Hi Dubai friends,

Welcome to Week 16, Edition 27

I’m not sure Dolly Parton was thinking about Dubai when she was talking about the rainbow, but there’s a lot of putting up with to be done about the rain this week.

Let’s hope this week’s (shortened, for obvious reasons) edition helps bring a little sunlight into the terrible situation and things start improving soon 🙏

If you enjoy this email, have any feedback or suggestions or just way to say 👋, feel free to drop me an email by clicking here

Whilst some may feel there may be something biblical or karmic about storms hitting Dubai after hosting COP28 last year, the fact is - what was witnessed was unprecedented. And we should have sympathy, because it could happen anywhere else in the world.

Storms and inclement weather do happen with more frequency these days - yes, even in Dubai - but could anywhere have put up with twice the annual rainfall amount falling in one day?

Where Middle East countries sometimes suffer more than the West is because of design and infrastructure is just not there to support heavy rainfall. It’s not just the flooding that can be problematic, but once the rain stops it can dry out much quicker which can lead to further issues - land slippage, cratering of roads, property damage etc.

So even though the rain may have stopped (for now), the impact is going to take some time to recover from. Insurance companies will be involved, transport links are affected, flights and crews are in turmoil, companies are working from home, shops are closed etc. so please be patient and understanding if you are impacted.

Note - I’m not going to show any photos, videos or social media - it’s all there if you want to see it, you know where to look - as I don’t think it’s right to.

Despite what the tinfoil-helmet brigade on social media may try to tell you, it wasn’t caused by cloud seeding.

“what Is cloud Seeding, and did it cause Dubai flooding?” (BBC News)

“why experts say no” (Al Jazeera)

“Dubai flooding was supercharged by climate change” (The Standard)

Advice about consumer rights and insurance from the always-excellent Simon Calder of The Independent.

Read the latest direct from Emirates Support ⤵

Dubai International Airport (DXB) - Current Status (Flight Stats)

Check the Live Status of DXB Airport (Flightradar24) ⤵

Dubai Airport’s official statement on weather disruption.

“Dubai Airport's Terminal 1 resumes inbound flights as Emirates check-ins reopen” (The National)

“UAE flight delays: Why travellers should not go to Dubai Airport and what to do instead” (The National)

As it stands, I believe the ‘status quo’ will continue as per Ramadan and Eid promotions.

Which is,

More info here 👉 Entertainer 2024 Promo Code EDSD24