As unstable weather conditions continue to sweep across the Emirates, the Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council has officially declared Friday, March 27, a remote working day for all government employees. The preemptive measure was announced late Thursday to prioritise public safety amid forecasts of heavy rainfall, lightning, and high winds heading into the weekend.
If you are commuting tomorrow or managing a team, here is exactly what you need to know about the latest official directives, private sector advisories, and the weekend weather forecast.
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The official RAK government directive
Taking to its official social media channels, the Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office confirmed the transition to a work-from-home model for the end of the week.
“This decision is made in response to worsening weather conditions across the country, prioritising safety for all,” the Executive Council stated.
However, the council noted that municipal and emergency services will not pause. Exceptions are strictly in place for vital roles that require a physical presence at the workplace, such as frontline emergency responders, field teams, and critical infrastructure operators.
Will the UAE private sector work remotely?
While the RAK directive specifically targets government institutions within the emirate, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued a nationwide advisory for the private sector.
MoHRE is strongly urging private companies across all emirates to apply flexible and remote work patterns on Friday. Employers are instructed to take necessary occupational health and safety measures, ensuring that any staff required to commute are not put at risk during heavy downpours.
NCM Forecast: What to expect this weekend
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued yellow and orange alerts, indicating that the current low-pressure system is peaking.
Residents should prepare for convective cloud formations bringing rain of varying intensity. According to the latest NCM data, the weather system is moving northwards and eastwards, which puts Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah directly in the path of the heaviest showers.
- Temperatures: Expect a noticeable drop. Earlier this week, temperatures on RAK’s Jebel Jais plummeted to a chilly 12.4°C.
- Winds: Strong gusts reaching up to 55 km/h are expected, which may kick up dust and reduce visibility on major highways.
- Seas: Conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea will be moderate to rough, making offshore activities hazardous.
A critical warning for motorists
Both the Ministry of Interior and local police authorities are pleading with residents to avoid “storm chasing”. During severe weather, the northern emirates frequently experience flash flooding in low-lying areas.
Authorities have strictly warned the public to stay away from wadis (valleys), dams, and prone water-accumulation zones. If you must drive on Friday, reduce your speed, maintain a wider-than-usual distance from other vehicles, and keep your headlights on to navigate the low visibility.
Stay safe, stay indoors if possible, and keep an eye on official channels for real-time traffic updates.
