Post by : Maya Rahman

On Friday, flights at Dubai and Sharjah airports faced significant cancellations and delays as the UAE grappled with unstable weather for the second straight day. Heavy rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, severely impacted air travel and daily activities across various emirates, resulting in disruptions at major airports and key roadways.

Emirates airline reported the suspension of 13 scheduled flights from Dubai International Airport due to the dangerous weather. The airline indicated that the adverse weather conditions prevailing across the UAE and surrounding regions on December 18 and 19 had adversely affected operations, leading to numerous flight cancellations, delays, and adjustments in scheduling. Additionally, several early-morning flights operated by both local and international airlines were either grounded or significantly delayed.

Passengers found themselves in a state of uncertainty as airlines worked to navigate the challenging situation. Darren Taft, a traveler awaiting an Air Arabia flight at Phuket Airport bound for Sharjah, noted that his flight was delayed without a confirmed departure time. He mentioned that earlier flights had not yet arrived and that weather conditions in Dubai continued to be dangerously poor, elevating concerns among travelers.

The severe weather initially struck Dubai on Thursday afternoon and brought heavy rainfall to Abu Dhabi later that evening. Continuous downpours resulted in waterlogged roads, isolated flooding in residential neighborhoods, and significant traffic congestion nationwide. Authorities advised drivers to exercise caution and expect delays during busy periods.

In light of safety issues, Dubai Police recommended that residents steer clear of beaches, valleys, and areas prone to flooding. A number of public spaces, including parks, beaches, and popular destinations like Global Village, were temporarily closed. The Dubai Media Office indicated that unstable weather was likely to persist until Friday.

Emergency response measures were activated, with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority deploying over 300 pumps to remove floodwater and relieve traffic issues. The National Centre of Meteorology issued an orange alert for Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and parts of Abu Dhabi, signaling hazardous weather conditions.

For the sake of public safety, private companies in the hardest-hit areas were advised to permit remote work for their employees, and all Dubai government staff were instructed to work from home. Improvement in weather conditions is anticipated later on Friday, with drier forecasts expected for Saturday.