The airport in the UAE’s economic capital Dubai, where more than 100 flights were expected on Tuesday evening, earlier halted operations for 25 minutes amid the chaos caused by the storm, a rare phenomenon in the desert country. Dubai has been paralyzed by flooding caused by torrential rains. Two other Gulf countries, Bahrain and Oman where 18 people died, also suffered heavy flooding.
“Dubai International Airport is temporarily diverting flights expected this evening”
“Due to the exceptional weather conditions, Dubai International Airport is temporarily diverting flights expected this evening until the situation improves,” a Dubai Airport spokesperson said. Departing flights continue, he said.
Major shopping centers in Dubai were flooded, according to images posted on social media, as were roads and a metro station. Schools have been closed in the Emirates and are expected to remain closed on Wednesday, as further heavy rain is expected.
18 people died in Oman
The Dubai government also extended teleworking for its employees until Wednesday. The Asian Champions League semi-final between Emirati club Al Ain and Saudi club Al Hilal, which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday in Al Ain, has been postponed for 24 hours. The Emirati and Omani governments have previously warned that climate change risks leading to more flooding.
In Oman, at least 18 people have died since Sunday in floods after the body of a child was discovered on Tuesday, according to authorities. Nine schoolchildren and three adults died when their vehicles were swept away by flash floods, ONA news agency reported on Sunday.