UAE Issues Orange Alert for Hazardous Weather, Recommends Remote Work and Distance Learning

The United Arab Emirates has issued an orange alert for hazardous weather, including heavy rain and thunderstorms, expected on Thursday, May 2, 2024. In response, the authorities have recommended remote work and distance learning to minimize disruptions.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the country will experience moderate to heavy rainfall over scattered areas, accompanied by lightning, thunder, and a possibility of hail. The rain is likely to start from the west on Wednesday night and extend across most areas on Thursday, focusing on the western, coastal, and eastern parts. Winds are expected to reach speeds of 65kph on Thursday.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has raised the alert level and called for remote learning and work across the public and private sectors. All schools in Abu Dhabi have been instructed to switch to distance learning mode on Thursday and Friday, May 2-3. Remote work measures have also been activated across Abu Dhabi government entities on Thursday, May 2, except for jobs that require a presence at the workplace.

Why this matters: This weather event is considered exceptional, as the UAE has seen the largest amount of rainfall in the past 75 years since 1949. The NCM recorded the highest rainfall of 254mm in less than 24 hours in the Khatm Al Shakla area in Al Ain, and 287.6mm at the Shuwaib station on March 9, 2016.

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has advised private sector establishments to apply flexible and remote work patterns on Thursday due to the adverse weather forecast. Employees of federal government entities in the UAE have also been allowed to work remotely on Thursday, May 2.

Dubai Airports and local airlines have advised passengers to plan ahead and allow extra travel time to reach the airports, whether traveling by car or public transport, due to potential delays and road congestion. Airlines have advised passengers to check their flight status and update their contact details to stay informed about any changes or delays.

The public has been advised to contact the relevant authorities to report emergencies and seek assistance during the adverse weather conditions. Residents, especially in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, have been advised to exercise caution.

The UAE government has directed that work be done remotely on Tuesday for employees of the Dubai government and all private schools in the emirate due to the expected weather conditions. "The decision was made to ensure the safety of teachers and students across the country," NCEMA stated. The authorities have confirmed their readiness to handle the situation and have recommended remote work and distance learning to minimize disruptions.

Key Takeaways

• UAE issues orange alert for hazardous weather on May 2, 2024.
• Authorities recommend remote work and distance learning to minimize disruptions.
• Highest rainfall recorded in UAE was 287.6mm in 2016, exceeding 75-year record.
• Dubai Airports and airlines advise passengers to plan ahead for delays and congestion.
• UAE government directs remote work for Dubai government and private schools on May 2.