What caused the flooding in Dubai on December 19th?

Heavy rainfall caused significant water accumulation on roads and streets in Dubai and Sharjah.

How did the Dubai rain affect travel?

The heavy rain led to traffic jams, slowed vehicles, and caused delays and cancellations at Dubai Airport.

What did authorities advise residents during the Dubai flooding?

Authorities advised residents to be cautious, avoid flooded roads, and some companies allowed employees to work from home.

Home / Environment / Dubai Drenched: UAE City Faces Unprecedented Flooding

Dubai Drenched: UAE City Faces Unprecedented Flooding

21 Dec

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Summary

Heavy rains caused widespread street flooding in Dubai and Sharjah.
Traffic was significantly impacted, with many flights delayed or canceled.
Authorities advised residents to work from home and stay cautious.

Dubai Drenched: UAE City Faces Unprecedented Flooding

Dubai experienced significant disruptions on December 19th due to exceptionally heavy rainfall, leading to widespread street flooding across the emirate and neighboring Sharjah. Viral videos showcased submerged roads and vehicles navigating challenging conditions, prompting online comparisons to monsoon-affected cities in India. The downpour caused considerable traffic delays and poor visibility, with areas like Al Khan Bridge and Al Wahda Street in Sharjah particularly affected.

In response, municipal and emergency teams were deployed to clear drains and facilitate safer traffic flow. Dubai Police actively patrolled and monitored roads. The heavy rain also impacted operations at Dubai Airport, resulting in flight delays and some cancellations, prompting authorities to advise passengers to arrive earlier. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation encouraged companies in affected areas to allow employees to work remotely.