Residents stay indoors as dust storm hits UAE
DUBAI — The UAE experienced cold and wet weather on Friday along with winds as high as 70kph and blown up dust that caused poor visibility.
The bad weather forced families and residents to cancel their weekend picnics and get-together events to stay home for their safety.
An Egyptian family living in Khalidiya area of Abu Dhabi has planned to go for a picnic in Fujairah on Friday afternoon but they had to cancel the programme because of the poor weather.
“We had arranged to go for a picnic near Fujairah mountains with my family and my in-laws and spend the day there,” said 32-year-old Mohammed Salem.
“But we had to cancel the programme after I read about warnings because of the dust storm this morning.”
Kenneth Wefafa, a Kenyan expat in Abu Dhabi said he and his friends from Dubai had a get-together and BBQ party near Jabel Hafeet in Al Ain but they decided to postpone the event after warnings about the bad weather.
“With the rains, sand storms, we just couldn’t risk driving to Al Ain for or safety and had to push our programme to next weekend,” he said.
The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) in Abu Dhabi said strong winds with speed of 50-70 kph caused blowing dust that reduced visibility to less 500metres in some areas of the country.
The sand storm, heavy wind and rainfall has disrupted life in different parts of Dubai. For many, and those who have opted to venture out, have extensively used sun glasses, towels and other face covers to shield them from dust.
Speaking to Khaleej Times a number of residents said they have opted to remain indoors and enjoy a good afternoon nap, while those who went out in pursuit of their weekend plans have a tough time.
“I have come out in search of a house in Al Qusais area. As there was weather forecast, I am with my protective eye glasses and even my 12-year-old son. It protected our eyes from sand,” said Shane Stephen Brown, an advertising professional who was spotted in Dubai with his family.
An expatriate worker in Al Qous industrial area said: “It is our weekend and we go out for fun. However, today we are having a face cover as well as a strong hot tea because it is windy and dusty.”
Tough time for motorists
Motorists especially taxi drivers had a tough time, fighting the dusty wind that makes their vehicles dirty.
“Rain and sand storm is a tough period for taxi drivers because we have to drive slowly, get the vehicles cleaned before an inspector finds us. There will be a long queue at the car-washing centre also, they say.
“It is a tough time because most residents chose to remain indoor and the number of customers will be less. In addition, we have to drive carefully and slowly to avoid any accidents during the sand storms and rainy seasons because accidents do happen during such periods,” added another taxi driver.
Meanwhile, manager of a coffee shop in Dubai said: ‘We have good sales today as many customers take more than the usual quota of their coffee and tea due to cold climate. However, due to sand storm, several regular customers are keeping indoors.”
Dubai residents also took to the social media to keep sharing weather alerts and pictures.
No accidents
Police authorities across the country warned motorists to drive carefully in the current bad weather to avoid accidents.
Dubai Police tweeted: “Motorists are urged to drive carefully due to decreased visibility caused by winds blowing dust.”
“Please drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings during weather changes as driving can be challenging,” Abu Dhabi Police also said on Twitter.
No major accidents were reported in the national following an inclement weather.
Officials at Sharjah Traffic Police, also said there were no major accidents that have been reported in the emirate due to bad weather. However, residents of Sharjah took the time to enjoy the rain that followed the storm and wind.
Meanwhile, Col. Sami Al Naqbi, director-general of Sharjah Civil Defence, said that there were two cars that caught fire in Al Majaz area on Friday morning at 10 am.
The firefighters arrived in the area where the gutted car were parked and doused the fire in 10 minutes. The reason that caused the fire is still being investigated by the police.