International / Dubai under water: A meteorological nightmare in the heart of the desert

In a scene reminiscent of apocalyptic tales, lightning bolts tear through Dubai’s night sky, illuminating the city’s towering skyscrapers. Yet, this isn’t the only spectacle of this stormy night. Streets, metro stations, and even the airport are engulfed by tumultuous waters, turning the urban landscape into a surreal blend of desert and ocean.

At Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers, pipes have burst, transforming streets into veritable rivers.

Vendors, overwhelmed by this sudden deluge, struggle to save their merchandise from the looming floodwaters.

Just a few years ago, Dubai was known for its arid climate, with rainfall occurring only once a year, typically in February, and lasting just an hour on average. However, recent meteorological events have disrupted this long-established norm.

Scientists and climate experts hypothesize that these sudden weather changes could be attributed to the effects of global climate change.

Tropical storms, once rare in this region, appear to be becoming more frequent and intense.

Dubai authorities were caught off guard by this series of extreme weather events. Emergency measures have been implemented to address the floods, but many wonder if these measures will be sufficient to protect the city from future deluges.