Dubai Airport Diverts Flights As Heavy Rains Lash UAE; Met Office Issues Red Alert

The torrential rains led to flooded streets and abandoned vehicles across Dubai. (Images: Reuters/AFP)

As heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates causing flooded streets and highways on Tuesday, Dubai International Airport said it is diverting flights due for arrival until the weather conditions improve.

However, Dubai airport noted that the departures will remain operational as per the schedule, Khaleej Times reported.

“The airport is working hard with its response teams and service partners to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to our customers. We urge guests to check directly with the airline to obtain the latest information on the status of their flight, allow significant extra travel time to the airport and use the Dubai metro where possible,” Dubai Airports was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology also issued a red alert as the weather further worsened across the country. Residents have been asked to remain ‘extremely vigilant’ in this situation.

Taking to X, the weather department posted a map highlighting the most prone areas with yellow, orange and red alerts.

Earlier, the airport, which is the world’s busiest international hub measured by passenger traffic, had suspended operations for 25 minutes and cancelled over 50 flights.

“Due to the intense storm, operations were temporarily suspended for 25 minutes this afternoon, but have since recommenced, and are now in recovery mode,” a Dubai Airports spokesperson was quoted as saying by AFP.

Portions of major highways were flooding out and vehicles were abandoned on the roads of Dubai after torrential rains hit the UAE city.

VISUALS FROM DUBAI’S SHEIKH KHALIFA STREET:

The heavy rainfall began overnight, leaving pools of water on the streets as whipping winds disrupted the flight operations. Some inland areas of the UAE recorded more than 80 millimetres of rain over the 24 hours, approaching the annual average of about 100mm.

VISUALS FROM DUBAI AL AIN ROAD:

The weather board urged the residents to take all the necessary precautions and “stay away from areas of flooding and water accumulation”.

Police and emergency personnel drove through the flooded streets, flashing emergency lights in the city this morning. Lightning also flashed across the sky, occasionally touching the tip of the Burj Khalifa.

Several schools across the UAW were also shut ahead of the storm and government employees had given the option to work remotely (if possible).

Flagship shopping centres like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates both were left flooded.

Meanwhile, rain-related incidents killed at least 18 people in the neighbouring Oman, AP reported citing a statement from the country’s National Committee for Emergency Management.

(With inputs from agencies)