When Dubai Came to a Standstill: A Week of Unprecedented Events

Residents of Dubai were shocked by the apocalyptic scenes this week, as they are accustomed to the peaceful atmosphere of the sunny desert city. It was the first time in the city's history that a natural disaster of this scale had been witnessed, and the extent of the damage only became evident once the storm had passed.

The United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, experienced the most rain in 75 years. In just one day, the region received more rain than it typically does in an entire year. This caused major disruptions in the bustling city, affecting both tourists and businesses.

Eleni Giokos joins Becky Anderson from Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai as the UAE tries to dry out from the unprecedented weather. 

Eleni Giokos joins Becky Anderson from Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai as the UAE tries to dry out from the unprecedented weather. 

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Recovery efforts are currently taking place in Dubai following a rare heavy rainfall.

Emergency services have been working non-stop to address the aftermath of the storm. Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths in the city. However, it is unfortunate to note that a 70-year-old man lost his life after his vehicle was swept away by flooding in the neighboring Ras Al-Khaimah emirate.

The city's vulnerability to natural disasters was highlighted by the short-lived chaos that followed.

Flights were canceled at one of the world's busiest airports as runways went underwater. Rain seeped through ceilings of flashy malls, soaking them, while elevators in skyscrapers stopped working, forcing residents to climb stairs up dozens of floors.

Some motorists were unable to return home and ended up sleeping in their cars due to blocked roads.

The hi-tech city, a top international tourist spot with impressive infrastructure, was taken aback by the shocking images of natural disasters. In the Persian Gulf region, rainfall is rare, and the urban planning did not anticipate the impact of severe storms.

Abandoned vehicles on a flooded highway after a rainstorm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

Abandoned vehicles on a flooded highway after a rainstorm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

Christopher Pike/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Dubai's demographic model is quite unique. Out of its 3.5 million residents, 92% are foreigners hailing from 200 different countries. They are attracted to the city by its tax-free status and laid-back lifestyle.

According to a report, Dubai is ranked as the world's second-best tourist destination. Last year, it welcomed over 17 million visitors who were enticed by the sunny weather, top-notch dining options, and high-end shopping experiences.

The disruptions this week impacted almost everyone, from tourists and migrant workers to the minority citizen population and Western expatriates.

Cars are stuck on a flooded road after a rainstorm hit Dubai, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

Cars are stuck on a flooded road after a rainstorm hit Dubai, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

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Chaos in Dubai as UAE records heaviest rainfall in 75 years

The authorities urged everyone to stay at home to avoid the flooded streets, but some still went out and got stuck unable to come back.

Sofie, an expat resident, shared her experience of being stranded for almost 12 hours on waterlogged roads. She mentioned feeling scared as there was nowhere to go, and even had to sleep in her car during the ordeal.

Sheikh Zayed Road, a major road in Dubai, was heavily congested with cars going against traffic to escape the gridlock. In the financial district, luxury cars were submerged underwater as the streets turned into lakes. In Dubai Marina, furniture from nearby establishments was carried away by the current.

After the waters went away, the streets were filled with debris. Local news showed highways with rows of empty cars; some areas still had them there on Thursday morning.

The storm caused a lot of economic damage, possibly reaching billions of dirhams. Avinash Babur, CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae, a UAE insurance broker, mentioned that vehicles, properties, and infrastructure were significantly affected. (1 dirham is equal to $0.27)

The damage caused by the storm in Dubai has been significant, affecting both public and private properties, including key infrastructure. According to an interview with CNN, the unique intensity of this event has brought about new challenges.

There has been a tenfold increase in calls and enquiries to insurance companies, particularly for home insurance, as a result of the surge in demand.

People stand as flood water caused by heavy rains covers the stairs of a residential building, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

People stand as flood water caused by heavy rains covers the stairs of a residential building, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

Some residents found themselves trapped in their homes without electricity and unable to leave because of flooding. Instead of waiting for help, some decided to swim through swamps to escape. With landline phones becoming less common, those without electricity turned to power banks to keep their smartphones working.

