United Arab Emirates

What:

Heavy flooding was reported in various parts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, on 16th April, caused by record rainfall. Dubai experienced heavy rainfall of approximately 15.2 cm in just 24 hours, which is equivalent to around one and a half years’ worth of average precipitation. The downpour, starting on 15th April, led to at least one fatality and substantial infrastructure damage. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) announced the end of weather fluctuations on 17th April.

Why:

The UAE lacks much of the needed drainage infrastructure to handle heavy rain as it typically only ever rains a few times a year.

So What:

• The storm led to severe travel disruptions and traffic jams on major highways like Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
• The heavy rains led to flights to and from the country being delayed or cancelled.
• Power outages were reported around Dubai.
• It prompted the closure of government offices and schools for several days.
• The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has encouraged the private sector to facilitate flexible work arrangements for employees.
• Operations are ongoing by authorities to study the condition of infrastructure and to clean up the damage caused. Police officials have urged residents to exercise caution.

Outlook:

The large-scale flooding in the United Arab Emirates has led to increased concerns about the impact of climate change leading to the extreme weather in the area. Additional rainfall is not expected to continue in the country over the coming days. However, localized disruptions are expected to continue in the aftermath of the flooding. Organizations are advised to remain updated on the weather conditions through the website of the NCM (https://www.ncm.gov.ae/maps-radars/gcc-radars-network?lang=ar) and ensure adherence to safety guidelines and advisories issued by authorities.