DUBAI, March 26 — Rain began falling across Dubai at around 11 p.m. on Thursday, as lightning and thunder swept through the emirate under unstable weather conditions.
Flashes lit up the skyline, including above the Burj Khalifa, before thunder rolled in and steady rain followed—marking the latest bout of unsettled weather affecting the United Arab Emirates.
Authorities said the conditions are expected to continue into Friday morning, with rainfall of varying intensity, accompanied by strong winds that may raise dust and reduce visibility.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority reassured residents that weather-related sounds, including thunder, are “normal and expected,” adding that any threats would be communicated immediately through the national early warning system. Residents were urged to rely only on official sources and avoid spreading unverified information.
Precautionary measures were implemented across the country. In Abu Dhabi, police reduced speed limits to 100 km/h on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road as a safety measure amid wet and potentially hazardous driving conditions.
Authorities also called on the public to exercise caution, avoid flood-prone areas, and stay away from beaches during the unstable weather, emphasizing that safety remains a top priority.
In the northern emirates, Jebel Jais was closed until further notice due to the weather.
As the rain that started late Thursday night continued into the early hours, residents across Dubai watched a rare scene unfold—dark skies, flashing lightning, and steady rainfall reshaping the city’s usually calm night.