On April 13, 2019, approximately 300 vehicles with around 570 individuals became stranded on Jebel Jais, the tallest mountain in the UAE, due to heavy rainfall affecting the region. As a precaution, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a flash flood alert that was valid until 11:30 AM on April 14.
Emergency services acted promptly; rescue teams were dispatched, and officials monitored developments closely. The NCM circulated images and videos showcasing the flash floods in various valleys throughout the country, with waterfalls streaming down the mountains as rainwater flowed into lower areas.
Among those caught in the situation was Saif Ul Hasan, a resident of Ras Al Khaimah, who relayed his experience to a local news outlet. He noted that rain fell continuously all day. “Individuals were stuck. The route to the summit became impassable due to rising waters, creating a dire situation where people were urged to avoid areas prone to flooding. Many vehicles had to retreat as waters spread,” he said.
The intense weather extended beyond Jebel Jais, with heavy rains reported in multiple areas of the UAE, such as Al Adalah, Al Shawamekh, Al Dhafra, Madinat Zayed, and Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi; Al Faqah in Al Ain; Hatta and Margham in Dubai; Al Dhaid and Al Manama in Sharjah; Masafi and Al Tawain in Fujairah; and Falaj Al Mualla in Umm Al Quwain.
Access to Jebel Jais was completely cut off due to floodwaters, and strong winds initially obstructed helicopter rescue operations. Stranded individuals had to wait until the weather improved.
At dawn on April 14, after around 15 hours of waiting on Jebel Jais following the flash floods, the Ras Al Khaimah Police successfully rescued approximately 570 individuals.
In an interview that day, Major-General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, the General Commander of RAK Police, stated that 400 individuals, including families and children, were transported using police vehicles, while 170 were airlifted by helicopters.
Although all 300 vehicles remained parked along the roadside, those rescued were safely brought to a hotel in the emirate.
The operation was supported by both Dubai and Abu Dhabi Police, and several residents acknowledged the local news outlet’s crucial role in notifying RAK Police about the stranded individuals.
“We are incredibly grateful for the local outlet for informing RAK Police about our situation, particularly since families and children were among those trapped,” said Saif Ul Hasan, who, along with his family, had been stranded in Jebel Jais from 3 PM on April 13 until 6 AM on April 14.
Azhar Ahmed, another Ras Al Khaimah resident, revealed how RAK Police provided essential supplies such as food, water, and lighting to ensure the safety of those stranded. “We felt secure and well looked after,” he commented.
Mirza Ata, a Dubai resident visiting Jebel Jais, recounted how the flooding eroded sections of the road, leaving air evacuation as the only viable option. “Young adults assisted families with children to board the helicopters first, and people were airlifted in groups of 20,” he explained.
Major-General Al Nuaimi confirmed that they managed to communicate with those stranded at the mountain’s peak and in the surrounding valleys. “All necessary food, water, and medical aid were secured and delivered to them, and they were instructed to remain in place until rescue teams could reach them,” he noted.
In the end, every individual was safely rescued, demonstrating the dedication of the authorities to assist those in need.