UAE struggles to recover from historic flooding

Dubai airport has partially reopened to flights after its runways were inundated with rain, causing chaos and disruption to travel plans for thousands of passengers.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced intense storms on Thursday, with the heaviest-ever rainfall hitting the desert nation. The UAE’s main airport, Dubai International Airport, worked tirelessly to restore normal operations despite floodwater covering major highways and roads.

Global carriers were allowed to fly into Terminal 1 at the airport on Thursday morning, although flights continued to be delayed and disrupted. The long-haul carrier Emirates also resumed operations after temporarily halting check-ins for passengers.

Pilots and flight crews faced challenges reaching the airport due to waterlogged roadways, but the order was eventually lifted to allow customers to enter the airport. However, some passengers reported hours-long waits to retrieve their baggage, with many opting to return home or find accommodation elsewhere.

The UAE’s drainage systems were overwhelmed by the heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in neighborhoods, business districts, and even on major highways. The rain was described as a “historic weather event” by the state-run WAM news agency.

Authorities have not yet provided an overall assessment of the damage caused by the floods, which tragically claimed at least one life. The unprecedented rainfall has raised concerns about climate change and the need for countries in the region to “climate-proof their futures.”

Dubai, which hosted the United Nations’ COP28 climate talks last year, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on vulnerable regions. The heavy rains in the UAE highlight the importance of adapting urban environments to withstand extreme weather events in the future.