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1. Understanding Hydroplaning1. Understanding Hydroplaning
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2. Keep Headlights On in Rain2. Keep Headlights On in Rain
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3. Use Windshield Wipers in Light Rain3. Use Windshield Wipers in Light Rain
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4. Maintain Safe Distance from Other Cars4. Maintain Safe Distance from Other Cars
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5. Watch for Pedestrians5. Watch for Pedestrians
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6. Drive Slowly in the Rain6. Drive Slowly in the Rain
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7. Avoid Sudden Braking7. Avoid Sudden Braking
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8. Avoid Cruise Control8. Avoid Cruise Control
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9. Stay Informed9. Stay Informed
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10. Keep Your Car Ventilated10. Keep Your Car Ventilated
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11. Be Prepare for heavy Winds11. Be Prepare for heavy Winds
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12. When to Pull Over12. When to Pull Over
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13. Off Roading in Rain13. Off Roading in Rain
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14. Avoid Driving in Heavy Rain14. Avoid Driving in Heavy Rain
Dubai is one of the safest places to live, work & travel to.
Its culture, infrastructure, and lifestyle are unique & world-class. But what happens when the city gets drenched in unpredictable, rare, & heavy rain?
Chaos is the answer – If you were in Dubai during the last floods of May 2024, you know just how devastating the situation was.
However, Dubai’s climate is usually warm & sunny. It hardly rains here. But when it rains, it poses a unique challenge to its residents.
The cloudy sky, cool air, and the raindrops falling from the sky can be a refreshing sight in Dubai. Since rain is such a rare occurrence here, one really feels tempted to pause and enjoy the beauty of rain, perhaps with a warm cup of coffee or your favorite music in the background. But if you’re driving in the rain, you’re less mesmerized and more worried. All you want is to get home safely and quickly, just like any other regular day.
While rain is often seen as a blessing, it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re unprepared for driving in the rain in Dubai.
Anyone who has lived in Dubai knows how challenging it can be to drive in Dubai rains. The devastating floods of May 2024 temporarily paralyzed the city. Normal life was disrupted. Water logging everywhere. The captivating, clean Dubai roads which were known to offer a smooth driving experience, became difficult to drive. Overall, it was the toughest time for Dubai residents.
Taking a cue from those floods, the Dubai government is better prepared to tackle the situation this time. Ninety per cent of the affected areas from the last rainy season have undergone extensive upgrades, as Dubai launches emergency plans for ‘increased rainfall’ in the next 10 years.
Dubai rains are quite unpredictable. You never know when the rain will stop completely. You also can’t wait for it to stop or drive like it’s a regular sunny day. Driving in the rain in Dubai is totally different than regular driving. Wet roads can increase the risk of skidding, hydroplaning, and accidents. Whether it’s a heavy downpour or a light drizzle, drivers in Dubai need to take certain precautions while driving in the Dubai rains.
In this blog post, we will discuss the Top 9 SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE RAIN IN DUBAI.
1. Be Prepared For Hydroplaning 🌊
Hydroplaning is also known as aqua-planing.
This is a dangerous phenomenon responsible for many road accidents & injuries in Dubai.
In 2017, Hydroplaning of vehicles caused maximum accidents. As per Dubai Police, 20,653 emergency calls were received during the rains and a total of 1,400 accidents were recorded.
So what’s Hydroplaning? Why is it relevant & important for Dubai drivers? Let’s dive deeper.
Picture this.
Imagine driving down Sheikh Zayed Road on a rainy day. The road is wet & damp. You’re driving towards your destination when your car suddenly skids or slides. You lose control & ability to brake or steer in the right direction. This is Hydroplaning, and this happens when tires lose direct contact with the road as water builds up between the tires and the road. The loss of contact reduces traction, which can make steering, braking, and accelerating difficult—or even impossible.
During heavy rains, the water accumulates on the surface. Cars driving at high speed are at greater risk of hydroplaning. It’s advisable to drive at moderate speed in Dubai rains. Before starting your trip in rainy weather, ensure your tires are properly inflated. If your tires are worn out then get new tires Better the tread depth of your tires, the smoother the traction, and the firm is your control.
So what can you do to avoid hydroplaning?
Well, first of all, the very first rule is don’t panic.
Don’t Apply Brakes!!!
Slow down
Remove your leg from the accelerator.
Adjust the car spin using the steering wheel.
Slowly reduce the speed and carefully pull over.
Take a deep breath 🙂
Done!
2. Keep Headlights On While Driving In The Rain
Whether you’re driving in rainy or foggy weather, keeping your headlights on is critical for improving both visibility & safety on the road.
Dubai rains are sudden & unpredictable, often surprising its residents.
Even a little drizzle can reduce visibility. Turn on the headlights of your car to have improved and clear vision. This will allow you to see farther ahead and spot any obstacles, pedestrians, or vehicles in your path.
