Severe Weather Grounds Flights at Dubai and Sharjah Airports

Post by : Mara Rahim

On Friday, flights were disrupted at Dubai and Sharjah airports due to persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms across the UAE, marking the second day of adverse weather. The extreme conditions affected daily life and travel, unnerving passengers at major airports and on significant thoroughfares.

Emirates airline reported that 13 flights scheduled to depart from Dubai International Airport were cancelled as a result of dangerous weather patterns. The adverse conditions experienced on December 18 and 19 adversely affected not only Emirates operations but also led to delays and changes in schedules for other airlines, both local and international.

Travelers faced confusion at the airports as airlines scrambled to address the turmoil. One passenger, Darren Taft, stuck at Phuket Airport awaiting an Air Arabia flight to Sharjah, described his experience of prolongued delays without an estimated departure time, compounded by earlier flights not landing due to continued poor visibility in Dubai.

The severe weather struck Dubai on Thursday afternoon, with Abu Dhabi also experiencing heavy rain later the same evening. Prolonged downpours resulted in water accumulation on roadways, localized flooding in residential neighborhoods, and significant traffic delays nationwide. Authorities advised drivers to exercise extreme caution and prepare for extended delays during busy hours.

In light of safety concerns, Dubai Police recommended that the public refrain from visiting beaches, valleys, and areas vulnerable to flooding. Numerous public spaces, including parks, beaches, and well-known attractions like Global Village, were temporarily shut down. According to the Dubai Media Office, unstable weather patterns were anticipated to persist through Friday.

Emergency response initiatives were activated, with more than 300 pumps deployed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to alleviate flooding and ease traffic flow. The National Centre of Meteorology issued an orange alert for Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and certain parts of Abu Dhabi, highlighting dangerous weather conditions.

To safeguard public welfare, private sector employers in the hardest-hit areas were encouraged to permit remote working arrangements, while all Dubai government employees were instructed to operate from home. Weather conditions are projected to gradually improve later on Friday, with drier forecasts anticipated for Saturday.