Climate change may make such phenomena more frequent, and cities need to prepare for such challenges.

Dubai, known for its desert landscape, experienced heavy rainfall in 2024, which paralysed the city’s normal functioning. Heavy rains and violent storms have disrupted life in the United Arab Emirates, showing that even places surrounded by deserts are not immune to extreme weather conditions.

Travellers planning flights to Dubai, as well as people traveling on highways, experienced the greatest problems. Dozens of incoming and outgoing flights were cancelled at Dubai International Airport. Videos from the airport showed how serious the situation was.

The Dubai metro also flooded, some local roads were closed and sporting events were cancelled. Services on the metro’s Red Line were disrupted due to flooding, but replacement bus services operated between the closed stations.

“Dubai International Airport said nine departures and eight arrivals were cancelled and three more flights were diverted to other airports. All this was caused by violent weather, which is quite unusual in this part of the world.”

Drainage systems in Dubai are designed to cope with typical desert conditions rather than the rare but intense rainfall. As a result, storm surges can quickly exceed the ability of drainage systems to handle excess water, leading to flooding.

It is important to remember that climate change may lead to more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as those experienced by Dubai recently. Therefore, both Dubai and other regions around the world must take action to adapt to these changes and minimise their impact on infrastructure and communities

Climate change is a challenge we must face. Cities like Dubai must prepare for these changes to minimise their impact on infrastructure and communities. Are we ready for increasingly frequent extreme weather conditions