When the headlights are turned on, it makes other drivers spot our car easily. This reduces the chances of any accidents on Dubai’s fast-paced roads
Every driver in Dubai must comply with Dubai’s traffic regulations, which emphasize road safety during rain. Failing to comply with the traffic regulations may invite hefty fines as follows:
| Description | Fine | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Driving with hazard lights on | Dh500 fine | Four black points |
| Driving in the fog without lights | Dh500 fine | Four black points |
| Taking photos or videos of rain or fog while driving | Dh800 fine | Four black points |
| Gathering near valleys, flooded areas, and dams during rainy weather | Dh1,000 fine | Six black points |
| Entering flooded valleys, regardless of their level of danger | Dh2,000 fine | 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle confiscation |
3. Use Windshield Wiper Even In Low Rain 🧹
After headlights, quality windshield wipers are the most critical aspect.
Water droplets can obstruct your view while driving. Wipers keep the windshield clear, ensuring you have a clear sight to drive safely.
Before you get behind the wheel, check the windshield wipers & make sure they are clearing water effectively from your line of sight. If they are not, then it means they are either cracked or torn and must be quickly replaced.
Bonus Tip: Use Windshield wipers even in low rain to have a clear sight.
4. Maintain A Safe Distance From Other Cars While Driving In The Rain
Driving in the Dubai rain is equally challenging for everyone.
Each driver is facing similar issues of visibility, traction, and control over their vehicles.
And, everyone is driving under pressure.
Anything can happen in rainy weather. You never know if your car may start hydroplaning or the driver in front of you might suddenly stop the car. Maintaining a reasonably safe distance gives you enough time and space to react, control & brake gradually without skidding or colliding
Less distance between the vehicles can be dangerous for both you and the car ahead. Be cautious & maintain a safe distance from other cars while driving in Dubai rain.
Keep the headlights & windshield wipers on and closely monitor the distance between you & the car ahead. In normal conditions 2 to 3 sec distance is enough. But in rainy weather, a 5 to 6 sec distance is recommended. More the distance, more the time & room for you to respond.
5. Be Alert & Keep an Eye For Pedestrians🚶🏼♂️
Be alert while driving in Dubai rains and strictly watch out for pedestrians crossing the roads.
Dubai residents are used to sunny weather. The rainy season is relatively shorter, so people have less experience dealing with wet conditions. When rain does occur, it can create panic, leading to potential safety risks. Pedestrians may rush to find cover or avoid puddles, in doing so, they may bump into cars while crossing the roads.
The wet windshield will make it difficult for you to spot pedestrians crossing unexpectedly. Reflection from wet roads further reduces visibility. This increases the risk of accidentally hitting pedestrians.
Driving carefully & slowly can make a big difference in ensuring pedestrian safety during Dubai’s rare rainy days.
6. Drive Slow While Driving In The Rain
Driving in Dubai rains can be challenging. Therefore, driving at moderate speed is highly recommended. Because if you driving at high speed in heavy Dubai rain, you might also problem with the braking system.
Heavy rains or cute drizzle, you’ve to slow down for safety reasons. Slow driving reduces the chances of skidding, sliding, or hydroplaning. It allows more time to brake safely & suddenly. Watch this video to see what it’s like driving in the rain in Dubai.
The slower the speed, the better your control of your vehicle.
7. Avoid Sudden / Heavy Braking
Driving at a moderate speed and being gentle with the braking system is essential, especially during rainy conditions in Dubai. Sudden or heavy braking increases the risk of sliding, slipping or hydroplaning. Moreover, you could lose control of your vehicle, increasing the risk of collisions or accidents.
Avoiding sudden or heavy braking is critical for the following reasons:
- To maintain tire grip & traction
- Better control while driving your vehicle
- Enough time so that you can respond accordingly
- Protects the Braking System
- Adapts to Traffic Flow
Whether you’re driving in Dubai or anywhere else, maintaining a slow and steady speed and avoiding sudden, heavy braking during rain is essential for staying in control of your vehicle and ensuring the safety of yourself and other fellow drivers.
8. Avoid Cruise Control
Cruise control is a unique feature in modern cars.
It’s perfect for long drives on straight roads – The feature allows you to set a fixed speed. Then it automatically maintains that speed, eliminating the need for constant accelerator input by the driver.
According to Wikipedia “Cruise control (also known as speed control, cruise command, autocruise, or tempomat) is a system that automatically controls the speed of an automobile. The system is a servomechanism that takes over the car’s throttle to maintain a steady speed set by the driver.”
Does your vehicle have a cruise control feature?
If your answer is Yes!
Then you need to avoid using it in rain for the following reasons:
- It’s ideal for long drives on wide, smooth, straight roads, and highways.
- Dangerous in poor lighting, rain, snow, & on wet roads.
- Reduces traction
- Prevents you from adjusting your speed
- The constant speed can lead to loss of control in slippery conditions
- Delayed response to sudden changes
9. Stay Informed
Staying informed about Dubai’s weather is essential, especially given the region’s unpredictable rainy season.
