Dubai Disrupted by Severe Thunderstorms

Stormy Days in Dubai: Thunderstorms, Flooded Roads, and Flight Cancellations Disrupt Daily Life

Residents of the United Arab Emirates are once again facing a stormy period that has highlighted not only the unpredictability of the weather but also the infrastructural vulnerabilities of the city. On December 18th and 19th, heavy showers, hail, and thunderstorms hit the region, causing significant disruptions in Dubai and other emirates. Authorities issued yellow and orange alerts and urged residents to leave their homes only if absolutely necessary.

Alerts, Leaks, and Flooded Roads

The National Meteorological Center issued a fresh warning on Friday morning between 4:30 and 10:30, with a yellow alert for almost the entire country and an orange alert for major areas of several emirates. Various parts of Dubai were submerged, paralyzing transportation. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that their joint flood management operations center began work in the early morning hours to eliminate water accumulation points.

Dubai police issued a statement Friday morning warning that increased caution was needed due to poor visibility and intermittent hail. They urged drivers to follow official instructions and avoid traveling if possible.

Schools, Events, and Transportation: All Disrupted

The Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) called on schools and kindergartens to prioritize the safety of employees and students. Although schools officially have a break due to the festive season, many still hold extracurricular and leisure programs. However, they strongly advise against holding these outdoors or in the form of field trips in the coming days.

The RTA announced a temporary suspension of intercity bus services to and from Ajman and Sharjah. Umm Al Quwain police also closed exits linked to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. Several Dubai road sections faced congestion and complete road closures, including ramps towards Jumeirah and Dubai Mall on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Air Travel: Flight Cancellations and Delays

The heavy rains and storms severely affected air traffic. Emirates airline canceled dozens of flights on Friday, including those to Tehran, Dammam, Bahrain, Colombo, and Frankfurt. Passengers were asked to check the status of their flights through the official website.

A flydubai spokesperson confirmed Friday morning that they had to cancel, delay, or redirect numerous flights to other airports. They emphasized that safety is always a primary concern and are doing everything possible to ensure passengers reach their destinations as soon as possible. The company apologized for any travel inconveniences and warned of further disruptions throughout the day.

Daily Life Difficulties

The storm affected not only roads but also essential public services. Reports came in from several neighborhoods in Dubai, Sharjah, and other emirates about flooded apartments, power outages, and malfunctioning air conditioning systems. In an Abu Dhabi apartment complex, tenants reported overnight power outages and leaking ceilings, with some also experiencing interruptions to Wi-Fi and other basic services.

Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah closed ENOC and other vehicle inspection centers and postponed driving tests. The transportation chaos was exacerbated by the fact that many taxis refused to travel on waterlogged roads, with numerous drivers waiting in public parking areas for the weather to improve.

Postponed Programs, Closed Offices

The KHDA announced that the weekend programs named "Life Camps – Winter Edition" are temporarily suspended. The "Family Day" workshops originally scheduled for December 20th have also been postponed to December 27th.

Customer service centers in Ajman, Masfout, and Manama will remain closed on December 19th, with services available exclusively online or via mobile application.

Sunny Breaks Only Fleeting

Although the sun occasionally appeared through the clouds in some parts of Dubai – such as Al Mamzar and Karama districts – temperatures significantly dropped. In the morning hours, only 8.5°C was recorded in the Al Ghewaifat region, which is particularly unusual for this time of year.

Summary: Stormy Weather, Stormy Consequences

The recent stormy weather has highlighted the sensitivity of Dubai and the UAE's infrastructure to such extreme weather conditions. Flooded roads, halted public transport, canceled flights, closed offices, and postponed programs all demonstrate the wide-ranging disruptions that unforeseen natural events can cause in a modern city.

The rapid response from authorities and cooperation from the public are aiding in managing the situation, but this incident may also point to a long-term need for new infrastructural solutions, improved drainage systems, and weather-proof city planning.

The unstable weather is expected to continue in the coming days. Those who can should heed official warnings, avoid risky travel, and remain at home until the skies clear. While Dubai is known as the city of sunshine, it's now made it apparent that its stormy side must also be taken seriously.

(Source: Based on the National Meteorological Center's statement.)