A multitude of residents awoke to the sound of thunder and heavy rainfall on Friday morning, following cloudy skies and Thursday evening’s rain forecasts.
The early morning downpour in the UAE has posed challenges for residents, disrupting their morning routines and creating obstacles. Numerous roads are now submerged in water, complicating travel for those relying on cars and causing inconvenience for those accustomed to driving to work.
Numerous companies in the UAE have granted employees the option to work from home, presenting a practical solution to circumvent the challenges posed by congested roads.
Bilal Saeed, a marketing executive based in Ajman and residing in Dubai, received an early morning call from his boss, bringing relief. “My boss instructed me to work from home after Friday prayers. Upon leaving early, he encountered submerged roads on E311. I’ll be handling tasks remotely and attending meetings later at the office,” shared Saeed.
Abu Firas, a realtor residing in Sharjah, faced a similar predicament. Prepared for a client meeting, he discovered his car nearly submerged in water. The road adjacent to his building was also flooded. Concerned about the extended travel time indicated on Google Maps, Firas decided to reschedule the meeting, considering the challenges posed by the rain.
The forecast predicts continued rains and thunderstorms in certain UAE regions. In response, on Thursday, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) urged private companies to implement flexible work arrangements on November 17.
Waji Najeeb, a cafeteria owner in Al Nahda Sharjah, faced operational challenges as water accumulated outside his establishment. “Opening at my usual 5 am was difficult today. We waited until 7 am for the water level to recede. While we eventually opened, breakfast orders were significantly lower than usual,” noted Wajid.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms prompted many schools in Dubai to transition to online learning. School administrators communicated the shift to distance learning through early morning emails to parents.
