COMMUNITY

UAE storms disrupt flights and traffic

Heavy thunderstorms continue across the UAE, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors, avoid flood-prone areas, and limit travel as unstable weather persists. Emirates and flydubai have cancelled or rescheduled several flights due to the severe weather. MoHRE has called on private sector companies in affected areas to adopt remote work on 19 December, while Abu Dhabi has suspended community events. Tragically, a 27-year-old Indian expatriate, Salman Fariz, died in Ras Al Khaimah after a wall collapsed during heavy rains. The NCM warns of ongoing rainfall, thunderstorms, hail, strong winds, dust, and rough seas nationwide. For all the updates on weather across the UAE, stay tuned to Gulfnews.com

Ras Al Khaimah sees flooding as rain continues

Following recent heavy rains, water continues to flow through Wadi Bih in Ras Al Khaimah, highlighting the impact of the ongoing weather system. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from wadis and low-lying areas as conditions remain unstable.

Flooded streets disrupt traffic in Sharjah

Heavy rain has flooded key roads in Sharjah, including Al Khan Bridge and Al Wahda Street, disrupting traffic and slowing movement. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow official advisories as unstable weather continues.

Dubai streets flooded after heavy rainfall, travel disrupted

Heavy rains have left several streets across Dubai waterlogged, causing travel disruptions and prompting authorities to urge motorists to drive carefully and avoid flood-prone areas. Emergency teams remain on standby as showers continue across the city.

Sharjah streets flooded after heavy rain

Heavy rain in Sharjah has left streets in Khalidiya (Al Majaz-3) and Al Estiqlal submerged. Videos show waterlogged roads, prompting authorities to urge residents and motorists to exercise caution while travelling.

Dubai Airport warns of flight delays

Dubai Airport has announced that, due to adverse weather conditions, some flights may be delayed or cancelled. Water accumulation on surrounding roads has also been reported, and passengers are advised to allow extra travel time to reach the airport.

Passengers are advised to use the RTA Dubai Metro for safer travel to Dubai Airport. For up-to-date flight information, check with your airline or visit Dubai Airports’ flight status page.

Heavy rain floods Sharjah’s Al Majaz streets

Streets in Sharjah’s Al Majaz neighbourhood were left submerged following heavy rainfall. Videos shared on social media show waterlogged roads, with authorities urging residents and commuters to exercise caution while travelling.

Ajman Port offers remote services

Ajman Port has announced that, due to current weather conditions, all service requests can now be submitted remotely. Customers are encouraged to book online appointments, eliminating the need for in-person visits and ensuring their safety.

The authority thanked the public for their cooperation and urged everyone to stay safe during the ongoing weather conditions.

Flooding in wadis and mountain areas

Heavy rainfall across the UAE has caused flooding in mountain areas and wadis, as captured in videos shared by Storm.ae.

Meanwhile, wadis in Tawiyin (north of Fujairah), Wadi Bih in Ras Al Khaimah, and Wadi Shuka in the eastern region are reported to be flowing, highlighting the impact of the ongoing rain.

Sharjah roads waterlogged amid downpour

Heavy rainfall has left streets in Al Majaz, Sharjah, waterlogged, causing disruptions for residents and motorists. People are seen carefully navigating flooded roads as showers continue across the emirate, while authorities urge caution and advise avoiding unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

Sharjah Police urge caution at work sites

The General Command of Sharjah Police has urged all employers and workers to exercise utmost caution and vigilance at work sites in light of the current and expected weather conditions.

Authorities emphasised the importance of safeguarding the health and safety of workers, particularly at outdoor sites where continuing work may be challenging. Sharjah Police also stressed the need to comply with occupational health and safety requirements while performing duties and during travel to and from work locations.

The police urged all parties to prioritise safety and follow official guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.

UAE food delivery temporarily paused amid heavy rain

Food delivery services across the UAE were temporarily paused on Thursday as adverse weather conditions disrupted road safety and visibility. Major platforms including noon, Talabat, Keeta and Careem restricted operations in several areas, prioritising rider safety amid heavy rainfall and slippery roads.

Users opening the apps found nearby restaurants marked as closed or unavailable, with notices indicating services would resume later in the day. In some cases, customers were able to browse menus and add items to their carts, but were unable to place orders until operations reopen.

Delivery companies are monitoring conditions closely and are expected to restore services gradually as weather conditions improve and roads become safer for riders.

RTA suspends intercity buses to Ajman and Sharjah

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the suspension of intercity bus services to and from Ajman and Sharjah until further notice. The move comes in response to adverse weather conditions, as authorities prioritise public safety. Commuters are advised to stay updated on service resumptions.

Dubai private schools told to avoid outdoor activities

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has called on private educational institutions in Dubai to take extra precautions over the coming days as unstable weather conditions are expected. Schools are encouraged to prioritise staff safety and, where possible, implement flexible or alternative work arrangements as a preventive measure.

Officials have also warned that outdoor or off-campus activities for students should be avoided, even during holiday periods, to ensure children’s safety. While some schools and early childhood centres may continue classes or extracurricular activities, authorities emphasise that student safety must remain the top priority.

