflects Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to support public safety and convenience during periods of disruption, ensuring smoother mobility across the city.