Unpredictable and severe weather conditions across the United Arab Emirates have prompted major transport disruptions. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has announced a temporary halt to several crucial intercity bus services. This proactive decision aims to safeguard passengers as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and poor visibility create hazardous driving conditions on the nation's highways.
List of Suspended Bus Routes
The suspension specifically impacts the heavily trafficked corridors connecting Dubai with the neighbouring emirates of Sharjah and Ajman. While internal Dubai bus services continue to operate, commuters should anticipate delays. The following intercity routes have been put on standby until further notice:
Services to Sharjah: The affected routes include E303 (from Union Station), E306 (from Al Ghubaiba), E307 (from Deira City Centre), E307A (from Abu Hail), and E315 (from Etisalat Station).
Services to Ajman: Routes E400 (from Union) and E411 (from Etisalat) are also paused.
Services to Abu Dhabi: The RTA confirmed that some services between Dubai and the capital, Abu Dhabi, experienced temporary pauses during the peak intensity of the storm. The authority clarified that these measures are preventative, intended to keep commuters from getting stuck in traffic gridlock or dangerous situations as water levels rise on key roads.
Reason Behind the Service Halt
The RTA's move follows severe weather alerts issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), which warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and even hail in various parts of the country. The authority's primary concern is passenger safety.
Heavy rains frequently cause water to accumulate on major highways like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. By suspending intercity bus services, the RTA reduces the number of large vehicles on these arteries. This allows emergency and maintenance teams better access to manage drainage and clear any obstructions quickly. Dubai Police have reinforced this message, advising motorists to avoid non-essential travel and remain indoors until the severe weather subsides.
How to Stay Updated and Commute Safely
The RTA has stated that bus services will resume only after a joint assessment with police authorities confirms that roads are completely safe for heavy vehicle movement. There is no fixed timeline for the suspension, as it depends entirely on the evolving weather patterns.
The authority has apologised for the inconvenience and thanked the public for their cooperation. For real-time information, commuters are strongly advised to:
- Monitor the RTA's official X (formerly Twitter) account for immediate alerts and announcements.
- Use the S'hail app to plan journeys and check the live status of all transport routes.
- Contact the RTA call center at 800 90 90 for specific route-related inquiries.
For daily inter-emirate commuters facing difficulties, several alternatives exist. The Dubai Metro remains a reliable option for travel within the city, though minor delays are possible. Its operating hours are often extended during severe weather to assist stranded passengers. Furthermore, following government advisories, many public and private sector organisations are encouraging employees to work from home, which is the most effective way to navigate the current logistical challenges. The RTA's Command and Control Centre is operating around the clock, utilising a specialised Flood Management Room to monitor the entire transport network.
