DUBAI: Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was struck by an intense lightning amid torrential rain and strong winds in Dubai.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, posted a video on his Instagram. The clip shows the iconic tower against green-tinted skies as a lightning strike hit the peak of the world’s tallest building.
The video went viral shortly after the Crown Prince advised residents to get ready for the upcoming rainy weather. On Wednesday, he shared Instagram Reels featuring rain-heavy clouds moving over desert dunes, accompanied by a weather forecast map showing cloud patterns in the days ahead.
Dubai weather
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the UAE is entering the peak of the ‘Al Bashayer’ low-pressure system.
While parts of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have already witnessed heavy downpours and hail this morning, a second, more powerful ‘main rainfall wave’ is forecast to sweep across Abu Dhabi and Dubai starting later today.
“The UAE is affected by an unstable weather situation due to an extension of a surface low-pressure system from the Red Sea.
This will result in cloud formations of varying heights, leading to rainfall of different intensities accompanied by lightning, thunder, and a chance of hail over limited areas,” the NCM said in an alert today.
Dubai-Sharjah ferry services suspended
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that ferry services between Dubai and Sharjah are temporarily suspended due to the current weather conditions.
Passengers are advised to monitor official updates and plan alternative travel arrangements. The RTA thanked commuters for their understanding and cooperation.
Remote work announced for UAE employees
Government organisations across the UAE have implemented remote working for all employees today due to unstable weather conditions. Exceptions apply only to roles that require a physical presence at the workplace, subject to approval by the relevant authority within each government department.
For the private sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has requested the companies in most affected areas to allow employees to work remotely.
Parks and outdoor activities banned
Several emirates have announced the temporary closure of outdoor public spaces to ensure public safety. In Dubai, beaches, public parks and open-air markets are closed for the day.
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