The UAE Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged residents and travellers to exercise caution as thunderstorms, hail and strong winds are forecast across large parts of the country from 20 to 21 October 2026. In an advisory published on Tuesday evening, the MoI called on motorists to slow down, avoid wadis and stay clear of beaches, while the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) predicted gusts of up to 50 km/h and reduced visibility due to blowing dust. Air-traffic managers at Dubai International and Abu Dhabi Zayed International said runway operations would continue but warned that sudden wind shear and low-cloud bases could trigger holding patterns or minor diversions. Ground-handling companies have already instructed ramp crews to halt open-air activity if lightning is detected within an eight-kilometre radius—procedures that typically cause knock-on boarding delays of 15 to 30 minutes. Logistics providers are also bracing for disruption. Road-freight operators on the Dubai–Hatta corridor, which is prone to flash flooding, are rerouting cargo overnight to avoid low-lying crossings. Meanwhile, bus companies serving cross-border services to Oman have announced flexible re-booking until weather conditions stabilise. For global-mobility teams, the immediate actions are clear: advise assignees to allow extra time for airport transfers, confirm that travel insurance covers weather-related delays, and remind employees of the legal requirement to obey police road-closure orders. Companies should also check that emergency-contact details on HR systems are up to date, as authorities may send SMS alerts if conditions deteriorate. Although the NCM expects the system to clear by Thursday, similar convective patterns are forecast later in the month. Regular monitoring of official MoI and NCM channels is therefore advised for anyone planning intra-UAE travel or onward connections through the Emirates’ airports.
Source: Gulf News