Image source: Amr Alfiky/Reuters

Many people felt like the confinement brought back memories of the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020.

Dubai, which heavily depends on foreign visitors and investments, was among the first cities to ease out of lockdowns when tourist numbers dropped and property prices decreased. The UAE was also one of the first countries to reach 100% vaccination by November 2021.

Babur highlighted that Dubai has a chance to demonstrate its resilience and quick recovery abilities, much like how it effectively managed the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many people rely heavily on smartphones in their daily lives.

Due to food apps being unavailable for deliveries during and after the storm, some residents had to make do with canned food or whatever was left in their fridges. Those without electricity resorted to using barbeques to cook frozen food that was thawing in their freezers. Unfortunately, some experienced even more severe consequences, with their homes being flooded with water, sometimes reaching up to waist level. Videos shared on local media showed belongings, furniture, and appliances being destroyed in the process.

The UAE boasts one of the highest smartphone penetration rates globally, standing at an impressive 96%. In comparison, the United States is at 90%, while China is at 72%. Residents heavily rely on home deliveries for various needs, such as groceries, car fuel, ice cream, and even pedicures, all accessible with a simple tap on their screens. This trend gained significant momentum during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

A man walks in flood water caused by heavy rains, with the Burj Khalifa tower visible in the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

A man walks in flood water caused by heavy rains, with the Burj Khalifa tower visible in the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

The city's streets are usually bustling with bikers making deliveries for companies that promise quick service for groceries and food. However, this week, many were not making deliveries, leading to people having to walk to neighborhood eateries and supermarkets. Some places had long lines for food, with a few restaurants staying open late to meet the demand. Residents noticed empty shelves in supermarkets the day after the storm, particularly for frozen food and ready meals. Although delivery apps began to resume service by Thursday, they were still experiencing significant delays.

Ali Salem, a 55-year-old retired Emirati, shared with CNN on Thursday that he was stuck in his house in Dubai’s upscale Jumeirah district because of waterlogging on his street since the storm on Tuesday. He mentioned that his home has been without water and electricity since then. The utility agency informed him on Tuesday that he would have to wait two days for the problem to be fixed. Finally, on Friday, the electricity was restored.

Reflecting on the experience, Ali said, "Lesson learned. A generator would be useful in the future."

A festive atmosphere

Despite the rain, the young ones didn't feel too down. Schools switched to online classes for the remainder of the week, but some students without power at home were actually happy to have a break from schoolwork since they couldn't use their computers.

Residents move their belongings on a kayak at a flooded residential complex following heavy rainfall, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

Residents move their belongings on a kayak at a flooded residential complex following heavy rainfall, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

Residents quickly turned to humor and joy as memes started circulating about the rare event that only occurs once every 75 years. One viral video on social media captured fish swimming in a pool of water on a sidewalk near a overflowing manmade lake. Other videos showcased a festive mood, with children enjoying rides on dinghies in what had become temporary ponds. In one video, migrant workers were seen playing volleyball in ankle-deep water, while others showed residents wakeboarding in the flooded streets.

Boys were seen jet skiing at full speed in a residential neighborhood in a video, with the caption: “Only in Dubai.”

CNN’s Nadeen Ebrahim, Salma Arafa and Anna Chernova were all contributors to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The unprecedented rainfall in Dubai has exposed the city's vulnerability to natural disasters, highlighting the need for improved urban planning and infrastructure resilience. The chaos and disruption caused by the storm underscore the importance of preparing for extreme weather events in a region where rainfall is typically scarce.

The resilience of Dubai's residents is commendable, as they turned to humor and creativity to cope with the challenges. However, the storm also serves as a reminder of the city's dependence on technology and foreign labor, which can be disrupted by natural disasters. The authorities must prioritize investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather conditions and ensure that all residents have access to essential services during emergencies.