A Closer Look: The impact of the worst storm in UAE history


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In A Closer Look, The National provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week

On April 16, the UAE was hit with torrential weather so bad the country is still recovering more than a week later.

Flooding in Dubai and Sharjah submerged entire cars and houses were abandoned as the water level rose dramatically.

Full-scale efforts from authorities to distribute water pumps and other emergency services meant that much of the country was dry the next day. However, for some residents the ongoing consequences of the storm means they are still in dire need of help.

Here, host Sarah Forster talks to The National's Communities Editor Ramola Talwar Badam to hear how government initiatives have been set up to help those most in need and which areas of the country were worst affected.

Read more

Sheikh Hamdan approves free temporary housing, food and aid for flood-affected residents

Volunteers use dinghys to float supplies to Sharjah residents almost a week after floods

The aftermath of Dubai flooding: in pictures

  • Tankers clearing waterlogged roads near Discovery Gardens metro station in Dubai on April 22. Pawan Singh / The National
    Tankers clearing waterlogged roads near Discovery Gardens metro station in Dubai on April 22. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Many roads in Dubai have been flooded since last week's torrential rainfall. Pawan Singh / The National
    Many roads in Dubai have been flooded since last week's torrential rainfall. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The tankers are pumping the water from the roads. Pawan Singh / The National
    The tankers are pumping the water from the roads. Pawan Singh / The National
  • School buses on hand to drive pupils through the water after the flood. Antonie Robertson / The National
    School buses on hand to drive pupils through the water after the flood. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Pupils are returning to school after many were closed due to the heavy rain and flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Pupils are returning to school after many were closed due to the heavy rain and flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The clean-up is under way in District 5, Jumeirah Park. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The clean-up is under way in District 5, Jumeirah Park. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • District 5 residents deal with the aftermath of the flooding one week on. Antonie Robertson / The National
    District 5 residents deal with the aftermath of the flooding one week on. Antonie Robertson / The National
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Cricket World Cup League Two

Oman, UAE, Namibia

Al Amerat, Muscat

 

Results

Oman beat UAE by five wickets

UAE beat Namibia by eight runs

 

Fixtures

Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia

Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE

Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia

Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia

Various Artists 
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
​​​​​​​

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
The biog

Name: Mariam Ketait

Emirate: Dubai

Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language

Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown

Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Updated: April 26, 2024, 5:28 AM
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