UAE Experiences Record-Breaking Rainfall, Causing Flooding on Highways and Dubai Airport

The United Arab Emirates faced an unprecedented weather event as the country experienced the heaviest rain ever recorded, causing chaos and disruption across the region. The deluge flooded out Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airfield for international travel, leading to flight cancellations and delays.

The state-run WAM news agency described the rain as a historic weather event that surpassed any recorded data since 1949. While rain also fell in neighboring countries like Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the UAE bore the brunt of the extreme weather conditions.

Speculation arose about the role of cloud seeding in contributing to the heavy rainfall, but experts dismissed this idea, attributing the storm systems to natural causes. Meteorologists conducted cloud-seeding flights before the rains, but the intensity of the storm was beyond the influence of such efforts.

The flooding in Dubai was caused by an unusually strong low-pressure system that triggered heavy thunderstorms, according to meteorologists. The city received over 142 millimeters of rainfall in 24 hours, far exceeding the average annual rainfall. The airport struggled to operate as standing water covered taxiways, leaving passengers stranded and flights disrupted.

The UAE government took measures to address the aftermath of the storm, including pumping water from the streets and highways and offering remote work options for employees. Unfortunately, the extreme weather claimed the life of one individual in Ras al-Khaimah, highlighting the severity of the situation.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of the historic rainfall, authorities are working to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of residents and travelers in the UAE.