DUBAI/KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 19, 2025
Life in the United Arab Emirates has come to a standstill today as an unprecedented winter storm dumped more than a year’s worth of rain on the desert nation in less than 12 hours. The heavy downpour, accompanied by thunder and strong winds, has triggered flash floods across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
Chaos in the City of Gold
The iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, the main artery of Dubai, has transformed into a river, with luxury cars submerged and commuters stranded for hours. Major shopping destinations like the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates have reported water leakage inside their premises, forcing partial closures.
Air Travel Disrupted
Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest hubs, has temporarily suspended operations.
- Status: Over 150 flights have been diverted to neighboring Muscat and Doha.
- Advisory: Airlines have urged passengers not to come to the airport unless their flight is confirmed, as roads leading to the terminals are heavily waterlogged.
Impact on Nepali Community
With thousands of Nepalis working in the UAE, concerns have risen back home. The Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a notice advising Nepali nationals to stay indoors and follow local authority guidelines. “We are monitoring the situation. So far, no casualties involving Nepalis have been reported, though many are unable to reach their workplaces,” an embassy spokesperson stated.
Climate Change or Cloud Seeding?
Meteorologists are calling this a historic weather event for December. While speculation about cloud seeding is rife on social media, the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has clarified that this is a natural storm system intensified by climate change patterns affecting the Gulf region.