A powerful and rare winter storm has swept across the United Arab Emirates, bringing major cities to a standstill as torrential rain flooded highways and forced the cancellation of dozens of flights at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
Authorities in the UAE have launched a massive clean-up operation today (Friday, 19 December) after the heaviest rainstorm in months soaked the desert nation. The sudden downpour, which started late Thursday, caused widespread flooding in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. Emergency services deployed hundreds of pumping trucks to clear submerged roads and urged residents to stay indoors.
The aviation sector took the biggest hit. Emirates airline was forced to cancel at least 13 outbound flights from Dubai International Airport on Friday, including routes to Frankfurt, Incheon, and Male. Low-cost carrier flydubai also reported multiple diversions and cancellations. Passengers were told to use the Dubai Metro instead of roads to reach the terminals, since water accumulation was blocking vehicle access to the airport.
On the ground, the scenes were dramatic. In Sharjah, the main commercial artery was completely flooded, with residents seen wading barefoot through knee-deep water. In Dubai, more than 300 fixed and mobile pumps were deployed by the Roads and Transport Authority to drain water from major junctions. Tragically, one person died in Ras Al Khaimah, where a 27-year-old expatriate was killed when a wall under construction collapsed during the heavy rain.
The government responded by mandating remote work for public sector employees on Friday, while the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation urged private companies to do the same. Public beaches, parks, and outdoor markets were temporarily closed as a safety precaution, though some started reopening late Friday as conditions improved.
“Due to adverse weather, some flights are delayed or cancelled… We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused,” a Dubai Airports spokesperson said, advising travelers to check real-time statuses before leaving home.
“The scenes evoked memories of April 2024,” several residents noted, referencing the historic floods that hit the region last year, though officials confirmed this storm was significantly less severe.
The National Centre of Meteorology attributed the “atmospheric instability” to a surface low-pressure system extending from the Red Sea. While the UAE is known for its dry climate, experts suggest extreme weather events like this are becoming more common. A study published by the World Weather Attribution group earlier this year indicated that global warming likely made the record-breaking rains the region saw in 2024 worse.
As the rain clouds clear, meteorologists are warning that a significant cold front is coming. Temperatures across the UAE are expected to drop sharply over the weekend, with overnight lows potentially hitting 10°C by Monday. Residents have been told to prepare for a noticeably cooler week ahead.
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