Torrential rains have engulfed Dubai in a deluge, with over 142mm (5.59 inches) of rainfall inundating the desert city-state within just 24 hours. This relentless downpour, equivalent to more than a year and a half’s average rainfall, has caused widespread chaos, flooding major highways, and even impacting operations at the world’s busiest airport, Dubai International.
The storms commenced late Monday, initially dousing the arid terrain with approximately 20mm (0.79 inches) of rainfall. However, the situation escalated dramatically by Tuesday morning, as heavy thunderstorms intensified, unleashing torrents of rain and hail across the city.
By the day’s end, Dubai found itself submerged under the deluge, with floodwaters disrupting normal life and travel. At Dubai International Airport, pools of water swamped taxiways, prompting the suspension of arrivals and causing significant inconvenience to passengers navigating through flooded roads to reach terminals.
Emirates, the UAE’s flagship carrier, announced the suspension of check-in services for passengers departing from Dubai International due to operational challenges arising from the relentless rainfall. With the airport grappling with “limited transportation options,” authorities appealed for patience and understanding as they worked to resolve the situation.
Dubai’s streets transformed into waterways, with emergency services navigating through flooded thoroughfares to assist. The city’s renowned driverless Metro network also experienced disruptions, further exacerbating the transportation woes.
Despite the adversity, Dubai’s resilience shone through as authorities mobilized tanker trucks to pump away floodwaters and mitigate the impact on residents and commuters. However, the magnitude of the rainfall, which exceeded the city’s typical yearly average, posed unprecedented challenges, disrupting daily life and highlighting the vulnerability of desert cities to extreme weather events.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Oman faced its own ordeal as heavy rains wreaked havoc, claiming the lives of at least 18 people, including several schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle. The rain event in Oman served as a grim reminder of the destructive power of nature, with officials warning of further thunderstorms and strong winds overnight into Wednesday.