Dubai has been left reeling after the equivalent of a year and a half’s worth of rain fell in just a few hours. There have so far been 20 deaths in the UAE and neighbouring Oman as a result of the flooding.

The arid city-state Dubai — the largest city in the UAE — has been battered by flash floods, impacting roads and highways. Footage taken from Dubai Marina and shared on social media shows that parts of the marina were flooded as torrential rains lashed the city.

One video shows areas of the marina precinct underwater and cordoned off with red tape.

Another video shared on X shows cars driving through several feet of water on a flooded road at the marina.

MIN has contacted Dubai Marina’s operator for an update on any damage the marina sustained during the recent flooding, and to establish if any yachts have been affected, and is awaiting a response. It is currently unknown if the marina has suffered serious damage to the infrastructure, or how long repairs may take.

Galen Law-Kun, who is in Dubai for an event, was at the marina at 8am local time this morning. He reports that much of the floodwater has subsided. “Dubai Marina mostly back to normal albeit with a slight stench with stale water laying around,” he writes on X.

Dubai airport flooded

Flights have been diverted from Dubai airport — the world’s busiest — after it was partially submerged. Planes have been taxiing on inundated runways, while flag carrier Emirates has suspended check-ins for all passengers flying out of Dubai until midnight Thursday.

“The airport is working hard with its response teams and service partners to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to our customers,” Dubai airport said.

Weather experts in the UAE have described the extreme downpour as “an exceptional event.” The state-run WAM news agency reports that one area saw 254mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period.

Overall, 142mm of rain fell over Dubai on Tuesday (16 April 2024), according to AP. The desert city usually receives 95mm in a year.

Videos shared online show cars becoming filled with water, with hundreds being forced to abandon their vehicles and swim to safety.

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