Dubai’s popular Hatta Winter Festival has been temporarily closed as a precautionary response to unstable weather conditions affecting the UAE. The closure, effective Thursday and Friday, was announced following coordinated meetings between Hatta Police Station, government agencies, and private sector partners.
Colonel Ali Obaid Al Badwawi, Acting Director of Hatta Police Station, confirmed that security forces are operating at maximum readiness to address potential emergencies. Authorities have issued strong advisories urging residents and visitors to avoid mountain areas, watercourses, and valley crossings during the rainfall period. The public has been instructed to contact the Command and Control Center at 999 for emergencies, with emphasis on providing precise location details to facilitate rapid response.
The comprehensive safety operation involves multi-agency coordination with Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, Civil Defence, and Ambulance Services. This marks the ninth consecutive implementation of the rain safety campaign titled ‘Rain is a blessing, do not turn it into harm,’ designed to enhance preparedness for weather-related incidents including water-trapped vehicles, falls from heights, and traffic accidents.
Major Ghdayer Mohammad bin Suroor, Head of the Traffic Registration Section, detailed that patrol deployments intensify immediately with rainfall onset. All roadways are being monitored with activated electronic message boards alerting drivers to reduce speed. Specialized patrol units equipped for rugged terrain and modern communication systems are focusing on valley flow areas and mountainous routes, with the Brave Team rescue unit maintaining 24/7 emergency readiness.