Heavy rains have inundated the United Arab Emirates, leading to widespread flooding along major highways and disrupting operations at Dubai International Airport.
Described as the most significant rainfall in 75 years by the government, the downpour began on Monday night and continued into Tuesday evening, resulting in Dubai receiving over 142mm (5.59in) of rain within a short period.
This amount surpasses the typical annual rainfall for the city, which averages around 94.7 millimeters (or 3.73 inches), representing more than a year and a half’s worth of precipitation.
The Dubai mall yesterday due to heavy rains. pic.twitter.com/G7S42dyx15
— Evarts (@r_evarts) April 17, 2024
I walked around Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall. Water has come down. Some flooding in the mall with some areas closed off. No taxis in downtown so a lot of tourists look stranded. I’m sure all good by tomorrow #dubairains pic.twitter.com/gmVlsbFmOR
— Yorgos Kleivokiotis (@YorgosKlivo) April 16, 2024
شاهد.. ارتفاع منسوب المياه بمطار #دبي#منخفض_الهدير pic.twitter.com/8gswSzbJKJ
— العربية الإمارات (@AlArabiyaUAE) April 16, 2024
صور الرادار ثلاثية الأبعاد لحركة تكون السحب#أمطار #أمطار_الخير#المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد
3D Radar images of cloud formation over the area
#rain#national_Center_of_Meteorology pic.twitter.com/NBYkFL1Gsn— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) April 16, 2024
In addition to Dubai International Airport, which typically experiences minimal rainfall, inland areas of the UAE saw substantial downpours, with some regions receiving over 80mm (3.2 inches) of rain within 24 hours—nearly matching the annual average.
Social media images depict flooding at prominent locations such as the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, while reports indicate ankle-deep water in at least one Dubai Metro station.
The National Center for Meteorology has issued warnings urging residents to exercise caution and avoid flooded areas. Despite confirming record-breaking rainfall, the center forecasts more precipitation in the coming hours, with the highest reported rainfall occurring in the Khatm Al Shakla area of Al Ain, reaching 254mm in less than 24 hours.