UAE: Unstable weather system ends but public sector workers to continue remote work

Image credit: Dubai Media Office

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported a significant improvement in weather conditions across the country, with Thursday expected to be fair to partly cloudy in general.

However, some areas towards the north may experience cloudy conditions at times.

On Wednesday evening, the weather authority announced the “end of weather fluctuations,” following the worst rainstorm in the country in over 75 years.

Incessant rain inundated homes, roads, malls, and major infrastructure like airports and hospitals throughout Tuesday, leaving residents across the country stranded.

Weather forecast

A gradual increase in temperature is anticipated throughout the day, with the maximum temperature possibly reaching 33 degrees Celsius in internal areas.

Humidity levels may rise by night and Friday morning, potentially leading to fog or mist formation in coastal and internal areas.

Light to moderate winds are forecasted, with occasional freshening.

The sea conditions are expected to be slight in the Arabian Gulf and moderate to slight in the Oman Sea.

Remote work to continue

Following the impact of unstable weather conditions across the UAE, the government has extended remote work for all government employees until Friday, April 19, 2024.

This extension applies to all employees except those whose presence is required at their workplace.

بناءً على توجيهات مجلس الوزراء تقرر تمديد العمل عن بعد ليومي الخميس والجمعة 18-19 إبريل، لجميع موظفي الحكومة الاتحادية، على أن يستثنى من ذلك الوظائف التي تتطلب التواجد في مقر العمل، وذلك مراعاة للظروف الناتجة عن الحالة الجوية التي مرت بها الدولة. pic.twitter.com/AIl8SLwKVD

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 17, 2024

Additionally, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has urged the private sector to implement flexible work patterns for employees affected by the unstable weather conditions.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has urged private sector companies to apply flexible work patterns in light of the weather fluctuations that the UAE has witnessed in the past two days.

MoHRE reiterates the importance of taking precautions in outdoor…

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) April 17, 2024

Employers are advised to take precautions in outdoor work environments, ensuring the health and safety of workers during their commute to and from work sites, and complying with occupational health and safety requirements.

As the UAE continues to navigate through the aftermath of the weather disruptions, authorities emphasise the importance of prioritising safety and well-being in all workplaces.

Read: UAE: Remote learning for schools extended for another two days