Unprecedented heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates and Oman have caused flooding, leading to at least 21 deaths and severe disruptions to flights in Dubai. The region, known for its arid climate, received its largest 24-hour rain total on record, with forecasters attributing the unusual downpours to climate change. Scientists warn that global warming is likely to intensify such extreme weather events in the future.
Dubai experienced historic levels of rain, leading to flooding and airport disruptions. While some speculated that cloud seeding may have played a role, experts believe that climate change and warmer temperatures were the primary factors. Cloud seeding is a technique used to enhance precipitation by introducing nuclei into the atmosphere, and its effectiveness varies by project. The UAE has been actively researching rain enhancement science to address water scarcity issues in dry regions.
The United Arab Emirates is grappling with the aftermath of the heaviest recorded rainfall in its history, causing widespread flooding, airport disruptions, and infrastructure damage. The storm, which dumped over 5 inches of rain in 24 hours, overwhelmed drainage systems and led to road closures and flight cancellations. The UAE's hereditarily ruled, autocratic nation typically sees little rainfall, but the recent deluge has prompted calls for studying infrastructure conditions and climate-proofing the region's future. Neighboring Oman also experienced intense floods, with the death toll rising to at least 21.
The United Arab Emirates is grappling with the aftermath of the heaviest recorded rainfall in its history, causing massive flooding and disrupting operations at Dubai International Airport, which has now partially resumed flights. The unprecedented storm overwhelmed the country's drainage systems, leading to flooded neighborhoods and highways. The UAE's leaders have pledged to assess infrastructure damage, while experts attribute the extreme weather to climate change and an unusually strong low pressure system. The event has prompted calls for climate-proofing measures in the region.
The United Arab Emirates is grappling with the aftermath of the heaviest recorded rainfall to hit the desert nation, causing widespread flooding, airport disruptions, and road closures. The storm, which dumped over 5 inches of rain in 24 hours, overwhelmed drainage systems and led to significant damage. Authorities are working to assess infrastructure and limit the impact of the deluge, while experts attribute the extreme weather to an unusually strong low pressure system and the effects of climate change.
The United Arab Emirates experienced heavy thunderstorms, resulting in the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the country, causing flooding on major highways and at Dubai's international airport. The rain, described as a historic weather event, surpassed anything documented since 1949. The airport halted arrivals, and passengers faced transportation challenges. The storms also affected other areas in the UAE, leading to cancellations of school and remote work arrangements. The unusual rainfall is attributed to the lack of drainage in the arid region, and neighboring countries also experienced heavy rains.
Heavy rainfall in the United Arab Emirates and Oman has caused widespread flooding, leading to at least 18 deaths in Oman and the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport. The deluge in Dubai alone equaled a year's worth of rain, marking the largest rainfall event in 75 years for the country. Videos on social media showed planes taxiing through deep water at the airport, and drivers abandoned their vehicles on flooded highways. More rain is expected to continue into Wednesday, with officials warning of heavy thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail in Oman.
Heavy rains in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates led to flight cancellations, school closures, and traffic disruptions, with widespread flooding caused by cloud seeding operations aimed at addressing water security issues.
Heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates caused flooding in Dubai, leading to traffic disruptions and flight delays at the city-state's international airport. The atypical rainfall, equivalent to the typical annual average, also affected neighboring Oman, where the death toll from heavy flooding rose to 18. The storm prompted school closures and remote work arrangements, with authorities deploying tanker trucks to pump away floodwaters. Climatologists attribute the extreme weather to human-driven climate change, which has also impacted other regions, including southern Russia and Central Asia.
Microsoft is investing $1.5 billion in G42, the top artificial intelligence firm in the United Arab Emirates, as the company shifts its focus away from China. The investment will involve Microsoft President Brad Smith joining G42's board and G42 using Microsoft's Azure cloud for its AI applications. The partnership, developed in consultation with the UAE and US governments, aims to bolster G42's commitment to scaling back its presence in China.
Microsoft plans to invest $1.5 billion in G42, an Emirati artificial intelligence company with ties to China, in a move orchestrated by the Biden administration to counter China's tech influence in the Gulf region. The deal allows G42 to sell Microsoft services using powerful A.I. chips, while G42 will use Microsoft's cloud services and adhere to a security arrangement negotiated with the U.S. government. This investment reflects the U.S. government's concern about safeguarding intellectual property in A.I. programs and aims to reduce G42's ties with China, potentially serving as a model for U.S. firms to counter Chinese tech influence.
Satellite images show a new airstrip being built on Abd al-Kuri Island near the Gulf of Aden, with workers spelling out "I LOVE UAE" next to the runway. The United Arab Emirates claims its presence on Socotra island, to which Abd al-Kuri belongs, is based on humanitarian grounds. The construction comes amid ongoing conflict in Yemen and heightened tensions in the region, with the Houthis targeting ships and the U.S.-led forces involved. The airstrip's construction raises concerns about power projection and potential military use in the strategic maritime area.
The United Arab Emirates' relationship with Israel, established through the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, is under strain as Israel's actions in Gaza fuel anger across the region. While the deal remains a diplomatic lifeline for Israel as its ties with other Arab countries fray, some Emiratis are increasingly hesitant to publicly support the accords due to fear of their authoritarian government's response. Despite the economic benefits and positive public relations it has brought the Emirates, the current trajectory of the war in Gaza does not bode well for the accords or the security of the Middle East.
Retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis secretly advised the United Arab Emirates on the Yemen war in 2015, seeking federal approval to work as a military adviser for the UAE. Despite U.S. officials' concerns about civilian casualties in the conflict, Mattis's request was swiftly approved, and he did not publicly disclose his consulting job for the UAE when he became secretary of defense in the Trump administration. The documents obtained by The Washington Post through a FOIA lawsuit revealed details about Mattis's ties to the UAE, including his advisory role and a $100,000 honorarium for a speech.
South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor announced that Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have confirmed their participation in the BRICS bloc after being invited last year, while Argentina has declined the invitation. The move aims to reshape the existing world order and includes Brazil, Russia, China, India, and South Africa as members.
