Dubai Suspends Buses to Sharjah & Ajman as Severe Weather Batters UAE
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a temporary suspension of all intercity bus services connecting Dubai with the neighboring emirates of Sharjah and Ajman. This major disruption is a direct response to severe weather conditions—including heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds—currently impacting the United Arab Emirates. The suspension, announced on Friday, is a precautionary safety measure that will remain in effect “until further notice,” leaving thousands of daily commuters to find alternative travel.
Why the Bus Services Were Halted
The decision follows severe weather warnings from the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), which has reported widespread heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hail, and reduced visibility across the region. These conditions have made highway travel hazardous, with water accumulation on major roads like Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road posing significant risks for large vehicles like intercity buses.
The RTA stated the suspension is a necessary step to ensure commuter safety during the ongoing storm system, prioritizing the prevention of accidents on flooded or low-visibility roads.
Impact on Commuters and Alternative Travel
The suspension affects a critical transport link for thousands of daily commuters, including workers and students, who rely on these buses to travel between emirates. With no direct metro connection to Sharjah or Ajman, affected passengers are urged to:
Seek private transport options.
Closely monitor official RTA channels for service updates.
Use the RTA’s S’hail app for real-time information.
While the Dubai Metro continues to operate normally within Dubai, it does not provide a solution for inter-emirate travel, highlighting the scale of the disruption.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
In response to the crisis, the RTA has activated its Command and Control Centre and deployed rapid response teams. A dedicated Joint Flood Management Room is also operational, coordinating efforts with Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, and civil defense to manage water accumulation and traffic incidents.
Dubai Police have reinforced public safety advisories, urging motorists to:
Avoid non-essential travel.
Drive at reduced speeds.
Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Exercise extreme caution on waterlogged roads.
Broader Weather Disruptions Across the UAE
The severe weather has caused wider transport disruptions. Ferry services between Dubai and Sharjah have also been temporarily halted due to rough seas. Reports of waterlogging and traffic congestion have emerged in parts of Sharjah, with the broader UAE remaining on high alert as unstable conditions are forecast to persist.
Authorities have emphasized that all measures, including the bus suspension, are temporary and focused solely on public safety. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed through official announcements, avoid unnecessary travel, and prioritize caution until the weather stabilizes and the RTA confirms it is safe to resume normal bus operations.
