Windows smashed and roads blocked by trees as wild weather batters Dubai
A clean-up operation was under way in Dubai yesterday after torrential rain and high winds, as forecasters said the weather should be calmer for the rest of the week
Stormy rain clouds swept through the emirate on Sunday afternoon, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
Houses were flooded and trees were uprooted across several areas in Dubai, including Meydan, Arabian Ranches and Al Hebiah 3.
Chris Spong, 41, a British father of two who lives in Arabian Ranches, said the storm appeared to be isolated to the desert communities near Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan
Al Nahyan Street. “We could see wood and debris flying through the air on the construction site near to Damac Hills – it was quite unnerving,” he said.
“If that had hit a car it could have done some serious damage and caused an accident.
“There was some light flooding at the entrance to Arabian Ranches but nowhere near as much damage as elsewhere.
“It looked like the eye of the storm was right over Damac Hills.”
Damac Hills was one of the worst-hit communities, with 12 trees reported down in the Whitefield area.
Contractors there were clearing away debris from paths and roads across the area yesterday morning. Residents reported extensive garden damage on social media, while golfers took cover and abandoned their rounds as high winds whipped up sand and dust, making play impossible.
Other communities had windows smashed by flying debris and dislodged roof tiles.
In one video, sunbeds could be seen clattering into buildings after being picked up and thrown around in gale-force winds.
William Horsborough, a British teacher, was out sailing when the storm swept into Dubai.
“We were out sailing on the water when we saw the storm coming in,” he said.
“We completely lost sight of Burj Khalifa, then we had almost no visibility – it was crazy.
“I feel bad for the guys who have to do the clean-up as there is quite a lot of damage around.
“We saw trees blown over and debris littered all over the roads.”
Fallen trees in Meydan were pulled to the side of the road so motorists could pass, while some pathways remained blocked.
We could see wood and debris flying through the air – it was quite unnerving CHRIS SPONG Arabian Ranches resident