Dubai-based event planner Daanish Khan was in India for Eid and reached Dubai just in time before air transportation froze in the UAE. The Arabian Peninsula experienced heavy rainfall ever recorded in the country, with almost two years of rain impacting it in just 24 hours.
From homes, luxury shopping outlets, and malls flooding to severe thunderstorms, and abandoned vehicles on the road, the UAE has suffered the worst because of this calamity.
Daanish said, “Living in Dubai, I can share how recent extreme weather has affected us. We were aware that rain and thunderstorms were expected during Eid in the UAE. Coming back from Bombay on Monday evening, it started raining as we arrived in Dubai. Luckily, I had already planned to stay indoors that day, as I usually do to relax before diving into work.”
“Dubai, like Mumbai, has systems in place to assist during emergencies. Some hotels offered free stays to those stranded by floods, and the police and community pitched in to help. Despite this, the unusual weather was significant—it’s the first time in 75 years Dubai has seen such conditions. It reminds us to stay vigilant about climate change. Dubai is already working on sustainability plans, which is crucial given the extreme heatwaves in India. Also, within 24 hours things are back to normal and Dubai is ready to welcome all again,” he added.
He further stressed that it’s high time that natural disasters like these are acknowledged and addressed. “To address the escalating climate crisis, individuals can start by planting trees and greenery, especially in places like India, where urbanization has taken over. Staying hydrated is also vital in the face of rising temperatures. On a global scale, combating climate change requires greener energy, reducing CO2 emissions, and prioritizing environmental preservation. It’s essential for all of us to take action now,” Daanish ended.
