Heavy Rains Batter Dubai, Disrupting Flights and Daily Life

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was hit by heavy rainfall on Thursday, leading to the cancellation and diversion of several flights.

The storm comes just two weeks after record-setting floods killed at least 23 people in the UAE and Oman, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on the region.

Why this matters: The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the UAE and Oman highlight the urgent need for infrastructure adaptation and climate change mitigation strategies in the region.

The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the UAE and Oman highlight the urgent need for infrastructure adaptation and climate change mitigation strategies in the region. The region's continued urbanization and growth could have devastating consequences if no action is taken, with far-reaching impacts on human life, economic stability, and global security.

According to airport authorities, five inbound flights were diverted overnight, while nine arriving and four departing flights were cancelled on account of the unsettled weather conditions. Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, announced the cancellation of several flights on May 2, including those to Istanbul, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cairo, Amman, and Singapore. The airline waived rebooking charges to assist stranded passengers and advised customers to expect delays.

In preparation for the heavy rains, the UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) elevated the readiness and preparedness levels of the national system to deal with the situation on May 1. The Ministry of Interior recommended remote learning for all educational institutions on May 2 and 3, while remote work systems were advised for all government and private sectors, except for vital jobs, during the same period.

Authorities took precautionary measures to minimize the impact of the storm, closing all roads leading to areas prone to flash floods, water accumulations, and dams. The Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) temporarily suspended accepting requests for the entry and departure of wooden dhows in Dubai. Dubai Metro extended its operating hours ahead of the expected weather conditions but reduced the number of stops.

The heavy rains on Thursday were less severe than the record-breaking downpour that hit the country last month, which saw 20mm of rainfall in just 12 hours. However, moderate to heavy rain is forecast in scattered areas, accompanied by occasional lightning and thunder, with a possibility of small hail in western regions, on the coasts, and in some eastern areas.

The record-breaking thunderstorms in April caused severe flooding in Dubai, including at Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel and a hub for Emirates airline. The airport required 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to remove water from its grounds. The flooding quickly overwhelmed the UAE's drainage systems, causing widespread damage to neighborhoods, business districts, and major highways, including the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Highway.

Scientists have linked the recent extreme rainfall events in the UAE and Oman to climate change. A team of 21 scientists and researchers under the World Weather Attribution initiative found that global warming contributed to the intensity of the rainfall, making such events 10-40% more intense than they would have been without climate change. The region continues to struggle with the consequences of these storms, questions arise about the preparedness of infrastructure and the need for adaptation measures in the face of a changing climate.

The heavy rains and their impact on daily life in Dubai serve as a harsh wake-up call of the challenges posed by climate change, even in regions known for their arid climate. The UAE and neighboring countries are working to rebuild and recover from the recent floods, and the need for long-term strategies to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events becomes increasingly apparent.

Key Takeaways

• Dubai hit by heavy rainfall, causing flight cancellations and diversions.
• Recent extreme weather events in UAE and Oman linked to climate change.
• Authorities took precautions, closing roads and suspending activities.
• Record-breaking floods in April killed 23 people in UAE and Oman.
• Urgent need for infrastructure adaptation and climate change mitigation strategies.