Desert city of Dubai floods as UAE hit by heaviest rainfall in 75 years | United Arab Emirates

Heavy rains have battered the United Arab Emirates, flooding major highways and disrupting operations at Dubai International Airport. The government describes this as “heavy rain.” maximum rainfall In the last 75 years.

The rain started falling on Monday night and by Tuesday evening more than 120 mm (4.75 inches) had soaked the desert city of Dubai. This is usually the average amount of rainfall throughout the year.

More than 80 mm (3.2 inches) of rain was recorded in some inland areas of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the 24 hours to 8 a.m. Tuesday, approaching the annual average of around 100 mm. Rain is rare in the United Arab Emirates, located on the arid Arabian Peninsula, but it does rain regularly during the cold winter months.

Houses were flooded and vehicles were abandoned on roads across Dubai as authorities sent tanker trucks onto the streets to pump out water. Due to the lack of regular rain, many roads and other areas lack drainage.

Flagship shopping centers Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates were both hit by flooding, with at least one Dubai Metro station submerged in ankle-deep water, according to images posted on social media.

Lightning was seen flashing across the sky and occasionally touching the tip of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

In a post on X, the National Weather Center “urged residents to take all precautions and stay away from flooded and water-logged areas.”

UAE Government Media Department Posted to X account The heavy rains were said to be an “exceptional” weather phenomenon. More rain is expected.

Schools are closed across the UAE and were expected to remain closed on Wednesday. The Dubai government has also extended remote working for its employees until Wednesday.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international travel, also diverted some arriving flights on Tuesday.

Earlier, the weather system caused flooding across Bahrain, killing 18 people in Oman on Sunday and Monday, Agence France-Presse said.

Both Oman and the UAE, which hosted last year’s Cop28 UN climate talks, have previously warned that global warming is likely to lead to increased flooding.

Partnership with Associated Press and Agence France-Presse