Story by Gulf News

COMMUNITY

Saudisation rates in marketing, sales raised to 60%

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has begun enforcing new decisions to raise Saudisation rates in marketing and sales professions to 60 per cent, following the end of a grace period for private sector firms.

The measures, effective from Sunday, April 19, form part of wider efforts to create more employment opportunities for Saudi men and women across the Kingdom.

The rules apply to private sector establishments employing three or more workers in the targeted roles, with a minimum monthly wage of SR5,500 required for Saudi employees to be counted within Saudisation quotas in marketing professions.

The rulw covers at least 20 roles, including marketing manager, advertising manager, graphic designer, public relations specialist and photographer, as well as sales positions such as sales manager, retail and wholesale representatives, and IT and communications equipment sales specialists.

The ministry has published detailed procedural guidelines on its website, outlining the professions covered, implementation mechanisms and calculation methods, as well as penalties for non-compliance.

COMMUNITY

Work begins at Expo 2030 Riyadh site

Construction has begun at the Expo 2030 Riyadh site, Saudi authorities said, as the Kingdom updated the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on progress across the project during a meeting in Paris.

The Kingdom’s delegation, led by Adel Al Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Commissioner General of Expo 20230 Riyadh, outlined developments in infrastructure, construction, design and master planning, alongside ongoing work on the Expo’s main theme and subthemes.

Officials said progress also extended to communication and marketing efforts, with a growing number of countries confirming their participation, reflecting increasing international confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to deliver the event.

The briefing, delivered to the Bureau International des Expositions executive committee, highlighted the Expo’s role as a global platform aimed at addressing major challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Saudi Arabia said work on the site is accelerating as preparations gather pace, with a focus on ensuring a lasting legacy beyond the event.

COMMUNITY

Homebuyers flock to Saudi city as demand rises

Saudi Arabia’s housing market is beginning to diverge across cities, with Jeddah recording its strongest year in recent memory while Riyadh shows signs of strain and Dammam gains ground on pricing appeal.

According to Cavendish Maxwell’s 2025 KSA Residential Real Estate performance report, Jeddah saw 30,500 residential transactions in 2025, with total sales reaching SAR36.6 billion. The average deal size stood at SAR1.2 million, reflecting steady end-user demand even as market conditions shifted.

That contrasts with Riyadh, where activity slowed despite larger ticket sizes, suggesting a shift in how buyers approach the market.

Dammam draws buyers on pricing

Dammam is emerging as a preferred market for buyers seeking relative value.

Sales values climbed close to 30% to SAR10.7 billion, with transaction volumes also rising, supported by more accessible pricing and steady economic activity in the Eastern Province.

“KSA’s three major residential markets – Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam – delivered contrasting performances in 2025. Jeddah showed resilience with its highest sales volumes for several years and is expected to maintain stable growth in the future. Dammam, where property is more affordable compared to other cities, was the standout performer and is poised for sustained growth supported by competitive pricing and robust economic activity in the region,” said Siraj Ahmed, Director, Head of Strategy and Consulting at Cavendish Maxwell.

Riyadh demand adjusts to higher costs

Riyadh remains the largest market by value, with SAR96.2 billion in residential sales across 56,600 transactions. Yet volumes fell 31% year-on-year, indicating pressure on buyer activity.

Higher property prices and financing costs have reduced purchasing power, even as average transaction values reached SAR1.7 million.

“In Riyadh, affordability constraints and elevated financing costs led to a decline in purchasing power and buyer activity. Although transactions were down year-on-year, population growth, urbanisation and housing initiatives should support long-term market demand,” Ahmed said.

Policy shifts begin to take effect

Recent policy changes are expected to influence pricing and supply over the coming quarters.

A five-year rent freeze introduced last year and adjustments to the White Land Tax are aimed at encouraging development and improving affordability, particularly in Riyadh.

“We expect a recalibration of the market as new supply, the 5-year rent freeze and White Land Tax reforms make property more competitively priced and lead to a recovery in market activity,” Ahmed said.

Supply builds, but delivery remains uneven

New supply continues to enter the market, though completion timelines remain fluid.

Riyadh added 13,000 units last year, taking total inventory to 1.93 million, with tens of thousands more planned through 2027. Jeddah’s pipeline is also expanding, while Dammam is set to add new stock over the same period, giving buyers more options and greater negotiating power.

“The expansion in supply is further supported by the recent rise in White Land Tax, which encourages landowners to develop empty plots of land and accelerate delivery timelines. The full impact of this reform will likely materialise through this year and beyond, with the gap between demand and supply gradually narrowing, in turn easing price pressure and enhancing affordability,” Ahmed said.

Foreign ownership widens the base

A new foreign ownership law introduced earlier this year is expected to draw a broader investor base into the market.

The framework allows non-Saudi buyers to acquire property in designated zones, marking a shift from earlier restrictions and opening the sector to additional capital.

Demand remains supported despite risks

Oil price swings and geopolitical developments remain key variables, though underlying demand drivers continue to hold.

“External factors including oil market volatility and geopolitical tensions of course warrant close monitoring, but Saudi’s residential market remains well positioned, supported by strong demographic drivers, ongoing infrastructure investment and a continued commitment to Vision 2030,” Ahmed said.