Dubai floods

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was hit by heavy rains on Friday (December 19). At the same time, parts of neighboring Saudi Arabia and Qatar saw unexpected snowfall, the Dawn News reported.
The report said that the UAE airport authority was forced to cancel or delay dozens of flights due to the heaviest rainfall in December. Dubai-based Emirates Airlines canceled 13 flights last Friday. There were also reports of disruption to flight operations at neighboring Sharjah Airport due to heavy rain, thunder and lightning overnight.
The authorities have installed more than 300 water drainage pumps to remove water from flooded areas. Many tourist attractions, including beaches and parks, have been closed. The authorities have ordered government officials and employees to stay at home and work. A Dubai airport spokesman said that some flights were canceled or delayed due to the adverse weather conditions.
Last year, record rainfall caused widespread flooding in Dubai, forcing authorities to cancel more than 2,000 flights. Meanwhile, unexpected snowfall hit parts of Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Arab News and Khaleej Times. The media reported that large areas of Qatar were already covered in snow, and videos of the scene were shared.