Dubai: Heavy rains on Tuesday disrupting air travel and prompting widespread flooding across the UAE. The unexpected deluge not only brought the bustling city to a standstill but also raised concerns about the increasingly evident impact of climate change on extreme weather events in the region.

The world’s busiest air hub for international passengers Dubai International Airport was forced to divert numerous incoming flights as the heavy downpour rendered flight operations dangerous. The airport, which typically welcomes over 100 flight arrivals on a typical evening, witnessed a rare suspension of arrivals, followed by a gradual resumption 25 minutes later. Despite the resumption of departure flights in the evening, flight operations encountered delays and cancellations.

Due to heavy rains planes taxiing on flooded runways and cars half-submerged in water at the airport’s parking lot. Access roads leading to the airport were also inundated with water.

Key infrastructure in the city, including flagship shopping centres like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, were flooded and ankle-deep water inundated at least one Dubai Metro station. Roads collapsed, residential communities were submerged, and reports emerged of leaks from roofs, doors, and windows in various households.

The impact of the heavy rain extended beyond Dubai, with the entire UAE and neighbouring Bahrain experiencing similar scenes of flooding and chaos. Schools across the UAE were closed, and further storms, including hail, are forecasted for today, prompting authorities to extend remote working arrangements for government employees.