Dubai Engulfed by Floods

The deluge began late on Monday, saturating the sandy terrain and roadways of Dubai with approximately 20mm (0.79 inches) of rain, as recorded at Dubai International Airport. The storms intensified on Tuesday morning, persisting throughout the day and inundating the city with additional rainfall and hail.

By the end of Tuesday, Dubai had received more than 142mm (5.59 inches) of rainfall, far surpassing its average annual precipitation of 94.7mm (3.73 inches) at the airport, which serves as a vital hub for international travel, notably for Emirates airlines.

The adverse weather conditions disrupted airport operations, leading to the suspension of arrivals and significant challenges for passengers navigating through flooded roads to reach the terminals. Emirates announced the suspension of passenger check-in at Dubai International Airport due to operational constraints arising from the heavy rain.

The flooding also impacted Dubai's transportation network, with the city's driverless Metro system experiencing disruptions. Emergency responders navigated slowly through the waterlogged streets, illuminated by their flashing lights, while lightning illuminated the sky, occasionally striking the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by the flooding, Dubai International Airport appealed for patience and understanding from travelers as recovery efforts are underway to address the aftermath of the unprecedented rainfall.