Surviving Heavy Rain in Dubai: Essential Tips for Residents
In Dubai, the weather changes a lot when it rains. It gets cooler, and sometimes there are thunderstorms. Rain doesn’t happen often in Dubai, so when it does, people like it because it’s a break from the usual hot weather. It’s important to understand these weather changes so you can be ready for any problems that come with heavy rain. This guide will help you get ready for the rain and thunderstorms in Dubai.
Even though rain in Dubai is usually a good thing, it can also be dangerous. Here’s what you should do when it rains a lot in Dubai:
Preparing Your Vehicle for Heavy Rain in Dubai
During the rainy season in Dubai, it’s important to get your car ready for wet conditions. Here’s what you need to do:
Insurance and Maintenance:
- Choose a good auto insurance polic
- Keep up with regular maintenance for your car, like checking the engine and brakes.
- If you notice any problems with your car, especially after heavy rains, take it to one of Dubai’s top car repair shops for a service or repair.
Visibility and Safety Checks:
- Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition and replace them if they’re worn out. Also, fill up the washer reservoir with cleaning solution.
- Check all your lights, including headlights, brake lights, hazard lights, and fog lights, to make sure they’re working well and you can see clearly.
- Look at your tires and make sure they have enough tread and are properly inflated to avoid sliding on wet roads.
Safe Driving Tips for Heavy Rain in Dubai
Driving on Dubai’s roads during the rainy season requires careful preparation and patience. Here’s a structured approach to staying safe and efficient:
Before You Drive:
- Check real-time traffic updates to plan your route accordingly.
- Plan your route to avoid areas prone to flooding or heavy traffic.
- Make sure your vehicle’s lights and windshield wipers are working well for good visibility.
Driving Practices:
- Manage your speed by slowing down to allow for longer stopping distances.
- Avoid overspeeding and overtaking other vehicles to maintain control of your car.
- Stay in your lane and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Brake earlier and with less force than usual to avoid skidding on wet roads.
- If roads are waterlogged, drive slowly, and if the water is too high, find another route.
In Adverse Conditions:
- If the rain and wind get too heavy, pull over in a safe spot until conditions improve.
- Keep your car ventilated to prevent windows from fogging up.
- Use low-beam headlights for better visibility in heavy rain.
- If you encounter deep water (more than 6 inches), don’t try to walk through it. Stay in your car and call for help. You can reach Dubai Police at 999 or use other emergency numbers for assistance.
Taking Care of Your Home During Rainy Weather in Dubai
Recent rains in Dubai have shown how important it is to be ready for water damage to homes. Leaking ceilings and flooded rooms have become problems for some people. This reminds us that the rainy season in Dubai can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to protect your home. Here are some practical steps for home and property care:
Home Contents Insurance:
- If you’re renting a home in Dubai, getting home insurance is a smart move. It helps protect your belongings from damage caused by rain.
Regular Inspections:
- Check your property regularly for any weak spots that could lead to leaks or water damage. Fix any problems you find.
Emergency Contacts:
- Keep a list of important numbers handy, like your insurance company and repair services. You’ll need them if there’s any damage to your home.
Document and Report:
- If your home gets damaged, make sure to document everything well. Take pictures and write down what happened. Then report it to your landlord or management as soon as possible. This will help with insurance claims.
Staying Safe Indoors During Dubai Rain
When heavy rains and thunderstorms hit Dubai, it’s best to stay indoors. Here’s how to stay safe and manage rainy weather from the comfort of your home:
- Keep an eye on weather updates to know what’s happening outside, even if you’re not planning to go out.
- Only leave the house if absolutely necessary to avoid getting caught in the rain or thunderstorms.
- Avoid touching or going near metal grills on your terrace or balcony during a storm, as they can conduct electricity from lightning strikes.
- Keep children indoors during thunderstorms to protect them from lightning strikes. It’s safer for them to stay inside until the storm passes.
- Thunderstorms in Dubai often bring strong winds that can break glass windows. Keep a safe distance from windows to avoid injury from shattered glass.
General Precautions for Heavy Rain in Dubai
Here are some important things to remember to stay safe during heavy rain in Dubai:
- Keep checking weather updates regularly, especially during heavy rain and thunderstorms. Listen to warnings from the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA).
- Make sure you know Dubai’s emergency hotline (999) and non-emergency hotline (901). Use 999 for urgent situations and 901 for less urgent matters.
- During heavy rainfall, avoid going to places that are prone to flooding, like waterlogged areas, wadis, and low-lying regions. This helps prevent accidents.
- If your car wipers aren’t working properly, replace them as soon as you can. Good visibility is crucial for safe driving in the rain.
- If authorities tell you to evacuate, do it right away. Don’t wait it out. Evacuation is for your safety.
10 Traffic Fines to Remember During Bad Weather in the UAE:
Whether you’re driving in rain, fog, or a sandstorm, it’s crucial to avoid breaking these rules:
1. Taking Photos While Driving
Fine: Dh800, four black points Taking photos while driving is dangerous and against the law. It’s considered distracted driving, which can lead to accidents.
2. Driving with Hazard Lights On
Fine: Dh500, four black points. Leaving hazard lights on during reduced visibility can confuse other drivers. Only use hazard lights when your car is stopped or during a breakdown.
3. Driving in Fog Without Lights
Fine: Dh400, four black points. Driving in fog without lights reduces visibility and increases the risk of accidents. Always use your headlights in foggy conditions.
4. Ignoring Authority Instructions During Fog
Fine: Dh400, four black points. If authorities advise certain vehicles not to drive in foggy conditions, disobeying can result in fines and black points.
5. Changing Lanes Without Indicators
Fine: Dh400. Failing to use indicators while changing lanes is dangerous, especially in bad weather. Always signal your intentions to other drivers.
6. Reckless Driving
Fine: Dh2,000, 23 black points, 60-day impoundment. Reckless driving, such as speeding, jumping red lights, or sudden swerving, poses a serious risk during bad weather.
7. Gathering Near Valleys, Floods, or Dams
Fine: Dh1,000, six black points. Avoid gathering near flooded areas during rainy weather to prevent accidents.
8. Entering Flooded Valleys
Fine: Dh2,000, 23 black points, 60-day impoundment. Entering flooded valleys, regardless of danger level, can lead to hefty fines and impoundment.
9. Obstructing Traffic Authorities During Emergencies
Fine: Dh1,000, four black points, 60-day impoundment. Don’t obstruct authorities during emergencies, disasters, or rainy weather. Follow their instructions to ensure safety.
10. Not Adhering to Changed Speed Limits
During reduced visibility, speed limits may change. Failing to obey these limits can result in fines and penalties, depending on the extent of the violation.