Local sources from United Arab Emirates: فرانس 24 / FRANCE 24, البيان الصحي.
UK coverage: The Independent.
Dubai International Airport has been thrown into chaos and congestion as heavy rainfall caused severe flooding, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded. The airport, a major global travel hub, has been grappling with difficulties in resuming normal operations after the runways were submerged, leading to flight diversions, delays, and cancellations. Emirates Airline, one of the affected carriers, has issued a public apology to customers for the lack of information and confusion at the airport. The president of Emirates, Sir Tim Clark, mentioned that the company had canceled around 400 flights and rescheduled many others due to the unprecedented storm. The airline is now working tirelessly to clear the backlog of passengers and baggage, urging customers to remain patient and understanding. Other airlines, including British Airways, have also been impacted by the airport’s capacity restrictions.
In a recent update, Emirates and Flydubai have announced the resumption of their flights as normal after the floods that affected various parts of the United Arab Emirates. However, the airport’s recovery has been slow, with partially submerged roads between Dubai and Abu Dhabi still causing disruptions. Some stores and restaurants in Abu Dhabi are facing product shortages due to their inability to receive orders from Dubai.
The lack of suitable sewage infrastructure to handle heavy rainfall in countries like the UAE can specifically expose them to the risk of floods. Researchers have linked extreme weather phenomena, such as the storm that hit Dubai, to climate change, predicting that global warming will result in higher temperatures, increased humidity, and a higher risk of flooding in the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, gold prices in the UAE continue to fluctuate, influenced by various factors. According to the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, the price of 24 carat gold stands at AED 286.75, while 22 carat gold is priced at AED 265.50. The carat unit is used to measure the purity of gold, with higher carat gold being more expensive. The global movement of gold prices, demand in the jewelry market, interest rate changes, and inflation all contribute to the fluctuations in gold prices within the UAE.
As Dubai International Airport strives to recover from the devastating flooding, passengers are urged to stay updated with the latest information from their respective airlines. The airport authorities are working diligently to restore normal operations and alleviate the inconvenience caused to travelers. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events and the urgent need for improved resilience measures.
