DUBAI // It doesn’t rain very often in Dubai, but when it does Mohammed Ahmad knows it causes a lot of problems in his neighbourhood.
Roads closed by flooding and long traffic tailbacks are a common sight in Al Barsha when there’s a downpour, but yesterday’s rain was worse than usual, said the Pakistan national.
“This happens every time it rains around here,” said Mr Ahmad. “We have got used to it happening, but today it seems to be a lot worse.
“Normally when we get flooding like this it only lasts for a few hours because the sun is out, but today it’s been raining all day.”
Among the worst-hit areas were streets close to the Mall of the Emirates, with motorists having to drive through deep puddles that covered some pavements.
Mr Ahmad said he was concerned the problem would get worse if the rain continued today.
“It will be much worse on Thursday if it continues to rain,” he said.
The situation was the same about 25 kilometres away, with people living close to Ibn Battuta Mall and The Gardens faced with flooded roads that were impassible for even the biggest 4x4s.
“The streets flood when it rains and when there is a burst water main,” said Linda Thomson, from Canada, who lives in The Gardens. “I’m not surprised. We just accept it now.”
Ms Thomson said she decided to work from home because it would have taken too long to find a route around the road closures to get to her HR job in Abu Dhabi.
“I was lucky because I only had a few administrative things I needed to do, which I got done at home.”
Sections of road were submerged throughout the city including Jumeirah, Tecom, Umm Sequim and Al Quoz.
Management at the Global Village amusement park in Dubai closed the venue yesterday due to safety concerns raised by the amount of rain that had fallen.
“The decision was made based on consultations with the Civil Defence and Dubai Police and in accordance with the National Centre of Weather Forecast for today,” said Global Village. “Management will continue to monitor the weather conditions as well as reports from the relevant authorities in relation to possible closure.”
