Heavy rainfall has swept across the United Arab Emirates, resulting in the inundation of major highways and causing disruptions at Dubai International Airport – marking the most substantial precipitation the region has experienced in 75 years.
According to government sources, the rainfall commenced on Monday night, with Dubai, known for its arid climate, receiving over 120mm (4.75in) by Tuesday evening – a quantity typically observed over an entire year.
Inland areas of the UAE witnessed rainfall exceeding 80mm (3.2in) within a 24-hour period ending at 8 am on Tuesday, approaching the region’s average annual rainfall of about 100mm.
While rain is uncommon in the UAE, it sporadically occurs during the cooler winter months.
The deluge resulted in flooded homes and abandoned vehicles throughout Dubai, prompting authorities to deploy tanker trucks to drain the water.
The lack of regular rainfall has left many roads and areas without adequate drainage systems.
Iconic shopping destinations such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates were not spared from flooding, with social media posts depicting ankle-deep water in at least one Dubai Metro station.
Accompanying the rainfall were spectacular displays of lightning, occasionally striking the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building globally.
The National Center for Meteorology issued a warning, urging residents to take necessary precautions and avoid flooded areas.
The UAE government described the downpours as an “exceptional” climatic occurrence, with further rain anticipated.
In response to the weather conditions, schools across the UAE were closed, and remote working arrangements for Dubai’s government employees were extended into Wednesday.
Dubai International Airport, renowned as the world’s busiest for international travel, diverted some incoming flights on Tuesday due to the adverse weather conditions.
Prior to impacting the UAE, the weather system caused flooding in Bahrain and resulted in 18 fatalities in Oman over the preceding Sunday and Monday, according to Agence France-Presse.
Both Oman and the UAE, hosts of last year’s Cop28 UN climate talks, have previously highlighted the likelihood of increased flooding due to global warming.
Arati Records Statement at DCI Claiming his life is in Danger