Year and a half's rain recorded in three days in the UAE


Gillian Duncan
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Almost 18 months' worth of rain fell in the UAE in the space of just three days – and forecasters say the spate of wild weather is not yet over.

On average, the UAE records about 100 millimetres of precipitation a year.

But since December 30, Saih Al Salam in Dubai, which includes Al Qudra Lakes, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, has recorded 141.8mm of rain.

In Sweihan in Al Ain, there was 70mm of rain over the period, while Al Shuwaib in Al Ain recorded 68mm.

Lahbab, which is about 50 kilometres south of Dubai city, recorded 66.1mm and Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah had 64.4mm.

Some areas of the big cities also experienced a lot of rain, including Saadiyat Island, where 35.6mm of rain fell, while Jumeirah recorded 49.5mm.

And the bout of bad weather is not yet over.

Forecasters at the National Centre of Meteorology are predicting further heavy rain accompanied by lightning, thunder and even hail on Monday and Tuesday, when it will be cloudy over most of the country.

Rain of "different intensities" will fall in scattered areas, it said.

Weather satellites on Windy.com show a bank of intense rain reaching the UAE coast, stretching from Abu Dhabi to the northern tip of the country, at about 6am on Monday.

The rain will be heaviest in the area between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and up to and including Ras Al Khaimah.

It will then sweep south east over the course of the day.

There will be further heavy showers on Tuesday, particularly around Al Ain.

On Wednesday and Thursday it will become less cloudy, but there will still be a chance of light to moderate rain over some coastal and northern areas. There will also be a significant drop in temperatures, according to the bureau.

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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Tips for job-seekers
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The Bio

Ram Buxani earned a salary of 125 rupees per month in 1959

Indian currency was then legal tender in the Trucial States.

He received the wages plus food, accommodation, a haircut and cinema ticket twice a month and actuals for shaving and laundry expenses

Buxani followed in his father’s footsteps when he applied for a job overseas

His father Jivat Ram worked in general merchandize store in Gibraltar and the Canary Islands in the early 1930s

Buxani grew the UAE business over several sectors from retail to financial services but is attached to the original textile business

He talks in detail about natural fibres, the texture of cloth, mirrorwork and embroidery 

Buxani lives by a simple philosophy – do good to all

Updated: January 03, 2022, 3:52 AM