The United Arab Emirates has allocated $544 million for the restoration of Emirati families’ residences in response to the extensive flooding triggered by last week’s unprecedented rainfall, which paralyzed the oil-rich Gulf state.
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, speaking after a cabinet meeting, emphasized the valuable lessons learned from managing severe weather conditions. The government has greenlit two billion dirhams to address the damages incurred by citizens’ homes.
Following the deluge that transformed streets into waterways and disrupted operations at Dubai Airport, a ministerial committee has been tasked with overseeing compensation distribution in collaboration with federal and local authorities. Sheikh Mohammed, also Dubai’s ruler, highlighted the severity of the situation and the nation’s commitment to learning from such experiences.
In addition to addressing residential damages, a second committee has been established to assess infrastructure damage and propose effective solutions, Sheikh Mohammed revealed on social media platform X.
The rainfall, the heaviest in the UAE’s 75-year recorded history, resulted in casualties, although an official toll has not been released. The aftermath saw Dubai, renowned for its pristine image, grappling with extensive disruptions, including flooded homes and transportation challenges.
Acknowledging shortcomings in crisis management, prominent Emirati analyst Abdulkhaleq Abdulla called for improved services to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Climatologist Friederike Otto emphasized the potential link between human-induced climate change and the intensified rainfall, highlighting the urgent need for climate resilience measures.