With rainfall averaging less than 100mm annually, rainstorms in Dubai are rare yet impactful.
So be prepared for sudden changes in weather by staying informed about areas prone to waterlogging or congestion. Always check the weather forecast, road conditions, and any alerts for potential flooding or storms before planning long journeys.
How to Stay Informed About Dubai’s Weather? (Please add Hyperlinks to the below points)
- Weather Apps or websites like AccuWeather, Weather.com, etc
- Check the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) website or follow the Dubai Police
- Social Media apps like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram
- Radio stations like Dubai 92 or City 101.6 FM,
- Local News
- Share or seek critical updates from family, friends, or colleagues
Bonus tip: Enable notifications for severe weather warnings & instant alerts.
10. Keep Your Car Ventilated
In the rain, you need a crystal clear view to drive safely.
Rain can turn your car’s windows and windshield foggy, seriously obstructing your visibility.
Please open the windows, turn on the air conditioner, or use a defroster to clear the fog. Keep your car ventilated by allowing the fresh air inside. Set your AC to a defogging mode & aim the airflow of the defroster at the windshield to get a clear view.
11. Be Prepared For Heavy Winds
Taking a lesson from the floods of May 2024, smartness is in being prepared to face any situation.
However, we hope this year and every Dubai rainy season brings you joy and relief rather than challenges. But, Dubai rains can be unpredictable. In no time, a little drizzle can turn into a rainstorm, bringing the most lively city on the planet to a halt.
So, if you live in Dubai, you should be prepared to face thunderstorms, rainstorms & heavy winds.
You have to watch out for heavy winds particularly. Driving in heavy winds can be extremely dangerous. You may lose control of the car, flying debris can hit you or you may be pushed in any unsafe direction. It’s wise to pull over and resume your journey after the situation returns to normal.
Always check the weather forecast before starting your journey. If you encounter heavy winds in the middle of the journey, then follow the below safety tips:
- Maintain a firm grip on the steering
- Reduce your speed
- Avoid overtaking other vehicles on the road.
- Pull over to safe spots
- Avoid stopping under trees, power lines, or other structures that might collapse
- Keep your hazard lights on to stay visible
- Use your wipers and headlights appropriately
- Keep your windows clean for better visibility
12. Pull Over If The Rain Gets Heavy
Nothing is more important than your safety.
If you’re in the middle of your journey & rain is getting heavier, it’s better to pull over at a safe spot. Resume only after the clouds vanish and the sky is clear.
If you can afford it, consider stopping at a hotel or cafe until the weather clears. Alternatively, if you have friends, family, or colleagues nearby who can accommodate you, it’s a good idea to seek shelter with them.
But please avoid driving in the Dubai rain. Pull over to a safe spot. In case of an emergency, don’t hesitate to call for assistance. There is nothing worth risking your life.
13. Rethink Off-Roading While Driving In The Rain
Off-roading is a thrilling adventure for many.
It fuels the adrenaline rush of all the dune bashing & off-roading pros.
However, during rain, it’s essential to reconsider your off-roading plans or approach it with utmost caution. Without the right skills and preparation, off-roading on wet surfaces is a risky endeavor. Your car may slip or get stuck in the mud.
Off-roading in Dubai rain is a risky adventure. Better to plan it on dry & sunny days. Check this video to understand the safety risks of off-roading in Dubai rains.
14. Avoid Driving In Heavy Rain Unless Important
Please avoid driving in the rain, unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Staying at home in Dubai rain is highly recommended. Enjoy the cozy rainy weather from the comfort of your home.
Check the weather forecast before planning your commute. If it rains heavily or the forecasts predict the same, it’s better to cancel your plans and stay safe at home.
Wrap Up - 14 Safety Tips For Driving in Dubai Rains
Dubai’s captivating roads are any driver’s dream. However, the same roads behave a little differently after rain. A drizzle may be refreshing, but rainstorms can be devastating. Waterlogged streets & wet roads can turn routine driving into a test of skill; slow and careful driving becomes crucial. However, these 9 safety tips will make your journey more enjoyable and safe. First of all, avoid driving in Dubai rain unless absolutely necessary. If you’ve no option but to drive, follow the 9 safety tips like avoiding sudden and heavy braking to reduce skidding risks, driving at moderate speed, watching out for other cars and pedestrians crossing the road, driving while maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, use windshield wipers, even in light drizzle, keep your headlights on to improve visibility, learn about hydroplaning, keep your car ventilated, prepared for heavy winds, pull over if the rain gets heavy, rethink Off-Roading while driving in the rain, avoid driving in the heavy rain unless important etc. Regularly check tire tread depth, windshield wipers, and brake functionality, especially before the rainy season. And moreover, keep your car well-maintained to avoid any breakdowns or failures.
Stay safe on the roads this rainy season—bookmark these tips and share them with your fellow Dubai drivers!”
