Dubai, which usually experiences an arid climate and scorching temperatures, plunged into chaos on Tuesday as heavy rain battered the United Arab Emirates (UAE), disrupting air travel and prompting widespread floods across the country. The condition brought the city to a standstill and underscored an increasingly evident impact of climate change on extreme weather events in the region.
Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest international airport, had to divert several incoming flights owing to heavy downpour. Flight operations encountered delays and cancellations.
Videos circulating on social media showed planes taxiing on flooded runways and cars half-submerged in water at the airport’s parking lot. Access roads leading to the airport were also inundated with water.
In Oman, where the storms initially struck, the devastation was particularly grim, with flash floods resulting in the deaths of 18 people, including children.
Key infrastructure in the city, including Dubai Mall, at least one Metro station and Mall of the Emirates, were flooded and ankle-deep water inundated at least one Dubai Metro station.
From roads to residential communities were submerged. Reports emerged of leaks from roofs, doors, and windows in various households.
The impact of the storm extended beyond Dubai, with the UAE and neighbouring Bahrain experiencing similar scenes of flood and chaos. Schools across the Emirates were, reportedly, closed, and further storms, including hail, are also forecasted, prompting authorities to extend remote working arrangements for government employees.
Both Oman and the UAE, hosts of the previous year’s COP28 UN climate conference, have previously cautioned about the increased likelihood of flooding due to global warming.
Follow us
