Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Weeks after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed a record-breaking storm, the oil-rich country once again witnessed heavy rains and flooded roads, on Thursday (May 2). The officials also issued an orange alert on Thursday. The unsettled weather has led to the cancellation of around 13 flights and prompted the closure of schools and offices. 

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Flights cancelled, schools and offices closed 

Gulf country’s officials had already asked schools and universities to implement distance learning and advised employers to switch to remote work, on Wednesday (May 1) due to the forecast of heavy rains and thunderstorms on Thursday. 

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, confirmed that due to unsettled weather conditions, 13 flights – nine arrivals and four outbound flights – were cancelled, and five inbound flights were diverted overnight. 

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On Wednesday, UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) ramped up readiness and preparedness levels of the national system to deal with the situation, reported news agency PTI. 

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The officials also said that while these rains are expected to be less severe than last month’s unprecedented downpour, people have been asked to be cautious. 

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On Thursday, little traffic was seen on Dubai’s typically busy six-lane highways, with some cars reportedly abandoned on the flooded roads. 

Dubai rains: Weather update

A report by Khaleej Times citing officials from UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology said that the country has been witnessing heavy rains since midnight, with showers and lightning observed in Dubai since around 2:35 am (local time), on Thursday. 

Officials at NCEMA forecasted moderate to heavy rain across several parts of the country, on Thursday accompanied by lightning, thunder, and small hailstones concentrated in the western regions, on the coasts, and in some eastern areas.  

The unstable weather would reportedly continue to affect residents on Friday (May 3), according to officials. 

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The public has been asked to “stay away from these areas and adhere to safety standards and guidelines, avoid mountainous, desert, and coastal areas,” said a statement by the Ministry of Interior. 

The ministry in coordination with the NCEMA, also decided to close all roads leading to areas prone to flash floods, water accumulations, and dams during the weather conditions. 

The recent downpour comes less than a month after the Gulf country was brought to a standstill after torrential rains brought severe flooding which disrupted air traffic in Dubai and trapped residents in traffic, in their offices and homes. 

On April 14 and 15, heavy rains battered the Arabian Peninsula, with Dubai experiencing the heaviest rains on record since 1949.  

(With inputs from agencies)