By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 mm (5.59 inches) of rain had soaked Dubai in 24 hours.
Severe thunderstorms have battered the United Arab Emirates (UAE), dumping more than a year and a half of rain on the desert city-state of Dubai in just a few hours, flooding major highways and the international airport.
Rain started falling late on Monday, drenching Dubai's beaches and roads with about 20 millimeters (0.79 inches), according to weather data collected at Dubai International Airport. The storm intensified around 9am (5pm Japan time) on Tuesday and continued throughout the day, dumping more rain and hail on the overwhelmed city.
By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 mm (5.59 inches) had flooded Dubai. Dubai International Airport receives an average annual rainfall of 94.7 mm (3.73 inches). Dubai International Airport is the world's busiest airport for international travel and is also the hub for long-haul airline Emirates.
At the airport, puddles formed on the taxiway as planes landed. The airport suspended arrivals Tuesday night, with passengers struggling to reach the terminal through floodwaters covering surrounding roads.
Dubai International Airport confirmed on Wednesday morning that flights had been affected due to the flooding, with “limited transportation options” and the inability of flight crews to reach the airfield.
Emirates has announced that it will suspend passenger check-in from Dubai International Airport from 8am to midnight on Wednesday due to operational difficulties caused by persistent rain.
“Recovery will take time. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as we work through these challenges,” the airport said on social platform X.
Police and emergency workers drove slowly through Dubai's flooded streets, with emergency lights illuminating the dark roads. Lightning streaked across the sky, occasionally touching the tip of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Disruptions and flooding also occurred on the city's unmanned subway network.
The heaviest rain fell in Fujairah
Schools across the UAE, a federation of seven emirates, were largely closed ahead of the storm and most government workers were forced to work remotely. Many other workers also stayed at home, but some went outside, but unfortunately the water stopped their car engines, leaving them stranded in deeper water than expected.
Authorities sent tanker trucks to roads and highways to pump out water, but some homes were also flooded, forcing residents to evacuate.
The state did not provide information on the total damage. In Ras Al Khaimah, the country's northernmost emirate, police said a 70-year-old man was killed when his car was swept away by floodwaters.
The heaviest rain fell on Tuesday in the eastern emirate of Fujairah, with 145 mm (5.7 inches) falling.
Authorities canceled schools and the government reintroduced working from home starting Wednesday.
Rain is rare in the UAE, an arid country on the Arabian Peninsula, but it does rain regularly during the cold winter months. Due to the lack of regular rain, many roads and other areas lack drainage, causing flooding.
It also rained in Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
At least 18 people have died in neighboring Oman, on the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, after heavy rains over the past few days, the country's emergency management committee said. The dead included 10 school children who were swept away by a car along with adults.
Rulers from across the region expressed their condolences.
