Dubai RTA Suspends Intercity Buses to Ajman and Sharjah, UAE
When severe weather disrupts daily life in the UAE, public transport is often the first system recalibrated for safety. In response to ongoing heavy rainfall and unstable atmospheric conditions, Dubai RTA has suspended intercity bus services to Ajman and Sharjah until further notice, prioritizing passenger safety as storms continue across the region.
This decision reflects a broader, coordinated emergency response involving transport authorities, police, and meteorological agencies, as the UAE experiences one of its most intense periods of rainfall in recent years.
Why Dubai RTA Suspended Intercity Bus Services
The suspension of intercity buses between Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman follows official warnings issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Forecasts indicate prolonged adverse conditions, including:
- Heavy and intermittent rainfall
- Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning
- Strong surface winds and blowing dust
- Occasional hail in isolated areas
- Reduced visibility and water accumulation on roads
Under these conditions, long-distance road transport becomes increasingly hazardous, particularly for buses operating on high-speed corridors such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, and inter-emirate highways connecting Dubai with the Northern Emirates.
By suspending these routes, Dubai RTA aims to reduce traffic exposure, prevent vehicle incidents, and allow emergency teams to operate without additional congestion.
Routes and Services Affected by the Suspension
At present, the suspension applies specifically to intercity bus services connecting Dubai with Ajman and Sharjah. These routes are commonly used by daily commuters, students, and cross-emirate workers, making the announcement particularly significant.
Dubai RTA has emphasized that the suspension is temporary and will remain in effect until weather conditions stabilize and road safety can be fully assured.
Services That Continue to Operate Normally
Importantly, Dubai Metro services are running as scheduled across all lines, including the Red Line and Green Line. Stations, trains, and signaling systems remain operational, offering residents a safer alternative for intra-city travel during the storm.
For readers planning journeys within the city, TheDubaiWeb.com’s detailed guides on Dubai Metro stations, interchanges, and transport timing provide reliable, up-to-date planning support.
RTA’s Emergency Response and Flood Management Operations
Beyond suspending bus services, Dubai RTA has activated its full emergency infrastructure. This includes:
- 24/7 monitoring from the Command and Control Centre
- Deployment of field inspection teams and rapid-response units
- Activation of the Joint Flood Management Room, designed to manage rainwater accumulation on roads, tunnels, and underpasses
These teams work in coordination with Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, and civil defense units to keep critical transport arteries functional and respond quickly to incidents.
RTA has also shared real-time images and operational updates through its official social media channels, offering transparency into ongoing flood mitigation and road-clearing efforts.
Dubai Police Safety Advisory for Residents and Commuters
As weather conditions remain volatile, Dubai Police have issued public safety advisories, urging residents to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially between emirates
- Reduce speed and maintain safe following distances
- Remain alert to sudden road closures or diversions
- Follow instructions issued by official government channels
Strong winds, surface water, and low visibility significantly increase accident risk, particularly during peak commuting hours.
Regional Weather Context: Why the Storm Is Intensifying
According to regional forecasts, a low-pressure system over the Middle East has driven prolonged rainfall across Saudi Arabia before moving eastward toward the UAE and Qatar. Meteorological experts, including BBC Weather, report that storm intensity is expected to peak as thunderstorms pass through the region overnight.
Rainfall across Dubai is forecast to occur intermittently, affecting scattered areas rather than uniformly — a pattern that makes localized flooding harder to predict and manage.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of staying indoors where possible and monitoring updates as conditions evolve.
How to Stay Updated on Transport and Weather Alerts
Dubai RTA has advised commuters to rely exclusively on official communication channels, including:
- RTA’s verified social media accounts
- Dubai Police announcements
- National Centre of Meteorology weather bulletins
For consolidated updates, analysis, and local context, TheDubaiWeb.com continues to publish timely Dubai transport news, emergency advisories, and commuter-focused guides designed to help residents make informed decisions during disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did Dubai RTA suspend intercity buses to Ajman and Sharjah?
Dubai RTA suspended the services due to heavy rainfall, reduced visibility, and hazardous road conditions, following warnings from the National Centre of Meteorology.
Are Dubai Metro services affected by the weather?
No. Dubai RTA has confirmed that Dubai Metro services are operating normally, with trains running according to schedule.
How long will the intercity bus suspension last?
The suspension remains in effect until further notice. Services will resume once weather conditions improve and road safety is confirmed.
Are other intercity bus routes affected?
At this time, the suspension specifically applies to routes connecting Dubai with Ajman and Sharjah. Passengers should monitor official RTA updates for any changes.
Where can commuters get real-time updates?
Commuters should follow official RTA and Dubai Police channels. For summarized updates and local insights, TheDubaiWeb.com provides ongoing coverage.
As Dubai navigates this period of extreme weather, coordinated action between transport authorities, emergency teams, and residents remains essential. The temporary suspension of intercity bus services underscores a safety-first approach—one that protects lives while ensuring the city’s transport backbone continues to function where conditions allow.
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