Dubai finds itself knee-deep in denial as it pushes back against accusations that its own weather tinkering may have triggered the deluge of rain that brought the city to a soggy standstill, with a year’s worth of rain falling in a mere 24 hours.
Dubai, a city accustomed to making headlines for its towering skyscrapers and opulent lifestyle, now grapples with a different kind of attention as images emerge of submerged streets, inundated airports, and stranded commuters. The historic rainfall, surpassing any previous records dating back to 1949, has brought the bustling city to a standstill, with flights canceled, schools shuttered, and residents urged to work remotely.
The emirate is now faced with a deluge of criticism alongside the deluge of water that flooded streets, with fingers quickly pointed to the infamous cloud seeding operations that have become part and parcel of Dubai’s meteorological playbook.
Cloud seeding, a practice where aircraft release substances into clouds to enhance rainfall, has long been a tool in Dubai’s arsenal against its arid climate. However, as the city grappled with the aftermath of the downpour, suspicions arose that the rain may have been more than nature’s doing.
Flight-tracking data raised eyebrows as it revealed aircraft associated with cloud seeding ventures buzzing above Dubai’s skyline just hours before the heavens opened up. Meteorologist Ahmed Habib added fuel to the speculative fire, noting the conspicuous presence of cloud-seeding jets in the days preceding the flood.
While the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) admitted to cloud seeding on Sunday and Monday, they vehemently denied any involvement during the catastrophic rainfall on Tuesday. Omar AlYazeedi, NCM’s deputy director general, stressed the importance of seeding clouds before they unleash their fury, emphasizing that intervening during a severe storm would be futile.
The practice of cloud seeding has been a cornerstone of Dubai’s meteorological strategy since the 1990s, reportedly contributing to a 25% increase in rainfall annually. However, as the floodwaters recede and the city dries off, questions linger about the unintended consequences of playing Mother Nature.
Despite Dubai’s reassurances, the torrential rain left a trail of chaos in its wake. The world’s busiest airport resembled a swimming pool, malls turned into makeshift aquariums, and roads transformed into waterways. With flights grounded, schools closed, and residents scrambling for dry ground, Dubai faced one of its most formidable challenges yet.
As the city grapples with the fallout of this watery spectacle, the debate over weather control’s role in the chaos rages on. Whether it was a case of unintended consequences or a stroke of meteorological misfortune, one thing is clear: Dubai’s dance with the clouds has left it wading through murky waters.
In a statement that captured the mood of disbelief, Dubai International Airport urged caution: “We advise you NOT to come to the airport, unless absolutely necessary. Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check your flight status directly with your airline. We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions.”
